Letter to the Editor – The Middletown Patch

From: Karen Brittingham‑Edmond, Editor & Publisher Echo News TV LLC – Echonewstv.com Date: July 23, 2026

Subject: Urgent Call for Coverage: Gross Neglect and Disrespect Toward Senior Citizens in Federally Subsidized Housing

To the Editor of The Middletown Patch,

I am writing to you in my capacity as Editor and Publisher of Echo News TV LLC to urgently request your coverage of a deeply troubling and escalating crisis affecting senior citizens residing in federally subsidized housing units throughout Monmouth County. Echo News TV has been documenting these conditions for months, and the accounts we have received from elderly residents—many in their 70s, 80s, and even 100s—are nothing short of heartbreaking and unacceptable in a nation whose citizens have paid into these systems their entire lives.

Senior citizens across racial and socioeconomic lines—Black, White, and otherwise—are reporting conditions that violate basic human dignity, federal housing standards, and moral responsibility. These are American citizens who contributed to this country for decades. They deserve safety, respect, and humane living conditions, not the neglect and indignities they are currently enduring.

Below is a verified account from a senior resident who has requested anonymity for fear of retaliation: 

Grandville Apartments Keansburg, NJ

Resident Testimony (Anonymous)

“Borough inspectors came today and checked all apartments. It did not go well.

As soon as the inspector stepped out of his car, he walked to the dumpster area where trash—old mattresses, broken appliances, and more—was piled outside an already overflowing dumpster.

Inside the building, the trash room on the 6th floor was overflowing. Neighbors reported roaches earlier that morning. The trash had not been emptied since Friday; today is Tuesday.

I have had no hot water since June 28—45 days.

I showed the inspector how my apartment door opens simply by hitting it with a hip, even when locked. There is no security.

Management enters our apartments without notice. The inspector confirmed that 24‑hour notice is required.

My windows are jammed shut.

By 4 p.m., plumbers arrived again to ‘check’ for hot water. I asked how many people need to confirm that I have no hot water. The work order was submitted two years ago, and management Rep Susan Shapiro stated they would not spend the money to fix it.

Toilets do not flush. Sludge backs up into bathtubs. There is no heat in the winter. Elevators frequently fail.

The last maintenance worker was fired for entering apartments and stealing—caught on a Ring camera. I had to purchase a Ring camera myself because items were stolen from my home.

Millions in grants were awarded to fix the building when it was leased. Nothing was repaired. Now they are seeking another loan.

The Cove is also experiencing major issues, including mold that was visible even during construction. Work was halted for months due to violations. My ex‑husband worked in structural steel for over 30 years, and I learned enough to know the building was compromised from the start.

Thank you for your interest in our plight. Please keep me posted if you learn anything.”