Vol. 36, No. 11 www.nyc.gov/nycha NOVEMBER 2006 Preserving City and State Developments HUD’S RESIDENT With New Section 8 Funding Stream SERVICE AND By Eileen Elliott IN SEPTEMBER AND EARLY OCTOBER, CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY SATISFACTION (NYCHA) STAFF MET WITH RESIDENTS FROM 21 UNSUBSIDIZED CITY AND STATE SURVEY DEVELOPMENTS TO PROVIDE THE DETAILS OF NYCHA’S PROPOSAL TO TRANSITION IN EARLY NOVEMBER THE U.S. DEPART- 8,400 APARTMENTS IN THESE BUILDINGS FROM PUBLIC HOUSING TO THE SECTION MENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVEL- 8 PROGRAM. If the plan is approved by the U.S. Department of Hous- OPMENT (HUD) WILL BEGIN SENDING ing and Urban Development (HUD), NYCHA will still own, manage and OUT ITS ANNUAL RESIDENT SERVICE AND maintain these buildings and units; however, the 8,400 apartments SATISFACTION SURVEY (RASS) TO will be subsidized by the federal Section 8 program. Participation in GATHER INFORMATION ABOUT RESIDENT the program by residents of the City and State developments is vol- SATISFACTION WITH LIVING CONDITIONS untary. In most cases, for residents who choose to participate, IN PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS rents will remain the same at 30% of the family’s income. The Sec- ACROSS THE NATION. tion 8 subsidy that would be received for these units, combined with rent, is estimated to be enough to close the operating deficit for the 21 developments. The transition is needed to pre- using its already inadequate fed- serve the 21 developments as eral subsidy to cover the gap housing for low-income New York- between the rent collected and TEAM WORK Banco Popular’s Alvaro Ortiz, HPD Commissioner ers. Once subsidized by the City the total operating costs. In April Shaun Donovan, Assembly Member Aurelia Greene, Enterprise Direc- or State, these developments no 2005, when the Section 8 tran- tor Jim Himes, NYCHA Chairman Tino Hernandez, Bronx Pro President longer receive a City or State sition proposal was announced Peter Magistro, HUD’s Mirza Negron Morales, and NYCHA Vice-Chair subsidy. NYCHA has long been (Continued on page 4) The RASS is part of HUD’s com- Earl Andrews, Jr. at “The Elizabeth.” mitment to monitor the perfor- mance of public housing author- 44th Annual Garden Awards ities through its annual Public UNIVERSITY MACOMBS BRINGS MORE Housing Assessment System AFFORDABLE HOUSING TO (PHAS). In addition to assessing By Eileen Elliott customer satisfaction, the PHAS also evaluates the physical THE HOUSING AUTHORITY (NYCHA) JOINED THE CITY’S condition of the developments, DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING PRESERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT (HPD), THE the Authorities’ financial health, HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (HDC), AND THE DEVELOPER, management, operations and res- BRONX PRO REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT, TO CELEBRATE THE COMPLETION OF ident services. PHASE I OF THE UNIVERSITY MACOMBS APARTMENTS IN THE MORRIS The survey includes questions HEIGHTS SECTION OF THE BRONX ON SEPTEMBER 26TH. Stakeholders gath- covering maintenance and ered together on the rooftop terrace of the brand new building at 1605 repair, communication, safety, University Avenue under a clear blue sky, soaking up the sun and words services and neighborhood of mutual thanks for the contribution each made to the project. The $27.5 appearance. million phase encompassed the renovation of four buildings, previously It will be sent to a random owned by NYCHA, and the new construction of a beautiful 30-unit, sampling of New York City Hous- handicapped accessible building on what was once a NYCHA-owned ing Authority (NYCHA) residents vacant lot, where the event was held. who live in NYCHA’s 322 feder- The work brings a total of 206 through a NYCHA, HPD, HDC ally funded developments. All new units of affordable housing collaboration. answers will be kept confiden- to Mayor Michael R. With NYCHA’s Sedgwick tial and anonymous. NYCHA will Bloomberg’s New Housing Mar- Houses towering in the back- not know who participated in ketplace plan, which seeks to cre- ground, Chairman Tino Hernandez the survey but will only receive ate or preserve 165,000 units of promised, “The innovative the scores. affordable housing in the city by approach we have taken here to The Williamsburg Community Center in was the site for The survey accounts for 10 2013; 6,000 of those units (Continued on page 5) NYCHA’s 44th Annual Garden Competition Awards Ceremony held out of the 100 points it is pos- on September 29th. NYCHA resident gardeners from all boroughs sible for a public housing author- ity to receive under the PHAS. gathered in the glass-enclosed community center to receive acknowl- ACCESS NYC! New York City residents have a new edgement and praise for their efforts as well as awards for the best Housing authorities which way to find out about potential eligibility for over 20 health among the 567 Flower, Vegetable and Children’s Theme Gardens in receive scores over 90 on the and human service programs and tax credits. ACCESS NYC the competition this year. Chairman Hernandez called the event, PHAS are considered “High Per- “a beautiful reminder of the contributions the people who reside at formers” and qualify for addi- is an online public screening tool that is available on NYCHA make to our city.” Turn to page 11 for a full list of the tional capital funding. www.nyc.gov. It’s free, simple, easy to use and anonymous. winners. Above is the Citywide Winner in the Flower Garden category: NYCHA urges all residents Log on or call 311 to find out if you are eligible for the Earned The “Renew Your Spirit Garden” from Sheepshead-Nostrand Houses who receive the survey to com- Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and more... in Brooklyn. plete it. PAGE 2 PAGE 3 PAGE 4 NEW HOMEOWNERS NEW PRE-APPRENTICESHIPS HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS AT OCEAN BAY TO BEGIN IN JANUARY FROM CHIEF JAFFE THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 2 NOVEMBER 2006

