NYCHA Commits to Eliminate Maintenance and Repairs Backlog Ne of the Most Common Com- Oplaints by NYCHA Residents Is Waiting a Long Time for Repairs in Their Homes

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Vol. 43 No. 2 www.nyc.gov/nycha March 2013 NYCHA Commits to Eliminate Maintenance and Repairs Backlog ne of the most common com- Oplaints by NYCHA residents is waiting a long time for repairs in their homes. They sometimes have to wait Get Informed About months or even more than a year for YOUR Building work to be completed. As NYCHA faces YCHA residents now can get continued underfunding from theJourna feder- l Nup-to-the-minute informa- al government and buildings that keep tion about service outages in their getting older, the result is a backlog of buildings. NYCHA Alerts provides unfinished work order requests. updates on the status of heat, NYCHA is taking on the issue with electricity, elevator, gas, hot water, a new and aggressive Action Plan. compactor and water service dis- The goal is to eliminate the backlog of ruptions. Information is updated 420,000 open repair work orders by the whenever these services are inter- end of 2013. “NYCHA understands and rupted and when they get restored. respects our residents’ frustration over To see any information about their the current backlog of repair and main- building, residents can go to www. tenance work,” said NYCHA Chairman A NYCHA maintenance worker repairs a kitchen at Patterson Houses. nyc.gov/nychaalerts. As a security John B. Rhea. “In spite of our budget- measure, residents will need to ary constraints, we have a responsibility from the Chairman” on page 3). and plumbers. It also will continue to log-in to see information specific to to work smarter and better with what NYCHA not only plans to eliminate respond to all emergency repair requests their development. After a resident resources we do have, which is why the backlog of repair requests, but also within 24 hours. logs in, they have the option to sign expediting maintenance and repairs has permanently reduce the average wait “No one has felt the impact of fed- up to receive NYCHA Alerts auto- been a top priority in our strategic road- time for repair work to seven days for eral underfunding more than NYCHA matically by e-mail. This is NYCHA’s map, Plan NYCHA.” (Ed. Note: to read basic maintenance and repairs and 15 residents, who have had to face long latest effort to communicate more more of Chairman Rhea’s thoughts on days for repairs needing skilled trades waits for repairs to apartments and public effectively with its residents. the Action Plan, please see “Message workers, such as carpenters, plasterers continued on page 4 

inside Ground Broken On Mixed-Use this issue Development at Washington Houses n February 7, the groundbreak- Charter School run by Harlem RBI and the charter school; new playground O ing ceremony was held for the office space for non-profit organizations. equipment and trash compactors at East Harlem Center for Living and The facility, located on 104th Street Washington Houses; and the renova- Learning, located at Washington between Second and Third Avenues tion of nearby Blake Hobbs Play- Houses in Manhattan. The multi- on land the developer bought from ground. In addition, NYCHA residents family, mixed-use development will NYCHA, will bring benefits to Wash- will get preference for 25 percent of have 88 new affordable apartments, ington Houses residents, including half the affordable apartments, and for a kindergarten-eighth grade DREAM of the spots in the lottery to enroll in construction and permanent job opportunities. “The development features broad public-private partnerships, an innovative financial structure, and unprec- Rent Equity: edented socio-economic benefits Will Help Preserve Public Housing for NYCHA residents,” said NYCHA for the Future » see page 5 Chairman John B. Rhea. New Resident Engagement Chairman Rhea was joined at the Office groundbreaking by representatives from numerous City agency partners, Enhances Residents’ Voices in NYCHA » see page 6 including the Department of Hous- ing Preservation and Development, Arbor House: as well as from Harlem RBI, including New Building at Forest Houses is New York Yankee Mark Teixeira, who Very Green » see page 3 is a member of their Board. “This groundbreaking represents a wonder- NYCHA’s Brightest: ful new beginning for thousands of Three Youths Vie for Public Housing College kids in East Harlem,” Mr. Teixeira said. NYCHA Chairman John B. Rhea (right) and New York Yankee Mark Teixeira prepare to break Scholarships » see page 8 ground at the East Harlem Center for Living and Learning, located at Washington Houses, on “These children and families deserve February 7, 2013. continued on page 2  2 March 2013 The Housing Authority Journal

