Between the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges sits the Alfred E. Smith Houses, or simply Smith Houses, a NYCHA complex that has become a central fixture in Manhattan’s Two Bridges neighborhood. Built in the 1950s as part of a wave of public housing development, the Smith Houses were designed to modernize living conditions for working-class New Yorkers. Today, however, the development reflects not only the promise of affordable housing but also the risks tenants face when the housing authority fails to maintain safe conditions.
Negligence and Injury at Alfred E. Smith NYCHA Development:
Despite its intended role as a stabilizing force, NYCHA has long struggled to maintain safe living conditions, and the Alfred E. Smith Houses are no exception. Common hazards include:
- Elevator malfunctions
- Broken stairwells
- Collapsed ceilings and water-damaged walls
- Poorly maintained lighting and security
- Sidewalk cracks and other outdoor hazards
Residents and visitors injured due to these conditions may be entitled to compensation, but NYCHA rarely acts unless forced through legal pressure. In some cases, third-party contractors share liability if NYCHA outsourced building services.
At The Dearie Law Firm, P.C., we understand how to navigate NYCHA-specific procedures, including Notice of Claim deadlines and evidence preservation. For over 30 years, we’ve helped injured tenants hold NYCHA and its contractors accountable for avoidable injuries that occur due to negligent maintenance.
A Brief History of the Alfred E. Smith NYCHA Development
The Smith Houses are named for Alfred E. Smith, a four-time New York governor and the 1928 Democratic presidential nominee. Born and raised on the Lower East Side, Smith championed workers’ rights and social welfare reforms. His name was chosen to reflect the complex’s mission: government support for everyday people.
Strategically located in Two Bridges, the Smith Houses were part of NYCHA’s post-war expansion. With twelve towers rising near the East River, they housed thousands in proximity to the civic center and Chinatown. But the structures have aged and so have the problems.
Why These Cases Matter
Public housing residents should not be expected to tolerate dangerous conditions simply because they live in NYCHA-managed buildings. The Smith Houses represent both the city’s housing ideals and its maintenance failures. Injuries that result from long-standing disrepair are not just unfortunate, they’re avoidable, and they demand accountability.
Legal Support for NYCHA Tenants
If you’ve suffered an injury at the Alfred E. Smith Houses, or any NYCHA property, you may have the right to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our attorneys have extensive experience litigating against NYCHA and understand the nuances involved in these claims.
Contact The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. today to schedule a free consultation. We’re committed to protecting your rights and holding the New York City Housing Authority responsible when it fails to protect its tenants.