"Occasionally, things may fall through the cracks," he said.

When that happens, Brown said, "The first thing I do is apologize for it. The second thing I do is make sure I get people out there. "

BMHA workers had attempted early on to get into Martin's Langfield Homes apartment to do the necessary work to get her gas back on, but when they were unable to get in, her case apparently was one that fell through the cracks, Brown said.

In Donohue's case, there was apparently a miscommunication between plasterers and plumbers over whether the necessary work had been completed, he said.

Brown continued that he recognizes what occurred Tuesday – having frustrated tenant representatives bringing complaints to Council chambers because tenant issues had not be addressed by the BMHA – isn't the way the agency is supposed to operate.

"Obviously," he said, "that is not the way we are supposed to run this railroad. I understand the ideal way to handle this is not to wait until someone complains to councilmen."

University District Councilman Rasheed N.C. Wyatt agreed.