Key dispute leaves East New York NYCHA residents without mail for 2 months

Some NYCHA tenants in East New York are still waiting on stimulus checks and other documents after they stopped receiving mail two months ago.

News 12 Staff

Jan 29, 2021, 2:29 AM

Updated 1,181 days ago

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Some NYCHA tenants in East New York are still waiting on stimulus checks and other documents after they stopped receiving mail two months ago.
They say they have been complaining to the U.S. Postal Service and NYCHA without results.
"You got your bills to pay, and when you're late, they charge you late fees," said resident Louise Griggs. "So, two months you get late fees -- housing's not going to pay your late fees."
Tenants at Unity Plaza haven't received checks, personal letters and other mail since the beginning of December. They claim NYCHA and USPS are blaming each other.
A group says they were told the mail carrier lost the key to the mailbox room.
"They're arguing, 'Who's going to pay for the key' and 'Who's not going to pay for the key,' and 'It's up to them.' No, it's up to y'all and we still don't get no mail," said resident Sarah Dixon.
NYCHA told News 12 in part: "NYCHA is waiting on a part to replace the lock to the mailroom, and in the interim have placed a temporary lock on the door."
To get their mail, the residents must go to the nearest post office which is about a mile away. They can collect only on Wednesdays and Saturdays. They say for a building that houses mostly seniors, it's unfair.
"I have a knee replacement, and so it's very difficult for me to travel," said William Smith.
"Then they want you there at a certain time, and if you get there too late, they don't give you your mail," Miguel Olmo, another resident, said. "For the past two weeks, they're not giving mail at all to anybody."
USPS says the miscommunication on pickup has been cleared up.
NYCHA says it plans to deliver a key for the lock to the mailroom Friday morning.


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