Sheena Wright resigned as a board member of the NYCHA, amid ongoing federal investigations of corruption at City Hall. Her resignation came before a controversial vote on demolishing three developments in Manhattan. The project aims to replace them with mixed-use housing with minimal displacement of current tenants. Wright’s departure creates a vacancy that Mayor Adams will need to fill. The mayor’s office praised Wright’s contributions to NYCHA, but did not provide details on when a replacement would be announced.
Sheena Wright, a former appointee to the board of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) by Mayor Eric Adams, has resigned amidst ongoing federal investigations into corruption at City Hall. This decision comes after Wright’s resignation as first deputy mayor and federal authorities seizing her and her husband’s phones from their Harlem home nearly two months ago.
Wright’s resignation from the NYCHA board was submitted just before a crucial vote on a controversial plan to demolish and replace three developments in Manhattan with mixed-use housing. The Fulton Houses and Elliott-Chelsea Houses project, which raised concerns among the 5,000 tenants residing there, was voted on by other board members, Greg Belinfanti and chair Jamie Rubin.
The project developers, Related Companies and Essence Development, have pledged to ensure no tenants are displaced during the construction process. They have proposed constructing new buildings before demolishing existing ones, with only a small number of residents being temporarily relocated to hotels.
With Wright’s departure, Mayor Adams will need to appoint a replacement for the vacant position on the seven-member NYCHA board. The mayor’s office has not provided a timeline for announcing a new appointee. Instead, a mayoral spokesperson commended Wright for her service in delivering free internet access to public housing residents and contributing to the improvement of NYCHA developments.
In addition to the vacant position left by Wright, three other board members are NYCHA residents, while another was appointed by former Mayor Bill de Blasio. This dynamic highlights the diverse perspectives and experiences brought to the board in overseeing public housing policies and decisions.
Overall, Sheena Wright’s resignation from the NYCHA board reflects the ongoing challenges and changes within city leadership and public housing management in New York City. Her replacement will play a crucial role in continuing the efforts to address housing issues and serve the needs of NYCHA residents.
Source: TheCity.NYC
