Bronx residents met with pushback at NYCHA office

"

NYCHA’s Customer Contact Center (CCC) on Fordham Road had a line wrapped around the building filled with dozens of Bronx residents. The Customer Contact Center provides in-person services to address the needs of public housing residents, Section 8 voucher holders and landlords and applicants. Damary Martes said she is confused after she received mixed information from staff. "Yesterday, she said to come on Wednesday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. You can walk in. Today, the security guard, the tall one, said, 'No, you have to have an appointment,'" said Martes. The sign posted on the window of the building says customers need to make an appointment, but the automated system on the NYCHA call number says, “the CCC walk-in center located at 478 E Fordham Plaza Bronx are open to the public. Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times." Recommended but not required appointments was what those waiting in line said they were confused about. Another customer in line said she experienced the same thing last week when she was turned away after waiting. "People were standing outside at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., they didn't let anybody in. At 2 p.m., They told everybody to go home, “she said. Within the hour of News 12 arriving to the CCC on Wednesday, security started letting people in five at a time. NYCHA did not directly answer our questions about the center not letting people in. A source with the agency says they recommend their customers to make an appointment if they want to avoid a long wait. "