NYCHA Residents’ Voices

Board Meetings January 31, 2013 October 19, 2012 otice hereby is given that the New York City Housing Au- ollowing is an excerpt of the comments (via mail) Nthority’s Board Meetings take place every other Wednesday Fmade by Reginald Bowman, President of “A Grave in Newfoundland” at 10:00 a.m. in the Board Room on the 12th floor of 250 Broad- the Citywide Council of Presidents, during This tiny mound, I’m told holds a tiny body. way, New York, New York (unless otherwise noted). The remain- the news conference to announce NYCHA’s A child who died 5,000 years ago. ing meetings for Calendar Year 2013 are as follows: maintenance and repairs Action Plan. No name, no tribe is known. Just a small body. I’d like to applaud Mayor Bloomberg, the In this wide expanse of wilderness, lived March 13 May 22 August 14 October 23 team at NYCHA, resident leadership and cer- and played a child. March 28 June 5 August 28 November 6 tainly all those who support this endeavor. I look About 3 years old, local people tell me. (Thursday) June 19 September 11 November 20 forward to seeing this plan get off the ground. I try to imagine his daily life. Did he live in a April 10 July 3 September 25 December 4 It shows the priorities of New York City have hut made of soil? Did he have siblings? April 24 July 17 October 9 December 18 May 8 July 31 included one of the largest interest groups that What did he have for food? Probably fish, exists here – the people of public housing. berries, caribou meat. Any changes to the schedule above will be posted here and The work order backlog has been a sore His toys, neatly arranged around him are shells, on NYCHA’s website at nyc.gov/nycha to the extent practicable thumb in this city for many years. The under- stones and little carvings made of drift wood. at a reasonable time before the meeting. funding of housing by the federal government What did he die of? Nobody knows, and we’ll These meetings are open to the public. Pre-registration at has been the primary reason why there has probably never know. least 45 minutes before the scheduled Board Meeting is required been such a shortage of work repairs and The wind howls, and a cold rain beats down. by all speakers. Comments are limited to the items on the Cal- other resources that were necessary to main- I stand there, with nobody around for miles, endar. Speaking time will be limited to three minutes. The public tain the 334 developments in this city at a very just me and the little grave, I feel strangely comment period will conclude upon all speakers being heard or high level. This ambitious plan, which we have moved by the solitude. at the expiration of 30 minutes allotted by law for public com- been waiting quite some time for, has the sup- Finally I leave, looking back once more as if ment, whichever occurs first. port of the resident leadership. We certainly saying goodbye. Copies of the Calendar are available on NYCHA’s website or must look forward and understand that it has Rest in peace little boy. can be picked up at the Office of the Corporate Secretary at 250 taken more than four years to get this far and Wilhelmina C. Schouten, Broadway, 12th floor, New York, New York, no earlier than 3:00 I’d like to ask everyone that we need your sup- Cassidy-Lafayette Houses p.m. on the Friday before the upcoming Wednesday Board Meet- port to get this plan done. ing. Copies of the Disposition are available on NYCHA’s website or can be picked up at the Office of the Corporate Secretary no February 8, 2013 earlier than 3:00 p.m. on the Thursday after the Board Meeting. (via Twitter) Any person requiring a reasonable accommodation in order And so it begins… to participate in the Board Meeting should contact the Office of Dominick-Daniel Borde, the Corporate Secretary at 212-306-6088 no later than five busi- Glenwood Houses ness days before the Board Meeting. For additional information, please visit NYCHA’s website or call 212-306-6088.

Check out NYCHA’s Facebook page! Tell us what is on Send a snail mail to: ot a web-enabled smartphone? Now you can access NYCHA’s your mind! Please limit written submissions to 250 words. NYCHA Journal Facebook page and bonus content in this issue by scanning Residents’ Voices accepts Letters to the Editor G The Journal reserves the right or taking a snapshot of the QR codes. The QR code for NYCHA’s letters, photographs, poems, 250 Broadway, 12th floor to edit all content for length, New York, NY 10007 Facebook page is on the right. drawings – anything that allows you to express yourself! clarity, good taste, accuracy, etc. Step 1: Download a QR code scanner application Because of space limitations, we Send a Tweet on Twitter at Please include your full name, twitter.com/NYCHA_Housing from your phone’s marketplace (many of these must limit all contributors to one development name, address letter per person per issue. Post a message on Facebook at “apps” are free to download). Step 2: Point your and phone number. We will Comments? Questions? E-mail [email protected]. There are many ways to share www.facebook.com/NYCHA phone’s camera at the QR image. print only your name and development on our pages; your thoughts with us at the Send a fax to 212-577-1358 Journal: we need your address and If you have any questions, phone number for verification Send an e-mail to please send them to purposes only. [email protected] [email protected].

NYCHA

 continued from page 1 ESTABLISHED 1970 • CIRCULATION 200,000 Ground Broken On Mixed-Use Development at Washington Houses Published monthly by the New York City Housing Authority Department of Communications • 250 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10007 Tel (212) 306-3322 • Fax (212) 577-1358 • nyc.gov/nycha a beautiful, state of the art 2015 school year. The total 2005, has resulted in the devel- educational facility where they development cost for the facility opment of more than 4,000 new Michael R. Bloomberg ��Mayor can learn, a park where they are is approximately $80 million. or renovated units of affordable John B. Rhea ��Journal Chairman Emily Youssouf…. �� Vice Chair safe to play, and Harlem RBI and The Harlem RBI Interagency housing, and has played an inte- Margarita López ��Board Member Victor A. Gonzalez ��Board Member DREAM by their side to help Development is part of Mayor gral role in the realization of our Vilma Huertas �� Corporate Secretary them grow.” Michael R. Bloomberg’s New overall goals for expanding and Cecil House ��General Manager Lynn Godfrey �� Chief Communications Officer The completed housing Housing Marketplace Plan, a preserving affordable housing Sheila Stainback �� Communications Officer complex will include an exercise multibillion dollar initiative to opportunities in the City of New Eric Deutsch �� Editor Zodet Negrón ��Editor, Spanish Edition room, computer room, social finance 165,000 units of afford- York,” said HPD Commissioner Peter Mikoleski, Leticia Barboza �� Photographers Howard Silver, Brent Grier ��Staff Writers services office and laundry able housing for half a million Mathew Wambua. If you are interested in placing an advertisement in the Journal, please call our room. The affordable apart- New Yorkers by the close of the For information on another marketing representatives in the Office of Business and Revenue Development ments are scheduled to open 2014 fiscal year. “The Depart- New Housing Marketplace at (212) 306‑6614. The inclusion of any advertisement in this Journal does not constitute any endorsement by the Housing Authority of the advertiser or its in July 2014, with the school ment of Housing Preservation Plan project, please see “New products or services or any other representation by the Housing Authority with respect to such products or services. and office facilities opening the and Development’s partnership Affordable Housing Features following August for the 2014- with NYCHA, which launched in Rooftop Farm” on page 3. The Housing Authority Journal March 2013 3 Message from the Chairman In the four years I have been at NYCHA, days for repairs needing skilled trades workers, such as carpenters, plasterers the problem residents most consistently and plumbers. have told me about is our backlog of Our Action Plan is ambitious. We are committed to implementing the solutions maintenance and repair work. NYCHA we need, and to making the investments necessary to get the job done. You can faces tough challenges, especially continued read more about the plan on page 1. underfunding from the federal government. I often have written about ongoing funding cuts from the federal government, But we know that we have a responsibility to and putting the Action Plan in place and ensuring it remains successful will require work more efficiently with the resources we significant resources. However, we will not allow severe budget constraints to get do have. That is why expediting maintenance in the way of our efforts. Make no mistake, we will pay for this transformative plan and repairs is one of the 10 imperatives of with more than $40 million in recent administrative savings resulting from our Plan NYCHA. And it also is why we created work with the Boston Consulting Group and various Plan NYCHA initiatives, the Work Order Task Force, which groups teams of skilled workers to target and $10 million from the City Council to add more staff at developments. the developments with the highest number of outstanding repair work orders Many NYCHA employees contributed their experience and insights to the per apartment. This was a step in the right direction, but not the complete development of the Action Plan. NYCHA’s resident leaders provided input and approach needed. feedback that was invaluable and I cannot thank them enough. And of course, Our new Action Plan to eliminate NYCHA’s backlog of maintenance and Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who consistently champions our efforts to transform repair work is a result of collaboration with resident leaders, as well as NYCHA the way NYCHA does business, both to increase efficiency and enhance resident employees and unions. It is an example of the kind of actions we are taking to quality of life. ensure that public housing remains available for current and future generations Our Action Plan marks the beginning of the end of the maintenance and repairs of New Yorkers. backlog problem. We will keep you updated on our progress on this plan that will Only a bold and comprehensive approach will enhance the quality of life for affect residents positively and help us preserve public housing in New York City the more than 400,000 of you living in public housing. It is important to be aware for generations to come. that although we dramatically will accelerate the completion of outstanding work orders, it will be toward the end of this year before newly scheduled repairs begin to meet our targeted standards. This includes permanently reducing the average wait time for repair work to seven days for basic maintenance and repairs, and 15 John B. Rhea

