Newark Housing Authority leader responds to complaints

The head of the Newark Housing Authority says he is aware of the unfavorable conditions at the Riverside Villa apartment complex, but there just isn't enough money to fix all the problems. On Wednesday,

News 12 Staff

Jun 5, 2015, 3:47 AM

Updated 3,247 days ago

Share:

Newark Housing Authority leader responds to complaints
The head of the Newark Housing Authority says he is aware of the unfavorable conditions at the Riverside Villa apartment complex, but there just isn't enough money to fix all the problems.
On Wednesday, residents of the complex spoke with News 12 New Jersey about the conditions there. They expressed concerns about untiled floors, broken windows and large holes in the ceilings. 
The residents rallied together, trying to form a tenants' association.
Housing Authority Director Keith Kinard says the money is tight, so repairs cannot be made a quickly as residents would like.
"We're taking money to deal with one or two work orders, when we know we have 20 or 25 to deal with," he says. "We are trying to prioritize."
Kinard says in the last five years, $12 million in federal aid has been cut, leading to the money problems. Kinard also points out that security has improved at the Riverside Villa in the last few years, and there has been a crackdown on drug dealing in the area.
As for a tenants' association, Kinard says that last year when tenants association elections were held, no one from Riverside Villas signed up.
"It's a three-year term that they serve. If, in fact, they decide to organize in the meantime...we will have a special election," he says.
The Housing Authority anticipates another 8 percent cut in federal funding this coming year.


More from News 12
0:51
Wildfire in Wharton State Forest consumes more than 400 acres of land

Wildfire in Wharton State Forest consumes more than 400 acres of land

1:56
Isolated storms tonight; freeze warning in effect for parts of NJ overnight

Isolated storms tonight; freeze warning in effect for parts of NJ overnight

2:54
Longtime Democratic US Rep. Donald Payne Jr. dies at 65 following heart attack

Longtime Democratic US Rep. Donald Payne Jr. dies at 65 following heart attack

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:56
Passaic to get $1.6M in federal funds to reduce flash flooding where 2 people died

Passaic to get $1.6M in federal funds to reduce flash flooding where 2 people died

2:56
Doctors combine a pig kidney transplant and a heart device in a bid to extend New Jersey woman's life

Doctors combine a pig kidney transplant and a heart device in a bid to extend New Jersey woman's life

0:43
Jersey Proud: Manchester HS students teach older generation about tech

Jersey Proud: Manchester HS students teach older generation about tech

2:23
'The tower is an eyesore.' Demolition of former Nabisco factory tower set to begin after 1-year delay

'The tower is an eyesore.' Demolition of former Nabisco factory tower set to begin after 1-year delay

1:03
Rep. Gottheimer announces another attempt to put an end to NYC’s congestion pricing plan

Rep. Gottheimer announces another attempt to put an end to NYC’s congestion pricing plan

0:29
Former Wawa gas attendant accused of stealing thousands of dollars from customers

Former Wawa gas attendant accused of stealing thousands of dollars from customers

1:33
AAA: New Jersey gas prices increase nearly 20 cents from last week

AAA: New Jersey gas prices increase nearly 20 cents from last week

2:12
Princeton University accused of violating civil rights of Jewish students

Princeton University accused of violating civil rights of Jewish students

0:37
Prosecutors: Former Jersey City police officer charged with sex assault, criminal restraint

Prosecutors: Former Jersey City police officer charged with sex assault, criminal restraint

0:27
Washington Township police issues warning over 'Water Wars' game

Washington Township police issues warning over 'Water Wars' game

0:34
Camden County man charged in crash that killed young mother

Camden County man charged in crash that killed young mother

2:18
Remnants of bird flu virus found in pasteurized milk, FDA says

Remnants of bird flu virus found in pasteurized milk, FDA says

0:32
US banning TikTok? Your key questions answered

US banning TikTok? Your key questions answered

0:35
Bon Jovi docuseries premieres Friday on Hulu

Bon Jovi docuseries premieres Friday on Hulu

0:31
New federal rule would bar 'noncompete' agreements for most employees

New federal rule would bar 'noncompete' agreements for most employees

1:02
Composting can save money, help gardens and save the planet. Here are 10 tips to get you started

Composting can save money, help gardens and save the planet. Here are 10 tips to get you started