MAYOR’S MESSAGE HOPE VI Strengthening the Literacy Ocean Bay HOPE VI Homeownership Opportunities! and Language Skills of New Yorkers By Heidi Morales of help available and this was the lation of new sewers and land- most affordable way [to pur- scaped improvements. IMPROVING THE LITERACY AND LAN- FIVE FORMER NEW YORK CITY HOUS- chase a home]. I mean rent in the ING AUTHORITY (NYCHA) FAMILIES GUAGE SKILLS OF NEW YORKERS — developments is affordable but it’s There’s Still a Chance HAVE MADE THE AMERICAN DREAM BOTH YOUNG AND OLD — IS CRITICAL still rent.” for You! TO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND COME TRUE — THEY HAVE BECOME Although she said her experi- Through the HOPE VI program, THE CITY’S FUTURE PROSPERITY. Rec- HOMEOWNERS WITH THE HELP OF THE ence as a NYCHA resident was NYCHA will continue to offer ognizing this, I was pleased to join U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND good, Ms. Almanzar is looking for- homeownership subsidies for up Deputy Mayor for Education and URBAN DEVELOPMENT’S (HUD’S) ward to the freedom and space that to eight more families who meet Community Development Dennis HOPE VI REVITALIZATION PLAN FOR comes with owning your own income guidelines and complete M. Walcott at a reception on Octo- OCEAN BAY. NYCHA celebrated home. So, what’s next for Ms. the application process. Each ber 12th in honor of the City’s first the completion of Phase I of the Almanzar? “I want to close the qualified NYCHA family will annual Adult Education Day. At that Plan in October 2003, which con- backyard and create a place for my receive $25,000 to buy a new or time I was also pleased to announce sisted of the modernization of kids to play.” existing home located in New the creation of the City’s new Office 1,803 apartments and the renam- York City. These funds are avail- of Adult Education. ing of Arverne and Edgemere HOPE VI in Far Rockaway able on a first-come, first-served The Office of Adult Education is Houses to Ocean Bay Apartments. The national HOPE VI program basis. The applicant is responsible dedicated to strengthening the field As part of Phase II, NYCHA is has been used by other cities to for finding the home to purchase. of adult education in New York City. The Office will help expand and collaborating with the nonprofit replace large housing develop- Potential buyers must also suc- develop adult educational opportunities throughout the five boroughs Margert Community Corporation ments with smaller clusters of pub- cessfully complete the Homeown- to help adult New Yorkers improve literacy and language skills, open- on the Ocean Bay HOPE VI lic housing that are more dispersed ership Preparation Program for ing the door for more career opportunities and economic success. Homeownership Program to pro- among neighborhoods, and with NYCHA residents administered Established within Deputy Mayor Walcott’s office, the Office of Adult vide NYCHA residents with the homes for rent and purchase. The by Margert. Education will coordinate policy across a variety of agencies and pro- information they will need to Ocean Bay HOPE VI Plan is First priority for the purchase of mote best practices. These agencies include the Department of Youth become successful homeowners. unique because it did not include homes is given to NYCHA Ocean and Community Development, the Human Resources Administration, Margert’s Director of Home- the demolition of existing housing. Bay residents. Second priority is the Department of Education, the Department of Corrections, the City ownership Services Stephanie Instead, along with the apart- given to other NYCHA residents University of New York, and the Brooklyn, New York and Pub- Lawes said that by using the basic ment modernization, the Plan of the Rockaways, and third prior- lic Libraries, in coordination with the Mayor’s Commission on Eco- information provided by Margert, includes the renovation of all ity is extended to NYCHA resi- nomic Opportunity. The Office of Adult Education also looks forward to participants can “begin to rebuild building facades, rehabilitation dents outside of the Rockaways. working closely with the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) credit and establish mortgage and expansion of the Oceanside NYCHA residents interested in to increase educational opportunities for NYCHA residents. readiness with full knowledge of (formerly Arverne) Day Care Cen- more information should reach out In addition to City agencies, the Office will also work with a range of the home mortgage loan process.” ter, renovations of the Oceanside to the Margert Community Corpo- State and federal agencies to enhance adult education programs. The Margert Community Corpora- Senior Center, as well as the instal- ration at: 718-471-3724. Among its initial priorities, the Office will focus on strengthening tion also provides the assistance of educational services provided to inmates on Rikers Island and to ex- experienced budget and credit offenders upon their reentry into the community. New educational tele- counselors to help NYCHA resi- vision programming — intended to reach hundreds of thousands of dents move towards