House Republican Press Release

 

 

 

February 28, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

 

Miller: Senior Housing Conditions in Crisis

 

Representative Says Poor Conditions, Health & Safety Risks Can’t Continue

 

HARTFORD- Noting that it appeared convicted felons might often have better living conditions than a number of senior citizens in public housing complexes, Representative Larry Miller (R-122nd District), Ranking Member of the legislature’s Housing Committee, expressed disgust and pledged to see some changes.

 

Testimony offered before the Housing Committee this week revealed sub-standard living conditions in senior public housing in Seymour, Willimantic, Stamford, Enfield, Norwalk, New Britain, Hartford, Norwich and Milford.  In some cases mold and mushrooms contaminated the living quarters, sending many allergy sensitive seniors and asthma sufferers to the hospital.  Residents also offered testimony that detailed occurrences of sewer back-ups which were not handled in a timely fashion.

 

“What some of these poor people have endured is inhuman and atrocious,” said Miller.  “We were told of incidents of poorly functioning heating systems, lack of handicapped access, and roach and rodent infestation.  These are conditions that we cannot allow to continue.”

 

Miller noted that many of the structures used for senior housing dated back to the 1950’s and 60’s and need serious updating. 

 

Speaker of the House James Amann (D-Milford) observed during the public hearing that the condition of senior housing had broad problems and was in a crisis.

 

“We cannot continue to let our community’s seniors to live in such conditions,” said Miller.  “This is no way to congratulate those who have lived responsibly and contributed to the society we live in.”

 

Miller applauded the resolve of the residents who appeared before the Housing Committee to notify them of the deteriorated conditions, and pledged to meet with the Commissioners of the Department of Economic Development, Department of Social Services and leaders at the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority about the matter.