Attendants at Wednesday’s noon meeting of the Rochester Housing Authority spilled out into the hall—as nearly a hundred people turn up to voice their concerns.
At issue for many who spoke at a public forum that preceded the board meeting was the recent dismissal of former executive director Alex Castro.
With overwhelming turnout the comment period was extended to an hour—from the original 30 minutes allotted.
Rochester City Council Member Jackie Ortiz was one of 26 community leaders and RHA residents who spoke out about what they called a firing without due process or transparency.
"We are talking about a public entity and it is extremely important that the voices of the residents are heard, and that the process, and the timeline be transparent. I think, unfortunately, because of those omissions it has cast the doubt and the frustrations that you’re seeing," said Ortiz.
The board appointed Rochester City Council Member Adam McFadden to the position on an interim basis. A few people in the public took the mic in defense of McFadden. Several used the opportunity to speak up about housing conditions, including cut programs, cleanliness, and security.