making home- New York City Police Department New Yorkers — will also be created to strengthen the impact and ownership a reality. Toll-Free Terrorism Hotline expand the reach of adult education programs. To support the new Office, I have allocated an additional $5 million Homeowner Yajaira Almanzar Reports May Be Made To: in new federal funding for adult education in fiscal year 2007. These Yajaira Almanzar, formerly a res- 1-888-NYC-SAFE funds will help designated community based organizations that lost ident of Ocean Bay Houses, took State funding earlier this year. The funding will also underwrite the advantage of this opportunity. After 1-888-692-7233 development of model programs designed to help prepare adult literacy a three year wait for a NYCHA students for health care job training programs. The new federal funding apartment and two years as a supplements $30 million in existing City funding and another $20 mil- NYCHA resident, Ms. Almanzar lion in federal funds already in the budget that the City allocates to decided that this was her chance to The Housing Authority adult education. 72 at least try to accomplish her Amer- years We’re committed to providing quality adult education programs of Public Housing ican dream of owning a home. Journal in New York City throughout our City — so that parents can play an active role in their “I thought to myself, I am young children’s education and adults can gain the skills they need for career and I still have the energy to strug- advancement. gle. If for some reason I had to ESTABLISHED 1970 • CIRCULATION 200,000 For more information on the Office of Adult Education, please visit start over I could.” And so began a Published monthly by the New York City Housing Authority www.nyc.gov/adult-ed. year-and-a-half of hard work as Michael R. Bloomberg Department of Communications Ms. Almanzar prepared for home- 250 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10007 ownership, fulfilling the require- Tel (212) 306-3322 • Fax (212) 577-1358 ments set out by the HOPE VI nyc.gov/nycha Homeownership Program. Michael R. Bloomberg...... Mayor Ms. Almanzar spent a lot of Tino Hernandez...... Chairman time working, saving money and Earl Andrews, Jr...... Vice-Chairman attending the homeownership Margarita López ...... Board Member training taught by Margert profes- Vilma Huertas...... Secretary Douglas Apple...... General Manager sionals. Overall, she said the Sheila Greene...... Director, Department of Communications process was easy but long, mainly Eileen Elliott ...... Editor because of the paperwork involved Heidi Morales...... Editor, Spanish Edition and the approval processes. How- Allan Leicht ...... Staff Writer Deborah Williams ...... Staff Writer ever, she said, “There was a lot of Peter Mikoleski, Kevin Devoe...... Photography communication and orientation and the process was transparent. If you are interested in placing an advertisement in the Journal, please We received copies of the docu- call our marketing representatives in Marketing and Revenue Operations ments we signed and everything at (212) 306-6616. The inclusion of any advertisement in this Journal was thoroughly explained to us.” does not constitute any endorsement by the Housing Authority of the Ms. Almanzar said there were advertiser or its products or services or any other representation by the even translators available to help Housing Authority with respect to such products or services. potential buyers. “There was a lot THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2006 3

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE Pre-Apprenticeship DEBORAH’S DIARY By Deborah Williams Giving Seniors The Resources Program Set To New NYCHA Scholarship Winners — Con- They Need to Stay Healthy Begin in January gratulations to the latest New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)/City University of New York (CUNY) Scholarship Winners! They are: NYCHA’S SECOND ANNUAL THE NEW YORK CITY HOUSING Christine Camacho, a resident of St. Mary’s Park SENIOR BENEFIT AND ENTITLE- AUTHORITY (NYCHA) IS ON TRACK Houses and student at Queens College majoring MENT FAIR WAS A RESOUNDING TO MOVE AHEAD WITH A PRE-APPREN- in Studio Art; Livia Clinton, a resident of King Tow- SUCCESS. Over 1,000 NYCHA TICESHIP PROGRAM THROUGH A NEW ers and student at Hunter College majoring in English/Cre- seniors attended the daylong COLLABORATION WITH CONSTRUC- ative Writing; Krystle Collado, a resident of Kingsborough Houses expo at Riverbank State Park on TION SKILLS 2000, OR CS2K, BEGIN- and student at Baruch College majoring in English Literature; Wing October 5th to learn about the NING IN JANUARY 2007. The purpose Nga Ho, a resident of Wald Houses and student at Brooklyn College many programs and services that of the pre-apprenticeship program majoring in Music Performance; Maria Mercedes, a resident of exist exclusively for seniors. The is to ensure that participating Ocean Bay Houses and student at Brooklyn College majoring in Fair was hosted by the staff of residents are properly prepared Spanish Literature; and Joselin Pichardo, a resident of Bronxdale NYCHA’s Resident Support Ser- for highly skilled and well- Houses and student at Lehman College majoring in Multilingual vices in cooperation with River- paid apprenticeships as carpenters, Journalism. Each recipient will receive a $1,000 scholarship towards bank State Park and the North painters, plasterers, laborers, their tuition. Scholarships are granted to authorized NYCHA resi- River Community Environmen- plumbers and electricians, depend- dents who are enrolled in an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program