Fox pushes for safety measures at Farragut Houses

August 25, 2017 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Ede Fox (left) talks to a resident outside the Farragut Houses during her recent fact-finding trip there. Photo courtesy of Fox’s campaign

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In response to shootings at the Farragut Houses in Brooklyn, Democratic City Council candidate Ede Fox visited the residential complex to meet with tenants and to call on the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) to provide immediate maintenance upgrades to improve safety in the buildings.

The most recent shooting took place on July 22, according to police, who said a man was shot to death when he opened his apartment door. Fox said many residents are terrified.

The Farragut Houses are located at 237 Nassau St.

The safety measures Fox is seeking include the installation of better lighting and security cameras in the hallways. Fox is also pushing for NYCHA to remove waste from hallways.

“The bottom line is the city and NYCHA need to do more to protect our most vulnerable citizens. The Farragut Houses are only a few streets over from one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the city, DUMBO, and our city officials need to take action to ensure that all New Yorkers have a safe and clean place to live, regardless of income level,” Fox said in a statement.

Fox is challenging incumbent Democratic Councilmember Laurie Cumbo in the Sept. 12 primary. Cumbo is running for her second term representing the 35th Council District, a seat that covers Fort Greene and Clinton Hill and includes parts of several other neighborhoods.

There have been several shootings at the Farragut Houses this summer, according to Fox.

Fox is urging NYCHA Chair and CEO Shola Olatoye to direct crews to strengthen building security and improve sanitary conditions by installing new locks, lighting and security cameras to discourage crime and trash and debris removal from the hallways.

Tenants told Fox and her campaign staff about finding animal bones in the hallways and having to endure the stench of urine.

Thirty-six percent of the residents living at the Farragut Houses are unemployed, according to my.nycha.info. The median household income is $21,000 a year.

Fox said the concerns of residents deserve to be heard and addressed.

Improving affordable housing options and fighting against gentrification in the council district is an important part of her campaign, Fox said.

“At a time when the Trump administration is proposing budget cuts to public housing programs, city and state governments must be prepared to step up to give all our citizens a safe and clean home,” Fox said. “It’s time for city officials and NYCHA to roll up their sleeves and get to work.”