Condition of Breukelen Houses attracts attention of federal authorities

Conditions at the Breukelen Houses in Canarsie have captured the attention of federal authorities, prompting a visit from the regional administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Lynne Patton toured three apartments within the Breukelen housing complex on Friday. The residences had a variety of issues, including constant water leaks and torn-up ceilings.

Earlier this year, the New York City Housing Authority announced it would fundamentally reform the way the agency was run. This included an agreement for stricter federal oversight.

Tenants say the state of these Canarsie residences is the result of the neglect of fundamental repairs. During the tour, tenant Deedra Cheatham said she had temporarily stayed at a hotel because of the danger she felt living at home. She worried that the cracked ceiling would give way and collapse over her children, she said.