New Affordable Housing Features Rooftop Farm outreach to schools, hospitals herbs, fruits and vegetables NYCHA Residents and markets. “Our commercial twelve months a year, and to Get Preference hydroponic greenhouse will pro- create a national model for vide this community with fresh, sustainable food production,” for Units at Bronx local, chemical-free, nutritious said Robert Fireman, Presi- Facility dent of Sky Vegetables. Arbor House is part of new building on NYCHA Mayor Michael R. Bloom- A property at Forest Houses berg’s New Housing Mar- is very green, but not because ketplace Plan, a multibillion of its color. Arbor House, dollar initiative to finance located on land in the Bronx 165,000 units of affordable development sold by NYCHA housing for half a million New to a private developer, is an Yorkers by the close of the innovative apartment building 2014 fiscal year. For informa- that will promote environ- tion on another New Housing mentally friendly living. The Marketplace Plan project, affordable housing building The rooftop farm at Arbor House will include herbs, fruits and vegetables for please see “Ground Broken has 124 apartments, a rooftop residents and members of the community. on Mixed-Use Development hydroponic farm that will pro- man John B. Rhea. “Completing will be cleaner – it has a 100% The lobby at Arbor House includes a at Washington Houses” on vide fresh produce for building this effort on NYCHA property is smoke-free policy, the living living green wall. page 1. residents and the local com- truly on the vanguard of urban green wall in the lobby provides munity and a living green wall development, and we’re defi- fresh oxygen, there is air ventila- installation in the lobby. nitely doing our part to improve tion and filtration throughout Next NYCHA Grows with Twenty-five percent of the the lives of not only NYCHA the building and it was built with apartments will be set aside families, but the entire Morrisa- paints and sealants that have no Its Gardeners Conference with preference for NYCHA nia community.” or low volatile chemical make- on March 15 residents and people on Building construction of up. With all of these sustainable NYCHA’s waiting list. In addi- Arbor House mostly used local features, Mount Sinai Hospital YCHA’s Garden and Greening Program will host the 11th tion, there are more than 40 and recycled products and 95 chose Arbor House for a study NNYCHA Grows with Its Gardeners Conference on Friday, sub-level parking spots avail- percent of construction waste on the effect of healthy living on March 15, from 9:30 to 2:00 at the Johnson Community Center able on site that residents will was recycled and diverted from asthma and obesity. at 1833 Lexington Avenue in Manhattan. The event features have first priority to rent on a landfills. The building meets The rooftop farm will be entertainment; a key note speaker; horticultural, community monthly basis. “The develop- NYC Active Design Guidelines operated by Sky Vegetables, building and environmentally related workshops; a free raffle ment of innovated projects to promote physical fitness and an urban agriculture company, of garden related materials; and free information and resources such as Arbor House is critical reduce obesity through indoor which will make 40 percent from more than 30 community and NYCHA partners. For regis- to our strategic roadmap, Plan and outdoor fitness areas. And of the produce available to tration and questions, please call 212-306-3511. NYCHA,” said NYCHA Chair- even the air in Arbor House the community through local 4 March 2013 The Housing Authority Journal

