The NYCHA Employee ulletin B October 2008/Volume 4/Number 5 Contents Section 8 Voluntary Transition Program Approved

Page 2 Passing of Barry Jennings Deputy Director, ESD Page 3 NICE Pilot Project Well in Hand ADGM of Operations for Management Gloria Finkelman answers questions about the Section 8 Voluntary Transition Program at Boulevard Houses Tenant Association meeting on October 22. Page 5 Assistant Director of Leased Housing Robert Tesoriero is seated at right with TA leaders. Language Bank Recognition Ceremony NYCHA has received final approval NYCHA’s continued operation of from HUD’s New York Office for its the unfunded units — which represent Hispanic Dinner Dance Section 8 Voluntary Transition Program. almost 10 percent of its total housing The historic initiative will provide a stock — accounts for nearly half of the Page 6 permanent funding stream for 21,000 Authority’s FY 2008 budget deficit of units of unsubsidized public housing $170 million. NYCHA Life Photos in 21 City-and State-built develop- “Our senior management team and Page 7 ments by gradually transitioning 8,400 their staff should be gratified that their of them into the federal Section 8 hard work has come to fruition,” NYCHA Celebrates voucher assistance program. Chairman Tino Hernandez said for Customer Service Week NYCHA’s program is the first in the Bulletin publication. “By obtaining per- Page 8 nation to transition manent federal fund- public housing units “Our senior management team ing for these units, NYCHA’s Biographer into Section 8 assis- and their staff should be gratified that NYCHA has alleviated Comes Calling tance. A mix of public their hard work has come to fruition.” a major source of housing residents and fPage 8 its projected budget Section 8 voucher holders will reside in shortfalls and helped to preserve New Lotto Smiles on NYCHA the developments, which NYCHA will York's public housing.” continue to own and operate. Preliminary approval of the Page 9 Approval of the transition program unprecedented program by HUD last Advanced HPT Graduation is the culmination of a multi-year December was subject to the acceptance effort that began in June 2006 with of NYCHA’s management and imple- Page 10 the NYCHA Board’s adoption of the mentation plan by HUD’s New York Special Customer Plan to Preserve Public Housing. The office. The now-approved procedure PPPH called for the transition of 8,400 will be implemented for the 21 devel- Service Nuggets units of unsubsidized public housing opments concurrently. Page 11 into Section 8 as a means to provide “This is the first time HUD has operating funds for all 21,000 unsub- allowed a public housing authority to CAA Mid-Autumn Festival sidized units in 21 City- and State-built transition units from their inventory to developments. When complete, the make them available to Section 8 Page 12 changeover will generate enough rev- voucher holders,” ADGM of Operations Letters enue to cover total operating costs, for Leased Housing Gregory Kern said. when combined with rental income. (continued on page 4) Page 2 Employee Bulletin

Bulletin Board The Bulletin Board posts information about events, policies and programs.

Congratulations Congratulations are extended to Passing of Barry Jennings Gregory Kern, former Director of the The Bulletin regrets to report the passing of Deputy Direc- Leased Housing Department, who was tor of the Emergency Services Department (ESD) Barry promoted to Assistant Deputy General Jennings on August 19, 2008. Manager of Operations for Leased Mr. Jennings began his distinguished career at the Housing, effective August 31, 2008. Authority as a CETA (Comprehensive Employment and Training Act) worker in 1975. For the next 37 years, he rose through the ranks from Caretaker and Heating Plant Floating Holiday Technician to Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent, and Employees who are entitled to a finally Administrative Superintendent. “floating holiday” during calendar In 2002 Mr. Jennings was promoted to the highly demanding position of year 2008 for Lincoln’s Birthday are Emergency Coordinator/Deputy Director in ESD. The dedication and proficien- reminded that this paid holiday must cy with which he discharged his duties were widely recognized within and be used during this year (with prior beyond his department. supervisory authorization), and cannot As Emergency Coordinator, Mr. Jennings worked tirelessly on NYCHA’s role ordinarily be carried over to the next in the City’s Coastal Storm Plan for hurricane preparedness. year. Mr. Jennings's ability to face and survive disaster had earlier been tested during the tragic events of 9/11, when he was credited with saving the life of NYCHA Holiday Party Corporation Counsel Michael Hess. Called to the Emergency Command Center on the 27th floor of Building 7 after the first attack, Mr. Jennings soon became NYCHA’s 2008 Holiday Party is sched- entrapped, along with Mr. Hess, whom he assisted throughout the ordeal, until uled for Monday, December 22, 2008, they were rescued by the Fire Department. from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. The Holi- Later that same day, still covered with soot and partly in shock, Mr. Jen- day Party will be celebrated at Pier nings reported to work to the applause of his stunned staff. Sixty at the Chelsea Piers, located at The service for Barry Jennings was attended by dignitaries from NYCHA, 23rd Street on the Hudson River. For NYPD, the Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management and other City agencies. additional information, see the What’s The Bulletin extends its deepest sympathies to Mr. Jennings’s family, New feature on the Employee Home friends and colleagues. Page or call (212) 306-8401.

