As Build it Back approaches the one-year mark since its launch, a litany of common complaints are frequently noted at town hall meetings, press events, City Council oversight hearings, and in one-on-one interviews.
At one recent town hall meeting hosted by the city comptroller’s office in Far Rockaway, dozens of community members lined up to tell their tales of woe in rapid-fire succession.
“There were many officers around this area who took our papers and nothing happened,” said one woman. “Nothing has been done so far.”
Another woman spoke of her concern that people meet the requirement of 30 percent local hires.
“Build It Back is an organization engrossed in unrelenting incompetence,” said another community member who railed about lost paperwork.
One man who spoke said that despite repeated, unrelenting attempts to get help on his part, nothing has been done.
“Build it Back wants everything but my first-born child,” said the man. “It’s basically a wild goose chase.”
The following are some of the most common complaints that Build It Back applicants have of the program:
1. Lost paperwork
2. Endless bureaucracy
3. Staff ill equipped to help
4. Confusing procedures
5. Slow response times
6. No response
7. Mixed messages
8. False promises
9. Huge taxpayer expense
10. Not enough local employment opportunities