tal Review Board. It was pro- ing on the individual’s qualifica- in film, drama, dance, journalism, literature or any of the arts, at any duced in consultation with the tions. Three-hundred NYCHA CUNY college, have a grade point average of 3.0 or above, and Centers for Medicare and Med- residents will receive slots as demonstrate financial need. icaid Services (CMS), the Social apprentices over the course of the The NYCHA/CUNY Scholarship Fund was established in 2005, Security Administration (SSA) next three years. and has been funded by contributions made by television and movie and the New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA). NYCHA The pre-apprenticeship program studios that have filmed on NYCHA property. Money for the schol- was proud to take the lead on this great event, which focused this is one component of NYCHA’s arship fund is also contributed by Ms. Teresa Mann, a former year on “Getting Healthy and Staying Healthy.” Construction Management Build employee, who worked for NYCHA for 14 years. Ms. Mann took it Seniors who attended the Fair took advantage of a wealth of infor- or “CM/Build” program, imple- upon herself to generously donate $100.00 a month for the “children mation from approximately 30 different service providers divided up mented in 2003. CM/Build of NYCHA.” A total of 16 scholarships have been awarded to date. into seven areas: Senior Support Agencies; Getting Healthy; uses private construction manage- Applications for the scholarships are available at Medicare, Social Security and New York State’s EPIC Prescription ment companies to oversee major www.cuny.edu/nychascholarship. Remember, scholarships are lim- Drug Program; NYCHA Senior IDs; Transportation, Medicare capital projects. The goal is not ited. Congratulations to all the recipients of the NYCHA/CUNY HMOs; and Medical Information and Nutrition. only to improve the quality of the Scholarship. I am glad to see you are maintaining your 3.0 aver- There was information on services available for seniors through work done on NYCHA’s capital ages. Please keep up the good work! the City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Ameri- projects, but also to provide can Diabetes Association. The various Medicare HMOs were repre- employment opportunities in the sented and there was information on Medicare’s Part D provision for construction trades for NYCHA prescription drugs. There was an extensive choice of medical screen- residents. Visit The ings, from blood pressure and prostate screening to cholesterol and That’s where CS2K comes in. foot care. And seniors who did not have a photo ID before the Fair Each Construction Manager, or Residents’ Corner were able to obtain one. “CM,” is responsible for the cre- Perhaps the most important piece of literature at the Fair was the ation of pre-qualified bidders’ on brochure published by NYCHA Resident Support Services — and lists. The bidders on these lists are for those of you who were unable to attend, the brochure is still avail- required to participate in State- NYCHA’s Web site at able. The back of the brochure lists the names of the participating approved apprenticeship programs agencies and organizations, along with their telephone numbers. I which will hire NYCHA residents www.nyc.gov/nycha urge every NYCHA senior and everyone who knows a senior (and as apprentices. CS2K prepares res- that includes just about everyone at NYCHA) to get a hold of this idents for these apprenticeship very useful brochure while supplies last by calling Resident Support programs as well as matching pre- Services at 212-306-8443. apprentices with available appren- I also encourage all seniors to assume they are eligible for any of ticeship slots that best meet the the services or programs offered by the agencies and organizations residents’ skills, aptitudes and listed in the brochure until they are told otherwise. As one speaker individual goals. at the Fair advised with regard to eligibility forms, “When in doubt, Under the administration fill it out.” of NYCHA’s Department of Res- To those who were at the NYCHA Senior Benefit and Entitlement ident Employment Services, Fair this year and to the many more who will come next year — good CS2K will provide recruitment, health and long life. assessment, training and support- Tino Hernandez ive services to qualified Housing Authority residents. Training will include an overview of various trades, safety, the identification and handling of construction industry tools, physical fitness, professional development and SEE YOU IN JANUARY! work readiness, counseling, case management and simulated on- The next NYCHA Journal will be the-job training. CS2K will also work with apprentices for one a combined December/January issue year following enrollment in and will be available in early apprenticeship programs. CS2K is a non-profit educa- January 2007. Until then, tional corporation chartered to address training and employment stay safe and enjoy the holidays! issues affecting New York City’s building and construction industry. To find out more, see the ad to the right of this article, or call the RES Hotline at: 718-250-5904. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 4 NOVEMBER 2006