Mayor’s Graduate Scholarship Program Applications must be submitted to Agency Personnel The Department of Citywide Administrative Services is Offices by Monday, November 17, 2008. For information accepting applications for the 2009-10 Mayor's Graduate about participating schools, eligible degrees, and other Scholarship Program (MGSP). This competitive program program requirements, visit the MGSP Web site at provides a limited number of full or partial scholarships for www.nyc.gov/mgsp. For general information, you may call full-time City employees to pursue certain a graduate degrees. MGSP atl (212) 669-4163.

NYCHA Employee Bulletin Chairman...... Tino Hernandez Vice-Chairman...... Earl Andrews, Jr. Member...... Margarita López Secretary...... Vilma Huertas General Manager...... Douglas Apple Director, Dept. of Communications ...... Sheila Greene Editor...... Howard Silver Senior Photographer...... Pete Mikoleski Photographer ...... Leticia Barboza New York City Housing Authority Department of Communications 250 Broadway - 12th floor New York, NY 10007 (212) 306-4384 [email protected] Employee Bulletin Page 3 NICE Pilot Project Well in Hand After working for almost one year to How easy is the two-pound device validate plans, verify procedures and to carry and use in tight, dimly lit develop a comprehensive approach spaces? How accurately can its 54 for the far-reaching NYCHA Improving multi-functional keys be depressed? Customer Experience (NICE) initia- How convenient is the software for tive, a small pilot project with large record the inspection result for each potential is now underway. item? NYCHA inspectors will be It measures almost 10 inches long answering these questions and more by about four inches wide. throughout the pilot program, which That’s the size of the new hand- will be expanded into Maintenance held device being used by specially Operations in early 2009. Their input trained employees in Maintenance will improve the application as it is Operations to perform all elevator refined for the next phase of NICE. inspections in all five boroughts, and It is anticipated that the handheld annual apartment inspections in Stat- device may be tested this fall for com- Maintenance Worker Hyman Donnell of the en Island and Queens. patibility with the wireless network Queens Management Department checks for Replacing pages of forms attached being developed by the City of New leaks in kitchen sink cabinet and enters find- to the familiar clipboard, the device York. Transmission through the network ings on handheld device during pilot project. will eventually be used for all apart- would speed inspection results to the ment inspections citywide, in addition database almost instantaneously. Eventually, inspection results will to elevator inspections, helping to be transmitted to Maximo, NYCHA’s automate the inspection process. new centralized asset management In addition to testing the rugged system, which will be implemented device selected to withstand field use, incrementally in 2009. If a deficiency the pilot project evaluates its specially is noted during an elevator or apart- designed software to record inspection ment inspection, Maximo will auto- results on hundreds of items. Feed- matically generate a maintenance back from the inspectors, who per- work order when inspection results formed the same function before the are downloaded. Maximo will also pilot, will be important in evaluating automate the scheduling of inspection equipment and procedures. work orders and service requests. The handheld device uses a Win- NYCHA performs nearly 175,000 dows CE operating system. Each apartment inspections annually and morning it is synchronized with the thousands of elevator inspections on appropriate database to download the its 3,335 elevators each year. day’s scheduled inspections. At the Faster transmission of inspection end of the day, inspection results are results through handheld computers transmitted from the device back into will bring more timely maintenance the database. The simple downloading and repairs, enhancing the safety, process takes just a few seconds. Poster announcing pilot project to workforce. convenience and comfort of residents.

Executive Leadership Program Reception John Mogulescu, A reception was held on October 14 for ten of the Authority’s already accom- Sr. Univ. Dean of plished senior administrators that were about to begin an intensive, seven-day Academic Affairs, training and development program that provides senior managers with a unique was among the opportunity to further enhance their skills. CUNY and NYCHA Developed in partnership with the CUNY School of Professional Studies, the senior executives Executive Leadership Program for department directors compliments NYCHA’s that addressed the Leadership Academy, which develops the skills of NYCHA’s middle managers. Executive Leader- The Executive Leadership Program’s second class includes: Jane Bura- ship class at the Drago, Sam Mordi, Ilia Figueroa, Jeffrey Pagelson, Celeste Morgan Glenn, CUNY School of Nelson Hernandez, Dawn Pinnock, Nora Reissig-Lazzaro, Carolyn Jasper and Professional studies. Conrad Vazquez. Look for their graduation photo in the next Employee Bulletin. Page 4 Employee Bulletin

Section 8 Transition Program Approved (continued)