The NYCHA Not Wanted List The Chief’s Corner Below is a partial list of names of individuals who have been excluded Operation ID – An Effective Crime permanently from NYCHA’s public housing developments. This list keeps residents informed of the Authority’s ongoing efforts to improve Prevention Tool the quality of life for New Yorkers in public housing and to allow for electronic device(s). It takes just the peaceful and safe use of its facilities. The full list can be viewed at ince 2011, Americans on.nyc.gov/nychanotwanted. The following are the people, with their Shave lost approximately a few minutes to complete the former addresses, excluded as of August 15-September 19, 2012. $30 billion dollars worth of registration, as we only ask you cell phones and electronic to provide your name, address, Prohibited as of August 15, 2012 equipment. Furthermore, the e-mail (if you have one), phone Jessie Gillispie Mill Brook Houses, 530 East 137th Street, Apt. 13H, theft of cell phones and other number, device type and serial Bronx David Gilmore Williamsburg Houses, 219 Scholes Street, Apt. 4A, electronics has become more number. We then outfit your de- Brooklyn prevalent, especially in New vices with a uniquely identifiable Housing Bureau Police Kent Higgins Breukelen Houses, 330 Stanley Avenue, Apt. 2A, York City, due to their high serial number FREE of charge, Chief Joanne Jaffe Brooklyn resale value. That’s why elec- using either a highly adhesive Anthony Phelps Woodside Houses, 50-05 Broadway, Apt. 5C, Queens tronic devices are more likely sticker or the engraving process. the odds of recovering your Jesus Rodriguez 344 East 28th Street Houses, 344 East 28th Street, to be the target of theft, even Benefits from this program property. Apt. 18D, Manhattan more so than money. include: How to get started? You Maliek Smith Armstrong II Houses, 375 Lexington Avenue, Apt. 4E, Brooklyn What can you do? Remain • The marked property is more can contact your local Police Lawrence Stokes Langston Hughes Houses, 315 Sutter Avenue, Apt. alert and be aware of your difficult for a thief to sell. Service Area / Precinct Crime 15B, Brooklyn surroundings when using your • Stolen property in the posses- Prevention Officer, telephone device. Don’t leave your device sion of a thief is easily trace- the Community Affairs Bureau Prohibited as of September 5, 2012 unattended. Use the security able to its rightful owner. at (646) 610-5323, or e-mail David Gill Todt Hill Houses, 176 Schmidts Lane, Apt. 3E, Staten Island features of your phone, includ- • If you are a victim of theft or the Community Affairs Steven Nivar Astoria Houses, 4-21 Astoria Boulevard, Apt. 4E, Queens ing pin lock, Find my iPhone, loss, registering your property Bureau at Angel Olivio Gowanus Houses, 198 Bond Street, Apt. 3D, Brooklyn Carmelo Ortiz Elliott Houses, 446 West 26th Street, Apt. 9E, as well as other applicable with the NYPD could improve [email protected]. Manhattan Android Applications, etc. Jesus Pimental Marlboro Houses, 2220 West 11th Street, Apt. 5F, What can the NYPD do for IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, DIAL 911 Brooklyn you? Operation Identification (NON-EMERGENCY, DIAL 311) is a crime prevention program Prohibited as of September 12, 2012 Help us fight terrorism, report suspicious activity to the Darryl Andrews Morris Houses, 1460 Washington Avenue, offered free of charge by the Apt. 2B, Bronx New York City Police Depart- COUNTER TERRORISM HOTLINE: Jean Paul Rodriguez Woodside Houses, 50-34 Broadway, ment, which involves register- Apt. 6H, Queens ing the serial numbers of your 1-888-NYC-SAFE (1-888-692-7233) Zenquell Rodriguez Riis Houses, 90 Avenue D, Apt. 8A, Manhattan Billy Shuff Morris Houses, 1460 Washington Avenue, Apt. 2B, Bronx  continued from page 1 Prohibited as of September 19, 2012 NYCHA Commits to Eliminate Maintenance and Repairs Backlog James Butler Morrisania Houses, 1285 Washington Avenue, Apt. 9B, Bronx spaces,” said Mayor Michael Greg Freeman a/k/a Craig Freeman Wyckoff Gardens Houses, 130 Bloomberg, who joined with 3rd Avenue, Apt. 19H, Brooklyn Chairman Rhea to announce the Phillip Hanna a/k/a Phillip Hannah a/k/a Phillip Burroughs Gowanus plan at Drew Hamilton Houses Houses, 427 Baltic Street, Apt. 5C, Brooklyn in Manhattan on January 31. Kevin King Seth Low Houses, 131 Belmont Avenue, Apt. 6G, Brooklyn Felix Tejada Mill Brook Houses, 620 East 137th Street, Apt. 10H, Bronx “Despite these severe funding Reinaldo Torres Monroe Houses, 877 Taylor Avenue, Apt. 5A, Bronx challenges, we refuse to turn our Bayona Washington Lower East Side II Houses, 628 East 5th Street, backs on public housing – some- Apt. 1A, Manhattan thing we have seen other cities throughout the country do.” NYCHA is able to put the Action Plan in place now by NYC’s New TXT-2-Work Can reinvesting $40 million into repair efforts picked up from savings in administrative costs, Help Connect You to a Job and from the City Council. o you get public assistance, food stamps or housing assis- NYCHA has hired more than Dtance? Sign up for TXT-2-Work today to start getting NYC 500 additional workers over the job openings texted directly to your phone! past year for maintenance and 1. Sign up by texting the word “JOBS” to 877877 for available skilled trades. positions in the transportation, education, retail, healthcare “This plan looks good on pa- and security fields, and more. per and could well work,” said changes on scheduling repairs, sources necessary to get the job 2. Get texts about job openings and how to apply. As jobs be- Local 237 President Gregory a noticeable turnaround is done for the residents.” come available, you will get texts. Floyd, which represents 7,000 expected to be seen over the “This Plan is the culmination 3. Once you get a job, the City Human Resources Administra- NYCHA workers. “Our mem- next six months. of input from a broad group of tion (HRA) can continue to help you with work support pro- bers always have done this best “I commend John Rhea and NYCHA stakeholders, including grams, like food stamps and public health insurance, to help and will continue to do so.” the Executive team for coming employees, unions, advocacy you reach financial independence. NYCHA also is ensuring the up with a strategy and plan to groups and residents,” said Many jobs pay $10+ per hour! For more information, visit availability of important equip- address the backlog work orders NYCHA General Manager Cecil www.nyc.gov and search for “NYC Business Link” or call 311. ment and materials; more effec- that are necessary,” said Regi- House. “With this Action Plan Txt-2-Work is a voluntary, opt-in service. Standard text mes- tively scheduling repair crews; nald Bowman, President of the we are empowering NYCHA saging rates may apply. Check with your service provider. You and enhancing performance Citywide Council of Presidents. workers with tools and resources can opt-out at any time by replying STOP to any text received. management. While residents “And I applaud the Mayor for that they need to eliminate the will not see any immediate assisting NYCHA with the re- backlog of repair work orders.” The Housing Authority Journal March 2013 5

