Housing Dept. to crack down on unauthorized occupation in public complex

By The Star Staff

Puerto Rico Police agents raided an illicitly occupied apartment in the Nemesio R. Canales residential complex in San Juan in the early hours of Tuesday morning, Housing Secretary Ciary Pérez Peña confirmed.

During the raid, authorities rescued four children, ages three months, 18 months, three years and five years, who were found living in inhumane conditions surrounded by pet feces as well as general uncleanliness. Pérez Peña acknowledged that there is no precise inventory of technically vacant apartments in the complex. However, she gave assurances that efforts are underway to regain control of the inventory for better monitoring of the homes.

“This raid follows an investigation into the previous murders that occurred at the Nemesio R. Canales Residential Complex. It’s not as common because it was an occupied apartment,” the official said. “However, the Department has been informed of the occupation, as we have learned from the various raids conducted by the Puerto Rican police. The new police chief has implemented federal policies, which are quite common in the United States.”

The previous administration had delegated selection and occupancy management to the administrative agents, meaning that the same agents in the residential offices selected and filled the apartments. The lack of centralized control has prevented both the secretary and the administrator from maintaining an accurate inventory.

Pérez Peña said the Public Housing Administration will regain control of the apartments. They are currently in a transition process to take charge of selection and occupancy, which will provide a clearer picture of the number of vacant apartments that can be offered to families on the waiting list, she said.

The housing secretary said the administrator estimates that 100% control could be achieved by Sept.1, which will enable the identification of vacant apartments being occupied. The secretary also confirmed that the people under investigation have been arrested, with the adults in police custody and the minors under the care of the Family Department.