New Management and Under the Section 8 Voluntary The first NYCHA apartment in a Implementation Procedures Transition program, NYCHA will even- formerly unsubsidized unit is expected Transition of the 8,400 units will occur tually become the nation’s largest to be rented to a NYCHA-issued Sec- gradually over the course of five years. Section 8 landlord. NYCHA already tion 8 voucher holder by the end of Residents can voluntarily transition in administers the nation’s largest Sec- the year. place to NYCHA’s Section 8 assistance, tion 8 housing voucher program. Like Residents interested in NYCHA’s or NYCHA-issued Section 8 voucher the approximately 32,000 landlords Section 8 Voluntary Transition Pro- holders can rent the units when they that rent Section 8 apartments in New gram should speak with their manage- become vacant. York, NYCHA will receive a subsidy ment office. Section 8 voucher holders Households that remain in the from HUD for the difference between must register their interest on NYCHA’s public housing program may continue the “fair market rent” of its Section 8 website at www.nyc.gov/nycha or by to reside in their apartment as long as units and the 30 percent of household calling (212) 306-3650. they wish, or may transfer – with the income that Section 8 tenants pay highest transfer priority, at NYCHA’s toward their rent. expense – to a federal public housing development of their choice. Boulevard Houses Tenant Association Meeting Residents who transition to Section 8 assistance may also remain in their Public housing resi- residents for their support in petitioning dents that attended HUD to approve this program. With apartment, or may use their housing a Tenant Associa- your help, we will now have the funding voucher for a Section 8 rental in tion meeting at necessary to preserve these buildings, another City or State development, a Boulevard Houses which NYCHA will continue to own and private Section 8 rental in New York on a chilly October operate,” Ms. Finkelman said. City, or a Section 8 rental anywhere in evening had ques- “You have the choice to remain here the United States or its territories. The tions about their as a public housing resident, or apply for portability option of the voucher is new options – and Section 8,“ Assistant Director of Leased considered one of its main advantages. Robert Tesoriero concerns. Housing Robert Tesoriero affirmed. When an apartment in the 21 City- “I am not here to The“Residents mixed whodevelopments want to apply will for remain a Sec- sell you the Section tion 8 voucher should do it now.” or State-built developments becomes owned, operated, and maintained by 8 Voluntary Transition Program,” ADGM of NYCHA has mailed letters to house- nycha. Annual inspections for apart- vacant, any NYCHA-issued Section 8 Operations for Management Gloria holds in all 21 of the affected develop- voucher holder may apply. Finkelman told more than 100 residents mentsments andoccupied to 15,000 by SectionNYCHA 8 Section voucher 8 Public housing residents that tran- who overfilled the basement room. “I am holders,voucher holdershowever, looking will befor apartments.performed sition into Section 8 retain all previous here to give you information to help by NYC“Response Dept of has HPDhowever, been strong,” will hebe rights specified under the lease. They you decide if the program is right for you.” inspectedsaid. “More by; than all 700residents voucher will holders have cannot change back to public housing Representatives from the Executive theregistered same theirset of interest services through and ourwill spe- be without filing a new application and Department first visited the 21 affected eligiblecial call-in for centerthe same or on-line NYCHA on pro- the first being placed on the public housing developments in 2006 to explain why grams.;day after alsothe mailing will have went the out.” same pub- NYCHA was requesting the changes. Residents were advised to visit their waiting list. Under Section 8, if a lic housing rights and responsibilities They promised to return if the program Management Office for additional assis- except for the obligation to perform 8 voucher holder’s income increases to were approved. tance in determining if Section 8 was the a level that is sufficient to pay the “I want to thank TA President Inez hoursbest option of comm for their svs. family. rules apply to entire rent, they will no longer be eli- Rodriguez, the executive board and gible for the housing subsidy.

Human Resources Employee Recognition Honorees The Human Resources Department held its quarterly Employee Recognition Program (ERP) awards ceremony in September for the second quarter of 2008. Lourdes Maldonado, HR Receptionist and Timekeeper for the Records Control Division, received the Employee of the Quarter award and was presented with a personalized plaque. Kronos Timekeeping Unit The KRONOS Unit, consisting of eleven employees, received Sheila Nash, Yolanda Singleton, Sheri the award for Teamwork of the Quarter, and was presented with Mattler, Tammy Daniels, Dominic Wyche, Employee of the Quarter Certificates of Appreciation. Taywanna Gray, Annette Gagliardy, Lourdes Maldonado Congratulation to Human Resources’ outstanding staff. Yolanda Rodriguez, Estralita Richards, Marisol Bravo and Marian Fawemimo. Employee Bulletin Page 5

Language Bank Recognition Ceremony Chairman Tino Hernandez, Vice-Chairman Earl Andrews, Jr., Member Margarita López, Secretary Vilma Huertas, DEO Director Fredri- ka Wilson, and Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Guillermo Linares, with a group of Language Bank Volunteers at DC 37 Headquarters.

NYCHA and the Department of Equal nandez noted. “The bilingual abilities teers who answered NYCHA’s call for Opportunity (DEO) paid tribute to of our staff enable us to work with all assistance during the past year were employee volunteers at the 14th people, and this is of great importance recognized, and 36 of them were cited Annual Language Bank Recognition to NYCHA and New Yorkers.” for the frequency of their service. Ceremony on September 25. Extending greetings from Mayor Special surprise recognition was “This is the 40th anniversary of Michael R. Bloomberg, Guillermo given by volunteer Yvonne Armstrong, the Fair Housing Act, which protects Linares, Commissioner of the Mayor’s on behalf of the volunteers and the individuals from discrimination on the Office of Immigrant Affairs, described Language Services Unit, to Assistant basis of race, color, national origin, NYCHA’s Language Bank as “the city’s Director for DEO Damaris Burgos- religion, sex, familial status, and dis- top team of interpreters,” and thanked Trabulsi, who has worked with the ability,” DEO Director Fredrika Wilson the volunteers for the assistance they Language Bank since its inception. noted in her opening remarks. “Your provide to other city agencies. He “Part of you will carry on in each one participation in the Language Bank praised the leadership of Chairman of us, as we continue your work,” Ms. plays a major role in helping NYCHA Hernandez for helping to ensure that Armstrong said. meet its requirements by ensuring the city’s 3½ million immigrants are Ms. Burgos’s planned retirement that residents and applicants with lim- treated fairly. early next year made this her final ited proficiency in English have full Commissioner Linares noted that recognition ceremony. access to our wide range of services.” Executive Order 120 signed into law Speaking on behalf of employee The Language Bank’s more than by Mayor Bloomberg on July 22, 2008, volunteers, Roxana Calinescu described 200 employee volunteers, who collec- now requires all city agencies to pro- the city as a Tower of Babel, with tively speak 45 languages, provide vide language access services, some inhabitants from all corners of the interpretation services at hearings and of which NYCHA pioneered in 1991. world. “Out of compassion and practi- proceedings, and assist NYCHA’s Lan- “Thank you,” he said, “for helping cality, NYCHA created the Language guage Services Unit with the review to lay the groundwork for this policy, Bank in 1990 and I have been part of and translation of official documents. the first in the nation. We have set the this group ever since. It is not easy to “We have the largest language stage for the rest of the country.” be a translator or interpreter, but we bank in the city,” Chairman Tino Her- One hundred and seventeen volun- work with enthusiasm to help others.”

