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Residents urge Ithaca to intervene in tenant ejectment by INHS
Summary
Several public speakers asked the council to intercede in an ejectment (eviction) action by Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS) against tenant Naya Foster, saying she fled domestic violence and that the transfer led INHS to pursue ejectment and county-court action in late July.
Multiple speakers asked the Common Council on Aug. 5 to use its influence with INHS to seek withdrawal of an ejectment petition and to negotiate a settlement to prevent homelessness for a family facing imminent loss of housing.
Tom Stern described the case: he said Naya Foster, an INHS tenant for six years, requested an emergency transfer earlier this year after fleeing domestic violence; when she returned after the abuser was incarcerated INHS took the position that the emergency transfer ended her tenancy and proceeded with an ejectment that a county court granted in late July. "Naya may lose her Section 8 in September," Stern said, warning that would cause a downward spiral for a low-income family.
Tula Mooney (Ithaca Tenants Union) and others urged transparency in the city's relationship with INHS and more assistance for tenants fleeing violence. Queen Naya also noted she had emailed the mayor and requested follow-up. Councilmembers expressed concern; Councilmember Shapiro said he had heard the details for the first time and wanted follow-up. The mayor and council did not record a formal vote or directive at the meeting but acknowledged the time-sensitive nature of the matter and encouraged staff follow-up and use of available influence with INHS.