Flat Rent Ensures All Residents Will Pay

Equal Share Protect Your Social Security Benefits s NYCHA continues to face an additional $135 million, which supported the change and many cammers are using personal information to re-direct Aunderfunding from the fed- will be used to better maintain spoke out in support of it. Sthe direct deposit of Social Security benefits. To eral government, its buildings building services and property The overall average rent in- help protect yourself you can tell the Social Security get older and the waiting list for upgrades for all developments. crease for affected households in Administration that no changes may be made to your public housing sits at more than Households that pay less 2013 will be $58. The increase will account unless you appear in person. To exercise this 160,000, the Authority keeps than 30 percent of their an- be phased in gradually over the option you may go to www.socialsecurity.gov/blockaccess looking for new ways to secure nual income toward rent have next five years, beginning in May. or call the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213. and maximize funding sources an average income of more The exact amount of the increase Say “agent” to speak with a live person. and improve delivery of services than $48,000, but they pay an will be calculated as a part of resi- in order to preserve public hous- average of only 21 percent of dents’ annual review process, and Tips to avoid scams and identity theft: ing in New York City. One critical that income for their monthly notices started going out with the • Never give out personal information when receiving an way NYCHA will do that is by rent. Eighty-six percent of these March rent bill. Residents can get unexpected phone call restoring rent equity to ensure households earn their income an estimate of their new rent by • Don’t respond to mail, e-mails or text messages that ask that all residents pay 30 percent from having a job. The average using the “Flat Rent Calculator” for personal information of their income toward rent. household income NYCHA-wide on NYCHA’s website at • Never agree to send or wire money to an unknown person More than 47,000 NYCHA is less than $24,000. Under the www.nyc.gov/nycharenttool. • Shred papers with personal information before you throw households currently pay less new policy, the more money a Anyone with questions should them out than 30 percent of their income resident earns, the higher his/ contact their management office. • Read your credit reports and financial account statements toward rent. To make sure all her monthly rent will be, bring- on a regular basis residents are subject to the ing them closer to their fair Rent maximums • Get FREE credit reports by calling 877-322-8228 or going same standards, NYCHA will share of rent. to www.annualcreditreport.com increase rent maximums and The vast majority of residents for 2013 If you think you have been the victim of an identity theft, gradually raise rents for these – more than 70 percent – already Studio $946 you should contact the Federal Trade Commission at households, by up to 30 percent pays 30 percent of income in 1 bedroom $1,024 www.consumer.ftc.gov, or call 877-438-4338; of their income based on the rent and will not be affected. 2 bedrooms $1,139 TTY: 866-653-4261. federal Department of Housing The change to NYCHA’s rental 3 bedrooms $1,402 and Urban Development’s (HUD) policy was discussed with 4 bedrooms $1,576 affordable fair market rent. This residents at its Draft Annual is consistent with what housing Plan roundtable discussions in 5 bedrooms $1,813 authorities in other cities do. 2012. At those meetings, most 6 bedrooms $2,049 Comments? Questions? E-mail [email protected]. NYCHA estimates it will retain resident leaders and residents