Hispanic Society Dinner Dance A Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Raymond Valentine, The Hispanic Society, one of NYCHA’s “In Congress, I have worked to Housing Assistant at Glenwood Houses. largest and oldest employee organiza- protect and bolster our scarce housing For membership information, con- tions, held its 39th Annual Scholarship resources. Only through a collaborat- tact Doris Ortiz at (718) 707-5867. Dinner Dance at the Astoria World ed effort can we succeed in raising Manor in Queens on October 10. More urban housing needs to the top of the than 200 members and guests national agenda,” Congresswoman danced, dined and celebrated the fine Velázquez said. aspects of Hispanic culture. The Hispanic Society’s annual col- Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez lege scholarship was presented to was honored at the event for her Ruben Martin Saillant, whose mother, ongoing efforts to support and help Miriam Saillant-Torres, is a Housing preserve the city’s public housing. His- Assistant at Carey Gardens, and Joe Gonzalez panic New Yorkers, she noted, com- whose father, Luis A. Torres, is a photographer prise more than 40 percent of the Community Associate in the Social city’s public housing residents. Services Department. NYCHA Hispanic Society President Johnny Figueroa with Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez. Page 6 Employee Bulletin

NYCHA Life Senior Benefit & Entitlement Fair

On-the-Job Feature Photo

photo by Michael Lopez Seniors obtain information from one of five HMOs (health maintenance Asst. Superintendent organizations) that explained the benefits of their Medicare management Baisley Houses staff, with Housing Manager Yvonne Simpson and Supt. plans. Seniors may elect to have an HMO manage their Medicare benefits. Vidal Andino (standing, front left) and Asst. Manager Glen Clarke and Supv. of Grounds Larry Kirk (2nd and 3rd from left, rear). More than 1,500 seniors traveled by bus to Riverbank State Park on Baisley Houses staff gathered on October 10 for a group photograph, as October 2nd for NYCHA’s 4th Annual Senior Benefit & Entitlement Fair, part of the recognition they received during Customer Appreciation Week. whose theme this year was “Health & Financial Fitness.” Certificates of Appreciation were presented to 10 employees with from 25- A wide array of government agencies, private sector groups, and 49 years of service. Staff at NYCHA locations citywide were recognized for other service providers assisted seniors with program enrollment and their customer service efforts during Customer Service Week (see p. 7). health screening, and provided information on varied services. “Financial literacy” workshops were conducted on preventing identity Tree Hugger Project theft, opening and managing a bank account, and comparing the use of banks to check cash stores. The fair was produced by NYCHA’s Department of Resident Support Residents at Ingersoll Hous- Services in collaboration with the NYC Department for the Aging, Centers es and community members for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Riverbank State Park and the North participated in the building of River Community Environmental Review Board. Tree Hugger figures during the annual Family Day cele- Making Strides Against Breast Cancer bration on August 30. NYCHA collaborated on the public art project with the Myr- tle Avenue Brooklyn Partner- ship and the NYC Dept. of Parks and Recreation. The internationally-known Tree Hugger Project is designed to “help us re-discover our relationship with nature at a personal and intimate level,” and to emphasize our role as Members of Bronx Community Operations and residents from the Sound- stewards of our neighbor- view Senior Center represented NYCHA at the American Cancer Society’s hood and the environment. annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Orchard Beach on October 19. NYCHA employees also joined their fellow New Yorkers to participate in the five-mile fundraising walks in Manhattan’s Central Park, and other boroughs.