NOT WANTED New Section 8 THE CHIEF’S CORNER THE NYCHA LIST Funding Stream In this issue we continue our editorial policy of publishing the names of Holiday individuals who have been permanently excluded from our public (Continued from page 1) housing developments. The purpose of publishing this list is to keep as part of the Housing Author- Safety Tips residents informed of the Housing Authority’s ongoing effort to ity’s Plan to Preserve Public improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers in public housing and to Housing, the cost of operating ello! As the holidays are allow for the peaceful and safe use of our facilities. Here follows a list these developments accounted fast approaching, the New of the people excluded after hearings were held on October 5, 12, and for a full half of what was then 19, 2005. Please note: These exclusions are based on NYCHA’s HYork City Police Depart- NYCHA’s $168 million budget Administrative Hearing Process and should not be confused ment wants this holiday season to with the Trespass Notice Program under Mayor Bloomberg’s deficit for 2006. be a safe and joyous one for all the Operation Safe Housing Initiative. In addition to offering the residents and employees of the Section 8 vouchers to current New York City Housing Authority. REMEMBER, City and State development res- As a reminder, the following safety IF YOU SEE ANY OF THESE INDIVIDUALS ON idents on a voluntary basis, Housing Bureau Police tips are being provided to ensure a HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTY, PLEASE CALL YOUR NYCHA will also use Section 8 Chief Joanne Jaffe safe holiday season. MANAGEMENT OFFICE OR NYCHA’S vouchers to fill all units in those SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT AT (212) 306-8595. 21 developments as they — Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Criminals become vacant. often confront people who are distracted. Prohibited as of October 5, 2005 What Is Section 8? Orlando Sanabria Case 6702/05 formerly associated with the fifth — Travel on populated, well-lit streets. If possible, travel with a friend. floor of 510 East 156th Street, Bronxchester Section 8, also known as the Houses, the Bronx. Housing Choice Voucher pro- — Plan your purchases in advance and carry only the amount of cash Larry Miller Jr. Case 6738/05 formerly associated with the necessary for the purchase. If you must carry a large sum of money, fourth floor of 200 West 143rd Street, Drew gram, provides rent subsidies for Hamilton Houses, . eligible low-income families divide the cash between your purse, pockets and wallet. Victor Ozuna Case 6848/05 formerly associated with the through the use of vouchers. As fourteenth floor of 304 East 156th Street, with the public housing program, — If you are taking the subway, look for the red or green lights outside Melrose Houses, the Bronx. participants pay 30% of their the entrance to determine if the entrance is open. A red light indicates Wesley Rosario Case 6860/05 formerly associated with the sixth incomes in rent. Section 8 pays the entrance is closed, while a green light indicates it is open. floor of 106-12 Farragut Road, Breukelen Houses, Brooklyn. the difference between that 30% and the HUD-established Fair — Carry purses close to the body. Place one end of the purse in the Laverne Benn Case 6859/05 formerly associated with the Market Rent. palm of the hand and the other in the bend of the elbow. Never carry a twenty-ninth floor of 2999 Eighth Avenue, Polo purse by the handle or wrap the strap around your body. Grounds Towers, Manhattan. Options Darnell Anderson Case 6981/05 formerly associated with the — Place wallets in your front pants pockets or an inside jacket pocket. Donnel Anderson fifth floor of 1165 East 229th Street, Edenwald Residents who transition into Houses, the Bronx. the Section 8 program have the — Don’t wait until you reach your front door to look for your keys. Charmaine McCall Case 6977/05 formerly associated with the fifth option of staying in their current Have them ready ahead of time. floor of 1173 East 229th Drive North, Edenwald apartment or moving anywhere Houses, the Bronx. within New York City, the United Perry Frazier Case 7037/05 formerly associated with the sixth — Don’t buzz in someone who rings your bell until you have verified floor of 296 Sutter Avenue, Brownsville Houses, States or U.S. territories, as long who he or she is. This will help protect both yourself and your neigh- Brooklyn. as the landlord accepts Section 8. bors. “For the vast majority of our Prohibited as of October 12, 2005 families, those that are paying — Don’t allow unscheduled workers to gain access into your home. Lisandro Perez Case 4919/05 formerly associated with the fourth floor of 90 Columbia Street, Baruch 30% of their income for rent, Sec- Criminals may pose as utility workers, NYCHA workers or as trades’ Houses, Manhattan. tion 8 provides the opportunity people. Remember to always check a person’s identification especially Rodney Greene Case 6905/05 formerly associated with the for subsidized mobility,” said when you did not schedule any work. second floor of Drew Hamilton Houses, NYCHA’s Deputy General Man- Manhattan. ager Peter Cantillo. CON ARTISTS... Joshua Deleon Case 7100/05 formerly associated with the It is important to note that fourth floor of 225 Hoyt Street, Gowanus Section 8 rents have a much It’s not only that time of the year for you to go shopping, but also for Houses, Brooklyn. higher ceiling than public hous- con artists to start shopping for their next victim. Con artists use a Malik Nimmons Case 7140/05 formerly associated with the fifth number of ploys to scam you and steal your property. One common floor of 60 Glenmore Avenue, Howard Houses, ing rents do; so a resident who Brooklyn. is already paying ceiling rent may scam involves a couple of cohorts, one causing a commotion to divert Gregory Belton Case 7162/05 formerly associated with Lamont have to pay more under the Sec- your