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Carver Cash Access Card is issued by Central National Bank of Enid, Oklahoma pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Funds are insured up to $250,000 by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). 6 March 2013 The Housing Authority Journal Q & A with Director of Resident Engagement Melba Butler By Eric Deutsch ast fall, NYCHA created them, we have to find ways to What interested you in taking L a new Office of Resident engage them. For example, the this job, why do you enjoy Engagement, which interacts Resident Green Committees going out and working with Resident Associations and and the Gardening and Green- with residents? finds ways to get residents in- ing program support the devel- I care very deeply about volved and informed in NYCHA opments, beautify the com- people being able to maximize programs. The Journal recently munity and improve the quality their potential. Much of my work spoke with Dr. Melba Butler, of life of our residents. We also experience before coming to Director of Resident Engage- will work with residents living in NYCHA focused on the interac- ment, about the role the Office Zone A flood zones to become tions of children with their fami- will play at NYCHA and how she better prepared for disasters, lies and communities, kind of like and her staff can help residents. and build on NYCHA’s existing in a concentric circle. This posi- emergency preparedness efforts tion is an opportunity to work Why is the Office of Resident to help residents become more more with the adults and the Engagement important for self-sufficient. We want to make community in that circle, while NYCHA to have? this into a consistent effort that still being able to impact the NYCHA’s Director of Resident Engagement Melba Butler (left) speaks with Our overall focus is to en- regularly goes through drills. lives of children. I care very much residents at one of the meetings her office has facilitated since Hurricane Sandy hance the resident voice within about finding ways to support hit New York City. NYCHA, and to support and What do you expect the office people in taking charge of their strengthen residents so they will focus on in the next lives and their communities. And and the skills to use that voice to To contact Melba Butler, exercise that voice in a way that few months? I also want to make sure that contribute to the sustainability of please e-mail her at can impact the way NYCHA After Hurricane Sandy, which residents have an informed voice public housing. [email protected]. does business. This is important happened one week after I start- because in any community, to ed working at NYCHA, we held the extent that residents are many meetings with affected involved and invested in their residents across the city. We are Why Do So Many Tenant & Resident Associations community, it enhances the going to take that model and likelihood of the success and expand it into other areas so we at NYCHA Use BOB MANN TOURS? viability of that community. can figure out how we can best support residents. These meet- * Attention To Detail * Low Prices That Benefit Groups What are some ways the office ings include NYCHA employees We Offer: can help residents? from many departments, so * A Variety of Tour Destinations * New & Exciting Tours Every Year Anyone serving on the Resi- residents get responses to their dent Engagement staff will have concerns and have the opportu- to relate well to the diversity of nity to learn about different parts NYCHA residents – young and of the Authority. The department old, multiethnic, multiple lan- also is focusing on Tenant Par- guages, new residents and long ticipation Activity, or TPA, funds timers. They have to be able to that Resident Associations use connect across the board. We for their activities which are vital GROUP PACKAGES TO: recognize that some people to supporting resident engage- Amusement Parks, Heritage Tours, Lobster & Crab Feasts, Casino’s & Family Reunions are involved in the Resident As- ment. One of our tasks is to look Phone: 718-628-9030 Toll Free: 1-888-745-9897 sociations, but there is a whole at how those funds can best be www.bobmanntours.com universe of residents who are used to support our efforts to not. If we’re going to include enhance resident participation.

NYCHA Youth Spread the group of NYCHA youth put their talents as poets to use to get the word out about keep- Aing developments clean. They wrote “trash haikus” as part of an after-school program at Word to Keep Developments the Lehman Village and Clinton Community Centers run by NYCHA and the Museum of the Cleaner and Greener City of New York. Artwork then was added to the poems; a few examples are shown.

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NYCHA Beats Blizzard, NYCHA Post-Sandy Work Continues Provides Resident Support Additional reporting by Eric Deutsch and Howard Silver Throughout Snowstorm t has been close to half a year since Hurricane fter the snowstorm that hit Emergency Grant to follow up ISandy hit New York City, and recovery efforts still ANew York City from Febru- with residents in Sandy-affected continue. Over the past two months, NYCHA’s ary 8 to February 9, NYCHA areas in Brooklyn, Manhattan Capital Projects Department has worked to make completed snow removal at and Queens. sure residents living in Coney Island, Red Hook all 334 developments citywide NYCHA’s Customer Con- and the Rockaways could get their lives back to during the weekend. Staff tact Center was staffed over normal. This included replacing the generators that worked throughout the week- the weekend to receive calls operate mobile boilers with electric transformers, end to provide normal service regarding snow removal and which improved the reliability of heat and hot water to residents, and the Family any other concerns, and it used service. In addition, Capital Projects managed on- Services Department conducted the new NYCHA Alerts system going restoration and mold remediation work, such outreach to thousands of house- to inform residents of potential as cleaning and sanitizing apartments and building holds, including seniors living service disruptions (see page areas, and site-specific tasks, such as removing alone, those on life-sustaining 1). In addition, NYCHA was sand from Coney Island developments. equipment and those with mo- helped by Resident Association “We continue to run a seven-day-a-week opera- bility impairments. In addition, Presidents – particularly those in tion, with more than 50 percent of our staff involved NYCHA teamed with resident Flood Zone A – to outline snow in continuing recovery work,” said Executive Vice- outreach workers hired through preparation plans, so they could President for Capital Projects Raymond Ribeiro. NYCHA contractors conduct mold remediation at LaGuardia the U.S. Department of Labor inform their neighbors about NYCHA’s efforts also include planning for the Houses after Hurricane Sandy. post-Hurricane Sandy National NYCHA’s efforts. future. As part of the $1.77 billion in Commu- vices such as elevators and emergency lighting nity Development Block Grants New York City are maintained during and after a storm.” received from the federal government for Sandy NYCHA’s Office of Resident Engagement is recovery, NYCHA will get $120 million to install looking for ways to apply lessons learned from the back-up generators at key buildings to power storm in the future, particularly from the experi- critical building systems during and after storms. ence of residents who did not evacuate and how “NYCHA will use these funds to install back-up they managed. “We want to see how that can generators and other critical equipment above help NYCHA and residents plan for future disas- flood levels in more than 100 of our buildings ters,” said Director of Resident Engagement Mel- in low-lying areas, focusing on buildings with ba Butler. “We will look at what NYCHA did and high concentrations of seniors and vulnerable what resources residents’ found in their communi- A NYCHA truck in action during the snow storm that hit New York City from residents,” said NYCHA Chairman John B. Rhea. ties and from their neighbors that helped them to February 8-February 9, 2013. Photo credit: Andre Christopher Rivera. “These upgrades will ensure that essential ser- be able to stay in place during the storm.” Now Accepting Applications for Kindergarten and 5th Grade Free, K-12 public charter schools in Crown Heights, Harlem, the South Bronx, and Washington Heights.