The nursery at Harlem River Houses, May NYCHA Ar chives 19, 1938. By 1943, NYCHA had a total of 28 children’s centers located in City- and State-built developments. The fully enrolled centers were operated by private agencies and were supported by private, state and city funds. There was a small tuition of as little as 5 cents a day. photo from LaGuardia & Wagner Archives Employee Bulletin Page 7

NYCHA Celebrates Customer Service Week NYCHA’s theme for the series of activities that recognize customer service —“Attitude is Everything”– applies equally well to every kind of customer. Breakfasts, coffee breaks, pizza parties, and apprecia- tion ceremonies were held in management departments, field units and other NYCHA locations throughout Customer Service Week. Scores of “Nuggets” recognizing employees’ customer service were submitted to the Bulletin (see page 10), and many more were posted on the Employee Portal. Special workshops were held in various locations. The content of these workshops indicates that keeping NYCHA’s customers happy is not always easy: Chair Yoga, Director of the Emergency Services Department (ESD) Conrad Vazquez, Stress Management, Tai-Chi, and Movement and Stretching. with Customer Service Proclamation presented by Elizabeth Weinstein, Staff also received tips from the Office of Professional Director of Customer Service, Mayor’s Office of Operations, to his left. Development and Training on effective customer service, At left rear are ADGM of Operations for Support Services Brian Clark telephone techniques and stress management. and Project Director of Shared Services Lillian Harris. To the right of Mr. The Mayor’s Office of Operations held its first annual Vazquez, in front, are ESD Deputy Director Edwin McDonald and CCC Citywide Excellence in Customer Service Awards and Recog- Administrator William Green. nition program on October 10. Twenty-eight agencies nom- inated employees who have demonstrated outstanding NYCHA celebrated National Customer Service Week, from interaction with customers (whether in-person, by phone, October 6 through October 10, 2008, in many ways and web or mail), and the selected individuals were honored in locations. This is only fitting for an agency whose customers the Governor’s Room in City Hall. comprise a large part of the city’s population and whose Thomas Walsh, Chief of the Revenue Division in the services broadly affect its culture and economy. Accounting & Fiscal Services Department, was selected Many employees deal directly with NYCHA’s external from NYCHA’s seven nominees to be honored (see box). customers, such as public housing applicants, residents, The Authority’s customer service week was coordinated Section 8 landlords and vendors that provide materials and by Lillian Harris, Project Director of Shared Services in the services NYCHA needs as the city’s largest landlord. Policy, Planning and Management Analysis Division, with Other employees provide information and services to assistance from 18 planning committee members repre- internal customers— their fellow employees— to ensure senting more than 15 NYCHA departments. NYCHA is justly they have what they need to do their jobs, such as com- proud of employees that strive to make a positive difference puters, mail delivery, and efficient work areas. Internal cus- in the lives of those with whom they interact professionally. tomers also include non-profit agencies with which NYCHA Keeping in mind that “Attitude is Everything” can help partners and government agencies to which it reports. keep us all in the right frame of mind.

Excellence in Customer Service Award Staffing a new Hotline NYCHA had installed to support the centralized issuance of resident park- ing permits, Thomas Walsh fields a high volume of inquiries regarding parking applications, the hierarchy of assigned spaces and the mailing of documents. Mr. Walsh consistently handles these inquiries with sensitivity to the importance of the calls to the residents and attentiveness to detail. Every caller is treated graciously, and on numerous occasions Thomas’s quiet humor transformed potential confrontations into conversations that Thomas Walsh, with customer left callers satisfied and calm. service award presented at City Numerous letters of appreciation have been Hall. With him are Dep. Dir. of received from customers attesting to Thomas’s Revenue/Accounts Receivable respectful attitude and his helpfulness. Other res- NYCHA’s Customer Service logo featured on Adham Choucri and DGM for idents ask for Thomas by name, from their prior the week’s activity agenda was designed by Finance Felix Lam. experiences or his reputation. Martin Medina in Community Operations. Page 8 Employee Bulletin

NYCHA’s Biographer Comes Calling “NYCHA’s ability to build, main- tain, effectively manage and preserve Bobby Podmore said in his introduc- public housing for five percent of the Nicholas Dagen tion. “Nicholas Bloom has captured city’s population at a reasonable cost Bloom speaks what we are and our ability to over- is too often overlooked,” he said. about his book come past challenges as well as those The interested audience took full that chronicles that lie ahead.” advantage of having a public housing NYCHA’s Dr. Bloom attributed NYCHA’s success historian on the premises by asking a history. primarily to: strong leadership from number of thought provoking ques- administrators and long-serving chair- tions about the consequences of the persons fully invested in the vision of national credit crisis on NYCHA’s bud- public housing; the widespread distri- get deficit and on the the future of It’s not every day that NYCHA hosts a bution of developments throughout public housing. “book talk,” but how often is a book the city, garnering strong political sup- From a historical perspective, this written that chronicles the almost 75- port; prudent resident selection that is not the worst time for NYCHA, Dr. year history of the New York City included working families to ensure Bloom noted. He cited such positive Housing Authority? income diversity; and management factors as the income diversity of res- Dr. Nicholas Dagen Bloom, associ- practices that brought the standards idents, continued capital investment, ate professor at New York Institute of of middle class buildings to the upkeep and a lower crime rate, all of which Technology, visited NYCHA on Sep- of public housing through persistent make NYCHA increasingly attractive tember 25 to speak about his well- maintenance and renovation. to working families. received book “Public Housing That Dr. Bloom credited NYCHA’s civil Continued cuts in NYCHA’s subsidy Worked: New York in the Twentieth service employees with effectively will make it hard to maintain stan- Century,” and sign copies that will implementing these standards. This dards, he added, but NYCHA has been certainly be prominently displayed in professional workforce contrasts the creative in finding innovative savings. many NYCHA offices. patronage system of less successful When a question was raised about In addition to compiling a compre- public housing whose failure, in some how NYCHA’s future may unfold, DGM hensive history of the nation’s first major American cities, has unfairly for Operations Bobby Podmore, whose and foremost experiment in public come to character the fate of public 29 years at NYCHA provides his own housing, Dr. Bloom’s book identifies housing in the public mind. historian’s credentials, responded: the unique factors behind NYCHA’s The fact that NYCHA’s success has “NYCHA does not have enough oper- singular success. been overshadowed by the decline ating funds, but we promise to do the “We know the stories from the past and demise of public housing else- best we can with what we have. That but it’s hard to decipher urban legend where is one reason why Dr. Bloom is what we are charged with, and from reality,” DGM for Operations decided to write his book. this has always been our motto.”

