WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representative John Larson (CT-1) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced on Wednesday that they are considering terminating the Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments Contract with the Barbour Gardens apartment complex in Hartford. HUD announced that the decision is based on the owner’s failure to remedy major health and safety threats. Earlier this month, Murphy, Blumenthal, and Larson wrote a letter expressing their concerns with HUD’s failure to address the decrepit housing conditions at Barbour Gardens. In their letter, they expressed deep concern that HUD has not fully used its enforcement powers to immediately address the woeful conditions, which have jeopardized the health and well-being of residents.  

“We have heard from Barbour Garden residents and concerned community leaders in Hartford about the deplorable living conditions at the apartment complex. Above all, we want to make sure that these families can live in the safe and sanitary housing they deserve. We’ve pressed HUD to take action and are encouraged by this first step. We urge HUD to listen to the concerns of residents and do everything it can to make sure they have a safe place to live as soon as possible,” said Murphy, Blumenthal, and Larson.

Barbour Gardens is an 84-unit HUD-subsidized property in Hartford. On its most recent REAC inspection in October 2018, Barbour Gardens received a 9c*, far below HUD’s passing score of 60. As part of the contract termination, HUD will provide residents with an opportunity to comment on the proposed action. If the subsidy contract is terminated, eligible residents Barbour Gardens will be provided with Tenant Protection Vouchers and relocation assistance. Any residents with concerns are encouraged to reach out to the offices of Murphy, Blumenthal, and/or Larson for assistance.

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