NYCHA undoes a cruel move
After public outcry, ailing man will get a new apt.
An elderly Bronx man who was kicked to the curb by NYCHA after a medical emergency forced him to fall behind on his rent is being welcomed back with open arms.
NYCHA officials were apparently not happy with the turn of events that forced 72-year-old Bienvenido Martinez out of his home of 14 years last year when he spent months in a rehabilitation center after his right leg was partially amputated.
Not only was Martinez ousted from his home over $816, but all his important possessions — Social Security card, birth certificate, state identification, furniture, family photos — were tossed in the trash instead of being placed in storage as required by law.
But after some public outrage from Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., who fired off an angry letter to NYCHA’s interim chairwoman Kathryn Garcia, Martinez is getting a new home.
“This shouldn’t have happened, and NYCHA leadership is taking disciplinary action against the property staff involved,” said NYCHA spokeswoman Barbara Brancaccio. “We are working to find Mr. Martinez a new apartment as soon as possible, and will also replace his furniture.”
Martinez’s plight touched New Yorkers, who reached out to Diaz’ office — and the Daily News — with offers to help on Friday.
“It so sad that NYCHA can do this this to their tenants after decades of neglect and the squandering of city and government monies,” said reader Nelson Flores, who offered to pay the back rent. “This is just cruel and unjust.”
Diaz said the agency must do better.
“I appreciate the outpouring of support New Yorkers have shown for Mr. Martinez,” Diaz said. “NYCHA’s move to provide him with a new apartment and furnishings is welcome, and my office will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that Mr. Martinez receives the services and items he is entitled to. It is unfortunate that it took so public an effort to convince NYCHA to do the right thing for Mr. Martinez.”
Martinez, who has no immediate family, said his ordeal began last May when he was hospitalized for a condition that required partial amputation of one of his legs. He was admitted to the Beth Abraham Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing.
Several months later, in August, NYCHA informed Martinez that he was being evicted from his apartment for failing to pay $816 in back rent.
In October, caseworkers at the rehab center intervened, telling NYCHA authorities that their elderly patient would be returning after his treatment. Martinez was evicted in December.
Martinez said he was never served with eviction papers. For now, Martinez remains at the rehab center, even though his treatment was completed months ago.