Lotto Smiles on NYCHA and Willie ... Again Now Caretaker Willie James “When Willie told me he won, I McCain, who has worked at Hammel thought he was kidding,” said Hammel Houses since joining NYCHA in 2007, Houses Housing Manager Helaine has scratched off a Lottery ticket he Goodhartz, who describes Willie as “a bought in Queens near where he lives wonderful worker and good person, to find a $1 million prize. who is unassuming.” “It said right on the ticket ‘Jackpot,’ Nobody treats Willie any differently and I just couldn’t believe it,” said at work now, and that suits him fine. Willie, who was waiting in his car at “I will pay some bills, give some Caretaker Willie McCain, with Superintendent the time, while his wife was shopping. money to my kids, and also to my Jim Kelleher, Asst. Superintendent Yolanda When she returned, “She couldn’t church,” Willie says. Rivera-Baez, Housing Manager Helaine believe it, either.” Good living must have its rewards. Goodhartz and Asst. Manager Julene Segee. The next day, Willie went to work, Just five years ago, Willie had bought same as usual. It was a few more days another Lotto ticket, this one for a Who doesn’t recall the 11 famous before he turned in the Lotto ticket and $100,000 prize. Mega Million-winning NYCHA employ- was told he would receive $50,000 “I plan to be more careful with my ees who collected $108 million in the before taxes annually for the next 20 winnings this time,” he said, “and give city’s first Mega Millions Lottery, held years. “That’s when it finally sank in,” less away. Now we can relax and just in August of 2002? he said. live without worrying about money.” Employee Bulletin Page 9 Advanced Heating Plant Technician Graduation Ceremony have now become part of the national discourse. We must continue to change the culture at NYCHA to combat the growing problem of global warming.” The Chairman thanked Board Member Margarita López, NYCHA’s first Environmental Coordinator, for Graduates are joined by (from left, center row) ADGM of Operations for Management Gloria “finding new ways to integrate green- Finkelman, DGM for Operations Bobby Podmore, Board Member Margarita López, DGM for ing into public housing.” Administration Natalie Rivers, Board Secretary Vilma Huertas, Local 237 Secretary/ Treasurer “Be proud of the work that you are Ruben Torres, Local 237 Dir. of Negotiations Edmund Kane (rear), and Chairman Tino Hernandez. going to do,” Member López told the graduates. “NYCHA is ahead of the Twenty-five Heating Plant Technicians “There are great opportunities at public sector in our efforts to provide (HPTs) that joined NYCHA’s fight to NYCHA for advancement,” said DGM cleaner, more efficient heat with new conserve energy, cut costs and protect for Operations Bobby Podmore, who technology. The systems that you the environment were honored in the began his career in 1979 as a Mainte- operate will help the city maintain a Ceremonial Room on October 3 for nance Worker. “Heat and hot water healthy environment and the cost sav- completing an expanded training are the heart and soul of a develop- ings will help save its public housing.” program and passing a professional NYCHA’s Advanced HPT certifica- exam that brings Advanced Heating Advanced HPT Certification tion program began in 1999 as a joint Plant Technician certification. Second Class of 2008 labor-management initiative to create “Advanced HPT training has been Elizabeth Allen Steven Lark a career ladder for advancement. Due modified over the past year to corre- Adrian Andino William Laureano to the greater sophistication of late with Mayor Bloomberg’s PlaNYC Darius Andrews Marc Lennon NYCHA’s technology, the curriculum for energy efficiency,” said Sarah Serge Beaubrun Quentin Martinez has increased from 28 to 62 days. Sha-Kema Peterson Rosenfeld, Executive Assistant for Kelvin Bethea On behalf of Teamsters Local 237 Julia Bostick Melvin Rios Operations, in welcoming remarks. Joann Brown Philip Robinson President Gregory Floyd, Secretary “NYCHA’s role in the initiative is to Kahil Cooper Angel Rodriguez Treasurer Rubin Torres extended con- maintain heating and hot water equip- Victor Delossantos Israel Rosario gratulations to the class. “You are an ment more efficiently, to reduce ener- Sheila Fults Nora Santiago inspiration to people coming up gy use and carbon dioxide emissions.” Omar Glover Robert Walsh behind you,” he said. Four days of training were added Barbara Harris Warren Walthour Since its inception, 180 employees to the program for instruction on William Jones, Jr. have graduated from the training pro- NYCHA’s energy reducing Instanta- gram. Twenty percent of NYCHA’s neous Hot Water Heaters and its award ment. You have a tremendous respon- Advanced HPTs are women. winning Computerized Heating Auto- sibility but I know you are up to it.” Valedictorian Sha-Kema Peterson mated System (CHAS) that increases Recalling the growth of NYCHA’s recalled: “This was an extraordinary monitoring of heating plant operation. Energy Department during the seven experience for me and the entire In addition to Advanced HPT certifica- years of his tenure, Chairman Tino class. We had one goal for 18 weeks tion, passing the two-day written and Hernandez remarked: “Many of our and today we accomplished it. This is hands-on exam leads to a promotion. early concerns for energy efficiency a new beginning for all of us.”

