Tenants at the Robert Fulton Houses, a New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) development in Chelsea, are enduring what they describe as a two-year ordeal involving an unauthorized occupant and his associates. Residents report persistent issues including drug use, public indecency, property damage, and physical altercations that have created a climate of fear within the building.
The situation escalated after the death of a legal occupant in June 2024, when Stuart Newman, described as a man in his 40s, allegedly took over the apartment. The New York City Housing Authority filed a lawsuit in November 2024 regarding the occupancy, but removal efforts have been unsuccessful, according to tenants and reports.
Tenants have described the unauthorized occupant and his guests as disruptive, with instances of people urinating and defecating in common areas, engaging in drug use, and exhibiting aggressive behavior. Some residents have reported feeling unsafe leaving their apartments, with one tenant recounting an incident where the occupant allegedly brandished a knife. The association head, Miguel Acevedo, noted that police have removed individuals multiple times, only for them to return.
"It's beyond crazy," Acevedo told The Post. "I think it's easier to evict a tenant who owes back rent than this squatter."
Police have made five arrests related to the unit since 2025, including charges for menacing and assault. Most recently, a 42-year-old man sustained injuries from a metal pipe assault, an incident under ongoing investigation.
Representatives from the Manhattan District Attorney's office have reportedly stated they are working to identify all involved individuals. However, tenants express frustration with the legal processes, with one resident stating, "All of a sudden they have squatter rights. They got a lawyer, so they can’t be evicted."
According to a March report by the NYC Department of Investigation, NYCHA identified at least 548 vacant units occupied by squatters between 2022 and 2025. The authority has since implemented a monthly inspection program for vacant units and states that staff work with the NYPD to address unauthorized occupants on NYCHA property. Despite these efforts, tenants at Robert Fulton Houses report the current occupant has refused entry to NYCHA officials, leaving them feeling hopeless as the situation continues.