attention while the other is picking your pocket. Still others con- Peebles the first floor of 30 Glenmore Avenue, Howard tion 8 program. duct more elaborate scams that may involve as many as seven con Houses, Brooklyn. “NYCHA’s proposed Section 8 artists. A general rule to remember is, “IF IT SEEMS TOO GOOD Arturo Rivera Case 6871/05 formerly associated with the tenth transition also presents an TO BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS.” floor of 2926-2930 West 25th Street, Surfside Gardens, Brooklyn. opportunity for those families who are already in appropriately Have A Joyous And Safe Prohibited as of October 19, 2005 sized apartments to stay where Holiday Season! Sheldon Jackson Case 7032/05 formerly associated with the they are now and then move later seventh floor of 2819 Schley Avenue, Throggs Neck Houses, the Bronx. if they choose,” said NYCHA’s Chief Joanne Jaffe Zachary Townsend Case 7052/05 formerly associated with the sixth Deputy General Manager floor of 427 West 17th Street, Fulton Houses, Michelle Pinnock. “Participants Manhattan. who wish to move to federal Rashiem Sutton Case 7059/05 formerly associated with the developments will move to the fourth floor of 84-14 Rockaway Beach Blvd., top of the waiting list. Families Hammel Houses, Queens. who are living in overcrowded Zerry Durham Jr. Case 7057/05 formerly associated with the sixth apartments can split up and get floor of 38 Bush Street, Red Hook West Houses, Brooklyn. two apartments. For them, it’s Dwayne Tyler Case 2959/05 formerly associated with the really a win-win.” second floor of 1725 Randall Avenue, Interested residents from State Soundview Houses, the Bronx. and City developments should Jerome Lambert Case 7073/05 formerly associated with the contact their Management Office Marvin Lambert sixth floor of 38 Bush Street, Red Hook West to be placed on a waiting list. If Pete Lambert Houses, Brooklyn. HUD approval is received, the Joseph Brevard Case 7193/05 formerly associated with the fourteenth floor of 200 West 143rd Street, Drew transition process should begin Hamilton Houses, Manhattan. next year. Visit nyc.gov/nycha for more information. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2006 5 Health Matters... UNIVERSITY Out-of-School Time Program Utilizing information from the City’s Department of Health and Opportunities For Youth Citywide Mental Hygiene’s Web site, the “Health Matters” column MACOMBS By Ryan Dodge (Continued from page 1) provides periodic updates on a variety of health concerns. NYC Department of Youth and Community Development Diabetes Is Epidemic create affordable housing will be replicated in neighborhoods across RAUL GARCIA OFTEN ASKS PARENTS TO CLOSE THEIR EYES AND IMAGINE A WORLD But it can be prevented and controlled. the city: at Betances Houses in the WITHOUT AFTER-SCHOOL SERVICES. As the founding coordinator of the Out- • Diabetes is a serious illness that is increasing rapidly in New Bronx, on Manhattan’s West Side, of-School Time (OST) program at the Polo Grounds Towers in Harlem, York City and around the country. In just the past 10 years, the and in Staten Island.” He added Garcia knows that OST can have a dramatic impact on the lives of number of people with diabetes has doubled. that the partners had done an young people and their parents. This is why he says he is not sur- • 1 in 8 adult New Yorkers — about 800,000 people — has “absolutely spectacular job.” prised when the parents quickly grimace, open their eyes, and tell him diabetes; a third of them don’t know it yet. At the time of the ribbon-cut- that there are some things they would rather not think about. • People can often prevent diabetes by getting regular physical ting, 90% of the apartments in the The program Garcia helped which develops, coordinates and activity and maintaining a healthy weight. four rehabbed buildings were create — which is administered implements the programs, in col- • People with diabetes can successfully manage their illness — already occupied. Forty-one of the by Alianza Dominicana, an laboration with 11 other City and lead longer and healthier lives. families are NYCHA residents acclaimed community based agencies. There are currently 31 Diabetes Is a Serious, Life-Long Illness who lived in the buildings before organization — engages young OST programs located at 25 the renovation and returned. People with diabetes have trouble making or using insulin, residents of the Polo Grounds NYCHA locations. During the For the second phase of UNI- causing glucose (sugar) to build up in the blood. and the surrounding community past school year, more than MAC, as the project has come to in a wide variety of youth devel- 2,149 young people participated There are three major types: be known, NYCHA will likewise opment activities that build on in these programs, in addition to Type 1 diabetes transfer three additional vacant what they learn in school. 