Civil Service Examination Schedule Following are tentative dates established by the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) for civil service exam- inations for job titles utilized by the Authority. The schedule covers the period through February 28, 2009. It is recommended that employees make every effort to obtain civil service status in their job title, or another title for which they qualify. As this schedule is subject to change, please check the DCAS monthly exam schedule for updates by visiting www.nyc.gov/dcas. Assistance regarding examination schedules is also available from NYCHA’s Human Resources Department’s Classification Division at (212) 306-3945. Exam Title Open Competitive (C) Filing Start Filing End Exam Number or Promotional (P) Date Date Supv. of Office Machines Operations P 11/5/08 11/25/08 8536 Construction Project Manager C 12/3/08 12/23/08 8090 Supv. Computer Services Technician P 1/7/09 1/27/09 8538 Clerical Aide C 2/4/09 2/24/09 8084 Customer Information Representative C 2/4/09 2/24/09 8115 Page 10 Employee Bulletin

To congratulate your staff on their accomplishments, please e-mail the Bulletin NYCHA Nuggets at: [email protected].

In recognition of Customer Service Week, celebrated citywide from Oct. 6-10, the below Nuggets recognize employees for exceptional service to NYCHA’s internal and external customers. For additional Nuggets, visit the Employee Portal.

To For From George Brown, Darlene Hoyt Your continued dedication and service Terrance Bishop, Supt. Kenneth Rogers, Jalal Moeen to residents and staff surpass your duties Lorna Bovian, Manager and exceed our expectations. Albany Houses/ Weeksville Gardens

Nilsa Gonzalez, Sherrill Ivey Thanks to your help at the IT Service Center Cleveland Neal, Dir. Silas Jackson, Isabelle Lewis, we have resolved almost 50,000 calls during Margaret Tvelia, Chief Shobhana Shah, Jack Shen, and the past fiscal year in a courteous and Brian Hochberg Beverly Singleton professional manner. IT Service Center 7000

Renee Taylor, HA Overwhelming responses from residents Jacob Varughese, Mgr. attest to your professional and kind demeanor. Redfern Houses

Social Service Staff Thank you for your tireless efforts that Nora Reissig-Lazzaro, Dir. provide quality social services to residents. Social Services Dept.

Mario Calandruccio, Olivia Kingston, We gratefully acknowledge the quality Jeffrey Pagelson, Controller Beverly Lloyd, Azalia Darden, Maria service provided by our Accounts Payable Sherry Elowsky, and Reyes, Rachel Huang and Wendy Liang Team to Section 8 landlords and vendors. Simona Nicu

Building Services Unit Staff Thank you for performing the myriad tasks John T. McCormick, Dir. large and small that ensure a comfortable work Morris Munzeles, and environment for central office employees. John Rettagliata, FPA

Winnifred Quinton, Manager Congratulations on your excellent leadership Earl Roberts Richard Solivan, Supt. that gets the best out of your staff, making Borough Admin. Sumner Houses Sumner Houses a jewel of Brooklyn. Bklyn. Management

ATAD, Leased Housing, Law Dept., Thanks to the extraordinary members on the Gloria Finkelman PAPD, Office of Professional Training city/state committee for exceptional work in ADGM of Operations & Dev., Management, IT, Finance, creating and making the Section 8 Voluntary for Management Research & Pol. Dev, and DOC Transition Program and Website a success.

Leroy Davis The first person you meet in an organization Renato Jedreicich Security Officer sets the tone for future interactions. Thank you Asst. Dir., Purchase Div. for greeting our customers with a smile. SCO

Rolando Rosado, Social Worker Thank you for your dedicated work as trans- Ellison Alexander, Dep. Supv. II, Manhattan Soc. Svs. Dept. portation liaison for the Sr. Volunteer Luncheon Dir., Soc. Svs. Dept.

Thomas Walsh, Chief, Revenue Div., Congratulations on being honored at the Doug Apple, GM Accounting & Fiscal Services City’s first Annual Excellence in Customer Felix Lam, DGM Finance Service Awards for outstanding service when interacting with the public. Employee Bulletin Page 11

