Several residents of Liberty Square and other public housing developments told the Miami-Dade County Housing Committee during the public-comment period that they face eviction threats, mold, building neglect and harassment by property management, and they urged county oversight and an audit of federal funds.

Residents described repeated maintenance failures, unaddressed mold, and what speakers called coercive lease practices. Sharon Fraser Stevens, who identified her address as 6516 Northwest Twelfth Avenue, said she received a 60-day notice on her door and described being harassed when trying to work with leasing staff. “I feel like I was forced to sign the lease that was not explained to me,” Fraser Stevens said aloud to the committee.

Carolyn Umobit identified herself as a resident of Liberty Square and asked staff to inspect the leasing office and improve communication about resident councils and meetings. Several speakers referenced Section 3 and 24 CFR as the regulatory context for federal housing funds and urged the county not to let funds be concentrated in administrative costs while residents continue to face substandard conditions.

Adam Renita Holmes, who said she is executive director of Wave of Women, and other speakers urged an audit of federal HOME/American Rescue Plan funds to determine administrative costs and whether funds are reaching residents. Holmes said decades of inconsistent service have harmed seniors and residents with disabilities and called for protection of people who report problems.

Other residents described safety and sanitation problems, dog attacks, repeated changes in site managers, trash in common areas, and alleged retaliation when residents complain. At least one speaker said tenant-council elections or bylaws had not been completed as promised and expressed concern that tenant leaders who also work for management create conflicts of interest.

Vice Chair Ben McGee and Commissioner Eileen Higgins (both present on the committee) responded directly to the speakers’ concerns. Commissioner Raquel Suarez (identified in the transcript as Suarez) said she would be “more than happy” to go out with staff to hold community meetings and listen to residents. Chief Jimmy Morales and Nathan Cogan of Housing and Community Development were asked to follow up with residents and coordinate site visits.

The committee did not take formal action on housing conditions during the public-comment period, but several members urged staff to return with follow-up steps and to meet residents on-site. Chairwoman Bastian and other commissioners expressed concern about residents’ reports of retaliation and asked staff to prioritize outreach and investigations.

Residents asked that HUD, state officials and county staff inspect sites and account for large HUD and federal grants. Speakers repeatedly called for transparency about where grant and surtax funds are spent and asked the committee to ensure funds are not being diverted into administrative costs at the expense of residents.

The public-comment period closed before the committee moved to the agenda; commissioners and staff said they would coordinate community meetings and follow up on specific complaints.