813 who took advantage of sum- • Type 1 can develop at any age. It can be successfully buildings to an affiliate of Bronx The OST initiative is led by the mer programming. managed, but not prevented or cured. Pro’s for rehabilitation. Once these City’s Department of Youth and OST represents a bold new buildings are renovated, the total • About 5% of people with diabetes have Type 1. Community Development (DYCD), contribution of affordable housing (Continued on page 6) Type 2 diabetes units for the Morris Heights neigh- • Most people with diabetes have Type 2. borhood will be 321. • Physical activity and a healthy diet can often prevent or delay HPD Commissioner Shaun Type 2 diabetes. Donovan told the group, “This is Diabetes in pregnancy (gestational) the very first project completed in a partnership with NYCHA, HPD • In New York City, gestational diabetes occurs in about 4% and HDC, in the Mayor’s New of pregnant women. About half of these women will develop Housing Marketplace.” He com- Type 2 diabetes within 10 years. mented that University Macombs • If untreated or poorly controlled, gestational diabetes can “represents the best we can harm a developing baby. achieve with new construction for “Pre-diabetes” is a wake up call. affordable housing as well as reno- • People with pre-diabetes have higher-than-normal blood sugar vation.” HPD’s role in the project levels. was the administration of low- income housing tax credits and a • They are more likely than those with normal blood sugar Young OST participants at Alianza Dominicana in Harlem. levels to have a heart attack or stroke. $14 million construction loan in • Unless they take steps to control their weight and increase the form of tax-exempt bond physical activity, most people with pre-diabetes will develop financing through HDC. Type 2 diabetes. Bronx Pro President Peter Mag- istro was credited by all of the Major Risk Factors speakers for his vision in the trans- Being overweight and not getting enough exercise are the formation of the block. The archi- biggest risk factors. Others include: tect for the project, Bob Santoriello, • Older age. The risk for Type 2 diabetes increases with age, who served as the MC for the day, especially among people 65 and older. Being overweight and called the change in the neighbor- inactive can also lead to Type 2 diabetes in younger people, hood “a miracle,” saying that Mr. even kids. Magistro “deals in the currency of • A family history of diabetes. hope and transformation.” • Having gestational diabetes or having a baby who weighs more In addition to the contributions than 9 lbs. mentioned above, Banco Popular • Low levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol or high levels of and Wachovia Bank provided the let- triglycerides (fats) in the blood. ter of credit and Enterprise invested $9.7 million in tax credit equity. • Race/ethnicity. African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, A total of 10% of the units are Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders are at higher risk. designated for families that were Diabetes Often Has No Symptoms homeless, and 25% are for former Many people with diabetes have no symptoms, symptoms that NYCHA residents and other develop slowly over months or even years, or symptoms so mild NYCHA referrals. The remaining they go unnoticed. These may include: units are for households earning • Frequent urination • Excessive thirst and hunger • Weight loss • Weakness and no more than $42,540, chosen fatigue • Nausea and vomiting • Sudden vision changes • Tingling or through an HPD lottery. numbness in hands or feet • Frequent or slow-healing sores or infections • Recurring vaginal yeast infections in women • Heart disease • Stroke • Eye problems and blindness • Kidney disease • Poor circulation • Nerve damage • Foot and leg problems, which can lead to amputation • Skin problems (infections, boils, scaly skin, itching) • Gum disease and other oral health problems • Sexual dysfunction • Depression • Premature death

LEARN MORE For free diabetes materials, call 311 or visit: nyc.gov/health/diabetes A renovated lobby at University Macombs. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 6 NOVEMBER 2006

TRABAJOS!-JOB FREE TRAINING GRATIS SI HABLAS INGLES SE NECECITA Out-of-School OST program instructors OST is also a valuable HOME HEALTH AIDE CON develop close relationships with resource for parents and CERTIFICADOS (Continued from page 5) the young people they serve, guardians, who find comfort in CERTIFIED HOME HEALTH AIDES approach to providing youth which allow them to design the knowledge that their chil- development opportunities activities that appeal to the dren’s after school, holiday and SI NO TIENE CERTIFICADOS beyond the final school bell. entire group. summer hours are being spent NO PROBLEMA Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg For example, the theme of in a structured and nurturing FREE TRAINING announced the launch of OST this summer’s programming at environment. in September 2005, and it is the Polo Grounds was “Our For Garcia, the importance of INTRUCCIONES GRATIS estimated that more than Heritage.” Field trips were orga- OST can be summed up with a BENEFITS AND CASH 65,000 young people will be nized to various museums and simple fact — last year, 33 of served by OST programs during cultural institutions, including his 34 students advanced to BONUSES the 2005-2006 school year, the Jewish Museum, the African the next grade. To find an OST LEAVE A NUMBER WHERE WE making it the nation’s largest Burial Ground, and the Museum location near you, call 311 or CAN REACH YOU municipally funded after-school of the American Indian. The DYCD at (212) 788-5647. initiative. Its aim is to ensure objective was to help young par- START FRESH that quality after-school pro- ticipants develop a stronger 212-505-1680 gramming is available to all appreciation for the great diver- youth in the City. sity and history of New York City. a a a THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2006 7 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 8 NOVEMBER 2006 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2006 9 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 10 NOVEMBER 2006 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2006 11 2006 GARDEN & GREENING