On Site: Focus on Capital Projects

By Lorraine McAndrews, Asst. to DGM for Capital Projects Renovated building on Ralph Avenue in Brooklyn features Each of NYCHA’s buildings has a unique set of parame- carefully restored terra ters that can become challenges when performing con- cotta façade. struction renovations. The history and character of each building are often considered during the planning stages to develop a fitting design before construction can begin. Once the project was underway, an engineering survey This special attention was required for buildings in the revealed several disquieting discoveries. Rotted joists Ralph Avenue Rehab in Brooklyn. Completed in 1940, the detracted from proper load bearing on the walls. As a buildings are decorated with an ornamental terra cotta result, a main bearing wall that was bulging, cracked and façade that had deteriorated to unsafe levels, compromis- leaning, had to be rebuilt. An integral part of the repair was ing their integrity. to install a complete waterproofing system to prevent In addition to the restoration and replication of the terra future water damage and deterioration of the work. Five cotta masonry, the renovation included replacement of coats of waterproofing, which come with a 10-year war- deteriorated steel support beams and expansion joints, ranty, were applied. The parapets were also in poor con- as well as repairs to numerous cracks in the masonry. dition and were replaced. More than 1,100 window replacements were included to To restore the building’s architectural features to their keep inside warmth from escaping, lowering heating costs. original state, the CM hired an architect to recreate attrac- The Construction Management (CM) firm hired for the tive curved designs across the top of the building and over complicated project completed the job in one year. In the entrances. Drawings were provided to the contractor addition to saving costs, the faster completion time limited that showed arched coping and matched the original brick the inconvenience to 11 families on the top floor that were design in color and placement. temporarily relocated during the renovation. The CM Very few of NYCHA’s buildings are adorned with orna- worked under the oversight of NYCHA’s former Building mental architecture, so it is gratifying to retain an excep- Exteriors staff, CPMs Jean Paul, Boris Karmazin, and tional feature as a way of contributing to the community Ludwig Gorokhovsky. while preserving New York’s public housing.

Mid-Autumn Festival One of the most important holidays on the Chinese lunar calendar, the Mid-Autumn Festival, was celebrated by NYCHA’s Chinese-American Associa- tion (CAA ) and its many friends in the Vice-Chairman Earl Andrews, Jr. (center), with Board Secretary Vilma Huertas and DGM for Ceremonial Room on September 16. Administration Natalie Rivers to his right, and CAA president Nancy Lam to his left. They are joined Typically bringing a large gathering by CAA executive board members and guests. of family members around a plentiful meal, the harvest season holiday is their efforts that raised $11,000 for A powerpoint presentation showing often compared to Thanksgiving. victims of the devastating earthquake highlights of the “People’s Olympics” “This year’s Mid-Autumn festival is in Sichuan province earlier this year. shared moments for which China’s 1.3 especially meaningful because we are Vice-Chairman Earl Andrews, Jr., billion people in 56 ethnic groups, as also commemorating the spectacular recognized those values in the vital well as ethnic Chinese around the summer Olympics in Beijing, an event work that CAA members do through- world, are justly proud. that exemplifies the principle of unity,” out the year, not only at NYCHA but in The festival celebration concluded CAA President Nancy Lam said. many communities. with traditional desserts such as The official slogan for the Beijing DGM for Administration Natalie festival fruits and moon cakes. The Olympics, “One World One Dream,” Rivers noted that the family theme of moon cakes recall the full moon on reflects universal values of harmony, the holiday is appropriate at the which the festival falls. Family and friendship, and progress. Authority because “this organization friends typically gather on a high van- That same spirit, she noted, was operates like a family and works tage point to light lanterns and watch demonstrated by CAA’s members in together to meet its challenges.” the bright autumn sky. Page 12 Employee Bulletin

LettersLetters

Dear Editor: Dear Editor: I regret to inform you of the I was saddened to read about the passing of Joseph recent passing of John Henry on Saluzzi on August 13, 2008 in the NY Daily News last August 9, 2008. week. Joe was a special man. He was a hero to his family, John Henry was the Chief of the his co-workers and the nation. Housing Police Department from I met Joe in the 1970s when I was a Housing Assis- January 1984 through August tant. Impeccably dressed, dedicated to the Authority, good 1988. It was my privilege and natured and a real leader, Joe became one of my early pleasure to work closely with Chief mentors in NYCHA. He started his career as an Assistant Henry during that time as Assis- Accountant and rose through the ranks to Deputy Con- tant Chief of the Department. troller. He showed me the way, the way of professional- Chief John Henry Chief Henry was a strong, yet ism. We also worked together in the Italian American compassionate leader, who led the Department during dif- employee organization in NYCHA. ficult times. He served as a positive role model to all of Joe authored a book, Red Blood, Purple Hearts: The the members of the Department with his exemplary per- Story of the Marines in Korea. In military history, Joe has sonal and professional demeanor. It was a very positive an honored place. He served in the U.S. Marines partici- experience for all of us who were lucky enough to know or pating in the invasion at Inchon. He earned his Purple work with him. Heart because he was shot in the stomach while manning I know I speak for all the members of the Housing a machine gun. He stayed at his post, wounded, overnight, Police Department family in extending our sincerest sym- clutching the machine gun under the watchful eyes of the pathies and appreciation to the family of John Henry. enemy. He held the line. Semper Fi! His story and many Thank you, Betty and family, for sharing John with us. others are told in his book.

Sincerely, Sincerely, Marvin Krivitzky (retired 1989) William Russo 11 Berkshire Drive Deputy Program Director New City, NY 10956 Capital Projects (845) 634-1237 [email protected]

The Bulletin extends its deepest sympathies to the family, The Bulletin extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Police Chief John Henry. friends and colleagues of Joseph Saluzzi.

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