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KIPP NYC acepta aplicaciones de todos los estudiantes incluyendo los estudiantes con necesidades especiales y estudiantes aprendiendo el ingles. 8 March 2013 The Housing Authority Journal

NYCHA Youth Nominated for Scholarships for Public Housing Residents he New York City Housing Author- School for Global Studies, and Dorothy A Message from the Department of Education T ity is committed to helping public Bailey, who lives in Queensbridge North his school year, public school students across the City are housing and Section 8 residents achieve Houses in Queens and attends Queens Treading more difficult books and spending more time writing. their goals of higher learning and actively Vocational and Technical High School, When students share their opinions, teachers are asking them to seeks and promotes opportunities for both are nominated for the PHADA use evidence to back up their points. In math class, students are NYCHA residents to afford a college scholarship. Esther Wen, who lives in solving more real-world math problems than in the past. education. The Scholarship Committee at Brooklyn in Section 8 housing and at- These changes are due to the introduction of the NYCHA has nominated three outstanding tends Brooklyn Technical High School, Common Core standards. Education experts, teachers and par- high school seniors for consideration of Justin Mejia, a received nominations for both the ents developed the standards to describe what students from senior living at Red college scholarships offered by the Public Hook East Houses, PHADA and NYSPHADA programs. pre-kindergarten to 12th grade need to know and be able to Housing Authorities Directors Association is nominated for a All three will compete against other do to graduate from high school ready for college and a career. (PHADA) and the New York State chapter college scholarship public housing and Section 8 graduating To qualify for high-quality jobs in the 21st century, our students offered by the Public of the organization (NYSPHADA). The Housing Authorities seniors throughout New York State for the need to develop stronger writing, critical-thinking, problem- awards range in value from $750 up to Directors Association. NYSPHADA scholarship. In the case of solving and creative skills. The Common Core standards, $7,000 and honor academic excellence, Photo credit: Justin Mejia the PHADA scholarship, they face nation- combined with excellent classroom instruction and help from as well as community responsibility among high wide competition. NYCHA wishes Justin, Dorothy parents and families, will help us get there. school students. and Esther the best of luck, and considers them all This spring, students in grades 3-8 will take State reading and Justin Mejia, who lives in Red Hook East to be fine representatives of the hard-working spirit math tests that are based on these higher standards. In the 2013- Houses in Brooklyn and attends the Brooklyn of public housing and Section 8 families. 14 school year, high school students will take Regents exams in English and some math courses that also are based on these Here is Justin Mejia’s nominated essay: standards. We expect these tests to be more difficult, and for an While living in public housing I have seen and heard things that a child should not witness. I have seen drugs being important reason: we want all of our students to graduate from sold, violent fights and arguments, gang violence and much more. As a child I always wondered what was going on our schools prepared for college and a good job. Still, when stu- around me and now I know what it is, chaos. I see the environment I live in as a dangerous one. When I walk around dents in other states have taken similar tests, scores have gone in my neighborhood I must be very careful of who I look at and what I look at. In today’s society I have learnt that it down. At first, it’s likely that our results will be lower, too. is very easy to throw your life away especially when you live in a place where most people frown upon. I would never The new standards represent a big change for students and frown on public housing because it is the place I call home and where I feel comfortable. I appreciate where I live teachers, and the Department of Education has been working and I am not ashamed to admit that I live in public housing. Living in public housing has taught me to appreciate hard to support schools during this transition. Fully adjusting to everything I have and to allow myself to reach for the stars. Public housing has also taught me that I cannot just grow these new standards will take time, but students will get there. up and be a man, I must grow up and be a successful man who has made a name for himself. This is why I attend Resources to help parents learn more about these changes are school and will attend college. I attend school to learn important life skills and knowledge that will help me achieve available online. Please visit www.nyc.gov and search for “Com- my educational and life goals. mon Core Library.” Public schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott also In high school I have seen what it is like to follow a path of destruction and I have experienced the opposite. is asking teachers and principals to talk with their school commu- Although the influence to ruin my life is all around me, I keep myself on the right path. I am living the life of a high nities about these changes in February and March. school student that has a clean record and great grades. I made it my first priority to graduate high school in the top ten of my class. I am currently ranked number two in my school. It is an accomplishment I am very proud of. In high school, students take the time to get their feet wet in different experiences. They try new things even things that they NYCHA Invests Another $18 Million in know are dangerous to their health. As a responsible student I have chosen not to endanger my health and by making Capital Improvements and Repairs this decision I have made friends that follow the same path as me. My high school experience was one well lived. I was YCHA continues to invest date of 24 months, and meet able to be social and keep myself on track with my goals. I was never alone at lunch and I was happy. Living in public Nin capital improvements to its expenditure targets for those housing and my high school experience has taught me that life is short and you only have one chance at it but that keep its buildings structurally projects in 36 months, as op- does not mean that you cannot be responsible and make the right decisions. sound and in a state of good posed to HUD’s current mandate repair. Another $18 million in of 48 months. Enhancements to repairs to roofs, elevators, brick- NYCHA’s current planning and Now Accepting Applications for the 2013–2014 School Year work, kitchens, bathrooms, and process management practices Applications due by April 1 at 5 pm other upgrades are underway, are underway to facilitate these to the benefit of approximately new targeted timelines. Ascend Learning college-preparatory charter schools equip every 22,000 NYCHA residents at 11 The capital projects sched- student with the knowledge, confidence, and character to succeed developments. The work is part uled to begin in the first quarter in college and beyond. Our schools are tuition-free and open to all of NYCHA’s 2013 Capital Plan of 2013 include: on a space-available basis. and is funded by capital grants • East New York City Line - We offer your child a K–12 learning experience that includes: from the federal Department of Roof replacement Housing and Urban Develop- • Glenwood - Installation of  Math, science, social studies, English language arts, all powered by the ment (HUD). security cameras Sabis educational system “NYCHA continues to make • Ingersoll - Kitchen upgrades  Art, music, Spanish, physical education improvements to its building • Isaacs - Installation of security  Opportunities to develop leadership skills and social, ethical, and structures and systems by spend- cameras and new intercom moral values ing its money wisely, and in the system; lighting fixture and  Committed and caring teachers who build the skills and knowledge that best interests of residents,” spray shower upgrades will put your child on the path to a rewarding and fulfilling life said NYCHA Chairman John B. • Jackson - Installation of Rhea. “These major upgrades security cameras To apply, or for more information: are needed regularly to ensure • Murphy - Installation of Visit our website at www.ascendlearning.org or call 718-240-9162 ext. 1079 the preservation of our aging security cameras and new Attend an Information Session on Saturday, March 16 (see our website for building stock, with 70 percent intercom system times and locations) of our buildings more than 40 • Red Hook West - Brickwork

