RENSSELAER, N.Y. – The Rensselaer Housing Authority is now operating without a functional board after almost all of its commissioners resigned on Monday. The mass departure leaves the agency short of the quorum required to approve budgets, contracts and other essential decisions.
Board members cite internal conflict
Former chairman Scott Rogers, who led the authority for roughly six years, told CBS6 that months of infighting, personal attacks and disagreements over leadership drove him and several other commissioners to quit. “There was lack of support. The board was getting to a point where we couldn’t function,” Rogers said. “Every time there was in‑house fighting, arguing, people calling people names, it was bad. It was sad.”
Rogers said the resignations became effective on Monday, and that the board’s inability to meet quorum could halt approvals for critical expenditures, including repairs to aging infrastructure and equipment. He warned that delayed payments to vendors and landlords could jeopardize housing assistance programs for the roughly 200 families currently served.
Mayor and former chairman trade accusations
Mayor John DeFrancesco responded to Rogers’ criticism by stating that governance and management problems at the authority predate his administration. “Unfortunately, the Rensselaer Housing Authority has had management and governance issues since before I became mayor,” DeFrancesco said. He also suggested that Rogers’ grievances may be politically motivated, noting, “Regarding Chairman Rogers’ grievances – I have no doubt that he takes issue with my administration.”
DeFrancesco pledged to move quickly on filling the vacant seats. “I intend to methodically review potential candidates in the coming days,” he said. “I will fill any vacancy as quickly as possible with individuals who share my vision for what our Housing Authority should be and what the City of Rensselaer can be.” No specific timeline has been announced for when a full board will be restored.
Tenant advocates call for accountability
Ashlee Britt, a former resident who now runs a social‑media page for current and former tenants, said the leadership turmoil is the latest chapter in a long‑standing dispute over maintenance, living conditions and transparency at the authority’s properties. “We didn’t really push for anybody to be removed or quit their job,” Britt explained. “We just wanted somebody to do better.”
Britt noted that some residents fear retaliation for speaking out, while others feel their complaints have been dismissed. She emphasized that tenants are primarily seeking reliable services and responsive management, not political battles.
Implications for residents
With the board unable to meet its quorum, the authority’s capacity to approve financial matters, authorize repairs and maintain contracts is uncertain. City officials say they are monitoring the situation closely and will work with state housing agencies if needed to ensure that essential services continue uninterrupted.
The housing authority’s next steps will likely involve the mayor’s office reviewing candidate applications, followed by appointments that restore a functional board. Until then, the 200 families who depend on the authority’s programs remain in a state of limbo.
Original reporting: CBS 6 WRGB Albany (local) — read the source article.
