U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Van Drew (R) Monday called for the immediate federal takeover of the Atlantic City Housing Authority for its "complete failure" in ensuring the safety of South Jersey residents.
"Because of the total lack of leadership by the Atlantic City Housing Authority and its complete inability to do its job, families in the Authority's communities have been left with no heat and no hot water as we approach the height of winter, which will have significant impacts on the health of its residents. This is unacceptable and deeply disturbing that Atlantic City bureaucrats have faced no accountability and no consequences for the terrible conditions residents are faced with," Van Drew said in a statement.
The authority has more than enough time to remedy it failure, Van Drew said, but it is clear that it does not possess the ability, nor competency, to get the job done. Therefore, the federal government must immediately take over the Authority so residents can have safe and livable conditions.
Click here to read the full letter.
Van Drew said the HUD audit he requested a year ago found 75 violations, including failure of repairs, procurement, inventory control, governance and accountability protocol. HUD gave the authority a score 45 out of 100, deeming it troubled.