® years old.” and re-pointing Schools in Bushwick and Brownsville. New schools opening in Canarsie NYCHA also is implement- • South Jamaica - Basketball e and Williamsburg. asc nd ing a Capital Plan to obligate court renovation Admission is strictly by lottery. Our schools are open to all, regardless of academic its annual federal funding for • Taft Rehab - Bathroom ability, prior academic achievement, special needs, or English language learner status. capital projects in 18 months, as renovations opposed to HUD’s current man- • Whitman - Kitchen upgrades The Housing Authority Journal March 2013 9

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NYC Taxi Smart Card NYCHA Initiatives Highlighted in Program Helps Disabled State of the City Address in Brooklyn & Queens Additional reporting by “To raise the revenue Howard Silver NYCHA residents deserve, we’ll esidents with disabilities who live in Canarsie and Flatlands ayor Michael R. Bloom- begin the process of developing R in Brooklyn, and Astoria in Queens, now can get assistance Mberg mentioned NYCHA new housing at underdevel- in paying for taxis and livery cabs. The Mayor’s Office for Dis- during his State of the City oped NYCHA sites. You know, abilities (MOPD) and the Department for the Aging (DFTA) are speech on February 14, 2013. some people in elected office running a pilot program in those neighborhoods called Taxi Below are excerpts as prepared. and in the press have taken Smart Card that provides pre-loaded debit cards that can be “Of the 2,000 people em- cheap shots at NYCHA in recent used for cab fare as an alternative to Access-A-Ride. ployed (at the Barclays Center), months. But none of them have Participants can use the Taxi Smart Card to go to doctor’s ap- our Workforce One Centers offered a plan to fix the revenue pointments, visit relatives and/or friends, for transport to super- helped 1,100 of them find problem. Well, we have a plan – markets or shopping centers, etc. The Taxi Smart Card Program their jobs. Nearly 75 percent and we will move forward on it can be a good resource for transportation during off-peak peri- of them are Brooklyn residents this year.” ods, nights and weekends and for trips that don’t fit into regular and because of the outreach NYCHA Construction Project Manager In addition, Construc- Access-A-Ride routes or public transportation. we did, about one-third are Oscar Esposito stood at the dais tion Project Manager Oscar during Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s The Taxi Smart Card only can be used in taxi cabs and livery NYCHA residents. That’s only State of the City address. Esposito in the Capital Projects cars. Enrollees contribute $12.50 and the program contributes right – because after all, one Department, stood at the dais $87.50 for a total of $100. Participants can reload the card four of the owners here grew up decades of federal disinvest- during the speech. The May- more times. They also receive a telephone directory with livery in Marcy Houses. His name is ment. Two weeks ago, NYCHA or’s Office bestowed the honor service providers in their area. Shawn Carter, and if you don’t announced a new action plan to on Mr. Esposito in recognition For more information, go to DFTA’s website at recognize that name, you may virtually eliminate their backlog of his outstanding work to www.nyc.gov/aging, or call DFTA at (212) 442-3026 or know him by what he’s been of work orders. But the fact is: restore vital services at devel- MOPD at (212) 788-2830. called since the Super Bowl: there’s just not enough federal opments in the Rockaways fol- Beyoncé’s husband. . . money to maintain the build- lowing Hurricane Sandy. “This he NYC Taxi Smart Card Program is available in Brooklyn “We’ll continue to stand with ings. We can either allow them honor came as a complete TCommunity District 18 and Queens Community District 1. all the residents affected by the to crumble, or knock them surprise,” said Mr. Esposito, Residents in the following NYCHA developments are eligible storm, and that goes for public down, or find new revenue for who only learned the day be- to apply: housing residents, as well. Hurri- repairs and capital investments. fore that he would attend the Brooklyn CD 18 Queens CD 1 cane Sandy made painfully clear I know which is right for New State of the City Address. “The Bayview Astoria just how much NYCHA’s aging York: our Administration will not recognition should include the Breukelen Queensbridge North housing stock is suffering from walk away from public housing. rest of our team, as well.” Glenwood Queensbridge South Ravenswood Woodside NYCHA Board Member Victor A. Gonzalez Helps Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries Harlem River West Brighton Houses Houses Celebrates Celebrates 50th 75th Anniversary Anniversary Patricia McCrea, Harlem Beatrice Everett, West Brighton River Houses Resident Houses Resident Association Association President President, and Rosetta (center), was on hand to Newcombe, prior Resident celebrate. Association President, joined development and borough staff.

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