Governor Signs Myrie Bill to Fast-Track Repairs of NYCHA Gas Outtages

BROOKLYN– Governor Kathy Hochul has signed into law a bill sponsored by Senator Zellnor Y. Myrie (D-Central Brooklyn) and Assembly Member Chantel Jackson (D-Bronx) aimed at more quickly restoring gas outages at NYCHA developments where such service is interrupted. The new law expands the definition of "vital services" to include gas, and requires NYCHA to provide regular communication updates to residents of the expected duration of any gas outages and the steps being taken to restore service.

View Senator Myrie's remarks on the bill here.

"Like so many of our strongest bills, the idea for this legislation came directly from our constituents— who told us horror stories about gas outages that routinely last for days, weeks or even months," said Senator Myrie. "NYCHA residents shouldn't be left to fend for themselves with hot-plates and meal deliveries while government agencies and utility companies point fingers at each other. This legislation will ensure meaningful communication with residents and better coordination to ensure timely repairs."

The bill requires NYCHA to remedy gas service interruptions as quickly as possible, by coordinating with relevant city, state and utility company partners and by quickly applying for permits necessary to make such repairs.

"I'm grateful to Assembly Member Jackson for leading the fight in the Assembly for this important new law," continued Senator Myrie. "We wouldn't accept lengthy unresolved gas outages anywhere else, and neither should NYCHA residents."

“My district is comprised of 21 NYCHA developments," said Assembly Member Chantel Jackson. "One of the main complaints I receive from my constituents who live in NYCHA is disruptions in vital services like hot water, electricity, or gas. All New Yorkers, no matter their income or neighborhood deserve transparency when services that impact their quality of life are disrupted. Thank you Governor Hochul for signing this bill and supporting Senator Myrie and myself as we continue to advocate for those in public housing."

"When we ask questions about utility disruptions, NYCHA, the city and the gas company blame each other and give us the run around. I'm grateful that Senator Myrie and Assembly Member Jackson's new law will help cut the red tape and get service restored faster," said Ciprian Noel, Tenant Association president of Langston Hughes Apartments in Brooklyn.

"We depend on gas service, but sometimes outages last for weeks or months. Thanks to Senator Myrie and Assembly Member Jackson, NYCHA and utility companies will have to work together to restore service more quickly," said Naomi Johnson, Tenant Association president of Howard Houses in Brooklyn.

“As a NYCHA resident and a community leader, I know firsthand how devastating gas outages are for our neighbors. I thank Senator Myrie and my State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton for prioritizing the needs and wellbeing of all NYCHA residents and ensuring that gas outages are taken seriously and addressed with urgency.” said Lauretta Brumfield, Tenant Association president of Coney Island Houses in Brooklyn.

"Thank you Assembly Member Khaleel M. Anderson for helping to pass this bill for transparency and especially accountability with NYCHA. We are human beings, not robots. We should be able to come home to working gas. NYCHA should stop hiding the problems and fix the problem, not 6 months to a year later," said Kimberly Comes, Tenant Association president of Redfern Houses in Queens.

"As a NYCHA resident, I am pleased to hear this news. On many occasions, Redfern Houses has experienced Gas outages mostly in the winter months. I have also expressed concerns to NYCHA about more than hot plates or crock pots for residents. Due to these items, many do not fit Residents' baking needs. I asked NYCHA if Residents would receive any rent breaks or compensation for the months the Gas was out. But, with this bill, I trust residents will not live four, five, or more months without gas any longer," said Eugenia Gibson, Tenant Association president of Beach 41st Street Houses in Queens.

“Thank you, Assembly Member Jackson and Senator Myrie, for this strong piece of legislation to support the Residents to help eliminate stress on the Residents,” said Daniel Barber, Tenant Association resident of Jackson Houses in the Bronx.

“It’s about time. NYCHA tenants have full transparency about what’s being done,” said Camile Watson, Tenant Association president of Murphy Houses in the Bronx."

As of today, there are 44 active gas outages at NYCHA developments, including one dating back to January.