MONTICELLO – Concerns surrounding the Monticello Housing Authority, including leadership and living conditions, were raised by an official and two Evergreen residents during public comment at the Village of Monticello’s regular Wednesday night board meeting.

Housing Authority Board Commissioner Avraham Richard addressed the board, announcing the hiring of a new executive director, identified as Mark Sterling, and outlining efforts to improve what he described as a “troubled agency.”

Richard said the authority is working toward a turnaround while seeking greater coordination with village officials, including the Board of Trustees and the village’s legal counsel.

“We’re looking to get the support… so that we can effectively turn around the agency,” Richard said, requesting a meeting to formally introduce the new executive director to village leadership.

He added that the authority has retained a new law firm and emphasized the importance of communication among stakeholders, calling collaboration essential to “support the residents.”

Following his remarks, residents of the Evergreen housing complex voiced concerns, including allegations regarding management practices, communication issues and living conditions.

One resident, Vanetta, who identified herself as speaking on behalf of other tenants, said residents feel “not comfortable” and described what she characterized as ongoing issues with some Housing Authority board members.

“We’re tired of the abuse… they’re not for the tenants,” Vanetta said, adding that letters outlining tenant concerns would be submitted to the village.

She also raised concerns about staffing changes, claiming a staff member who had been assisting tenants was “bullied out,” and said residents have not received updated leases in some time.

Additional concerns included reported rent increases, questions about notices issued to tenants, and confusion over new requirements residents said they were asked to follow.

Another resident, Joevita Rivera, also of Evergreen, said tenants received notices indicating that attendance at meetings was mandatory and tied to lease compliance.

“Every day is a new rule added,” Rivera said, also describing difficulties communicating with management regarding household documentation.

Both residents called for additional oversight and assistance from village officials.

While village officials did not directly respond to the concerns during the meeting, Mayor Rochelle Massey thanked the speakers for sharing their comments.