COMPETITION CITYWIDE WINNERS: FLOWER: Renew Your Spirit Garden, Sheepshead-Nostrand Houses, Brooklyn VEGETABLE: Green Thumb Garden #1 Garden, Mariner’s Harbor, Staten Island CHILDREN’S THEME: Lilly’s Butterfly Garden, Lexington Houses, Manhattan BRONX FLOWER GARDEN WINNERS: WEST BROOKLYN FLOWER GARDEN WINNERS: 1st Prize: Love & Peace I Garden, Boston Secor Houses 1st Prize: Warren Street Sunshine Flowers Garden, 2nd Prize: The Liberty Garden, Throggs Neck Houses 572-574 Warren Street/Wyckoff Gardens 3rd Prize: Mommy’s Corner Garden, Union Avenue Consolidation 2nd Prize: Sweet Success Gardeners, Louis Armstrong Houses Honorable Mention: Yolanda’s Beautiful Garden, Parkside Houses 3rd Prize: A Thing of Beauty #2 Garden, Louis Armstrong Houses Honorable Mention: Sumner’s Miracle Garden, Sumner Senior Center BRONX VEGETABLE GARDEN WINNERS: 1st Prize: Taste of the South Bronx Garden, Union Avenue Consolidation WEST BROOKLYN VEGETABLE GARDEN WINNERS: 2nd Prize: Parkside Community Center Veggie Garden 1st Prize: Bengie’s Vegetable Garden, Sumner Houses 2nd Prize: Love Tavia Garden, Bushwick-Hylan Houses BRONX CHILDREN’S THEME GARDEN WINNERS: 3rd Prize: Cabbage Patch Garden, Walt Whitman Houses 1st Prize: Monterey’s Shade Garden, Monterey Community Center Honorable Mention: Willie and the Little Hunter’s Plantation, Roosevelt Houses 2nd Prize: Monterey’s Butterfly Garden, Monterey Community Center WEST BROOKLYN CHILDREN’S THEME GARDEN WINNERS: 3rd Prize: Sedgwick Community Center Butterfly Garden, Sedgwick 1st Prize: A Touch of Love Garden, Lafayette Gardens Community Center Community Center Honorable Mention: What Helpful Hands Create Garden, EAST BROOKLYN FLOWER GARDEN WINNERS: Soundview Senior Center 1st Prize: Dawn’s Place Garden, Linden Houses Honorable Mention: Parkside Community Center Butterfly Gardens 2nd Prize: Mayda’s Children Garden of Peace, Boulevard Houses 3rd Prize: Unique Spot Garden, Saratoga Square Houses MANHATTAN FLOWER GARDEN WINNERS: Honorable Mention: Star Garden, Hope Gardens 1st Prize: Our Garden, East River Houses EAST BROOKLYN VEGETABLE GARDEN WINNERS: 2nd Prize: Garden of Unity, Straus Houses 3rd Prize: A Touch of Class Garden, Wagner Houses 1st Prize: Green Thumb Garden, Louis H. Pink Houses Honorable Mention: Heavenly Scent Serenity Garden, Isaacs Houses 2nd Prize: Lea’s Garden - Mi Jardin Bello Amanecer, Hope Gardens 3rd Prize: Bountiful Garden, Tilden Houses MANHATTAN VEGETABLE GARDEN WINNERS: Honorable Mention: Garden of Hope, Howard Houses Day Care Center 1st Prize: Harlem’s Vegetable Garden, Jefferson Houses EAST BROOKLYN CHILDREN’S THEME GARDEN WINNERS: 2nd Prize: Troche’s Garden, Wald Houses 1st Prize: Garden of Farewells, Boulevard Houses 3rd Prize: Senior Citizens Garden, Drew Hamilton Houses 2nd Prize: Colorful Angels Garden, Hope Gardens Honorable Mention: East River Community Center Kids’ Veggie Garden, 3rd Prize: Lourdes Ivette Rivera - In Memory Garden, Palmetto Gardens East River Community Center Honorable Mention: Unity Garden, Wald Houses QUEENS FLOWER GARDEN WINNERS: 1st Prize: Garden of Zodiac, South Jamaica Houses MANHATTAN CHILDREN’S THEME GARDEN WINNERS: 2nd Prize: Love & Beauty Flowers Garden, Conlon-Lihfe Towers 1st Prize: Mrs. Potts’ Garden, Isaacs Houses 3rd Prize: Just for You Garden, Woodside Houses 2nd Prize: Jacob Riis Community Center Butterfly Garden, Honorable Mention: The Children’s Garden, Woodside Houses Jacob Riis Community Center QUEENS VEGETABLE GARDEN WINNERS: SOUTH BROOKLYN FLOWER GARDEN WINNERS: 1st Prize: Vegetable Soup Garden, Conlon-Lihfe Towers 2nd Prize: Garden of Venus, South Jamaica Houses 1st Prize: Beach Front Garden #1, Coney Island Houses 3rd Prize: Garden of Eat’n, South Jamaica Houses 2nd Prize: Shining Light Garden, Sheepshead-Nostrand Houses Honorable Mention: Campbell’s Vegetable Garden, South Jamaica Houses 3rd Prize: Hummingbird’s Garden, Coney Island Houses Honorable Mention: Precious Foods Garden, Redfern Houses Honorable Mention: Wishing Well Garden, Glenwood Houses Honorable Mention: I Did It! Garden, South Jamaica Houses Honorable Mention: Hayes Paradise of Flowers Garden, Red Hook East Houses QUEENS CHILDREN’S THEME GARDEN WINNERS: SOUTH BROOKLYN VEGETABLE GARDEN WINNERS: 1st Prize: Eye of the Tiger Garden, South Jamaica Houses Community Center 1st Prize: Green Thumb Garden, Marlboro Houses 2nd Prize: Bay View’s Vegetable Garden, Bay View Houses STATEN ISLAND FLOWER GARDEN WINNERS: 3rd Prize: Fajardo Gardens, Breukelen Houses 1st Prize: “My Serenity” Garden, New Lane Shores Honorable Mention: Mixed Vegetables Garden, Red Hook East 2nd Prize: A Gift of Beauty Garden, New Lane Shores Honorable Mention: God is Love Garden, Marlboro Houses 3rd Prize: Our Secret Garden, Stapleton Houses Honorable Mention: Mother Land Earth Garden, Bay View Houses Honorable Mention: 218 Gardens, Stapleton Houses Honorable Mention: Hayes’ Garden of Love Vegetables, Red Hook East Houses STATEN ISLAND VEGETABLE GARDEN WINNERS: 1st Prize: Dina’s Garden, Berry Houses SOUTH BROOKLYN CHILDREN’S THEME GARDEN WINNERS: 2nd Prize: Charlie’s Place Garden, New Lane Shores 1st Prize: A&M Garden, Sheepshead-Nostrand Houses 2nd Prize: Flowers of Faith Garden, Sheepshead-Nostrand Houses STATEN ISLAND CHILDREN’S THEME GARDEN WINNERS: 3rd Prize: Beauty at the Bay Garden, Sheepshead-Nostrand Houses 1st Prize: Lafayette’s Corner Garden, Cassidy-Lafayette Houses Honorable Mention: Sugar Plum Garden, Red Hook East Houses 2nd Prize: Richmond Terrace Butterfly Garden, Richmond Terrace THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 12 NOVEMBER 2006 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2006 13