Vol. 36, No. 2 First Class U.S. Postage Paid — Permit No. 4119, New York, N.Y. 10007 nyc.gov/nycha FEBRUARY 2006 FILE FOR MAYOR BLOOMBERG HONORS BOARD ADOPTS 2006 SPENDING PLAN NYCHA HERO FELIX VAZQUEZ THE EARNED INCOME On December 28, 2005, the Board of the Housing Authority approved a preliminary spending plan for 2006. TAX CREDIT! This spending plan will allow the Authority to provide ongoing NYCHA ESTIMATES THAT AS MANY services to the 417,000 residents of public housing and AS 30,000 RESIDENTS, OR ONE IN SIX 258,000 New Yorkers residing in private apartments utilizing FAMILIES WHO LIVE IN PUBLIC HOUSING, Section 8 rental subsidies. Highlights of the plan include: MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE EARNED — Preserving cores services to residents; INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC) WHEN THEY FILE THEIR 2005 INCOME TAX. — New funding for apartment/public space painting, The EITC is a federal, state and city emergency boiler rentals, and opening of nine new community tax credit paid to qualifying workers. centers currently in construction or pre-construction phases; and It can be claimed either as a credit on — Preserving funding for Tenant Participation Activities. your taxes or as a cash refund and can be as high as $5,940. The plan is preliminary because there remains a $168 With an average payment of $2,355 million gap between revenue and expenses. Since 2001, to qualifying New York City house- NYCHA has self-funded over $350 million in operating holds in 2004, the EITC helps hard- working families make ends meet and deficits. At the same time the operating subsidy we receive contributes millions of dollars to the from Washington has been reduced and non-discretionary HERO Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg (right) presents Morris Houses city’s economy. spending (utilities, pensions, health care) has increased by Supervisor of Caretakers Felix Vazquez with a Bronze Medallion for saving The EITC can mean a maximum approximately 50%. Additionally 21,000 unsubsidized the life of an infant. combined federal, state and city credit City/State dwelling units have continued to drain resources, THE NEW YORK CITY BRONZE MEDALLION, THE CITY’S HIGHEST CIVIC of up to $5,940 for families with a contributing to more than 50% of the expected budget gap for AWARD, WAS PRESENTED BY MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG TO NYCHA maximum income of $35,263 and SUPERVISOR OF HOUSING CARETAKERS FELIX VAZQUEZ AT CITY HALL ON more than one qualifying child. 2006. DECEMBER 16TH IN RECOGNITION OF HIS HEROISM FOR SAVING THE LIFE Families with a maximum income of At the Board’s request NYCHA’s senior staff is in the process OF A TWO-MONTH-OLD BABY DURING A FIRE IN THE BRONX. $31,030 and one qualifying child can receive up to $3,594 credit, and of developing a balanced financial plan for 2006 which will Mr. Vazquez was in his window. Vazquez, who has individuals with a maximum income close the gap between revenue and expenses. The budget will office doing paperwork on been a NYCHA employee for of $11,750 can receive a maximum preserve core services, minimize impact on the most the early morning of almost 20 years, realized that $539 credit. vulnerable residents, and seek creative means to streamline December 14th, when he what he was seeing was a The EITC does not count as service delivery. For more detail, please visit NYCHA’s Web received a call on his radio baby. He yelled to the woman income in determining NYCHA rent, informing him of a fire in holding the baby not to drop so it will not affect other government site at: www.nyc.gov/nycha. a third-floor apartment it, saying he would get his benefits such as public assistance; nor at Morris Houses’ 1460 caretakers to stretch out a (Continued on page 10) Washington Avenue. After coat to catch the infant. calling 911 he ran to the Caretakers Luz Jusino, building, arriving minutes Donald Drayton and Blanco later. Ramos held onto a coat NYCHA In the Movies When he looked up to the beneath the window to try to third floor he noticed what catch the baby if the mother By Allan Leicht appeared to be a white towel let it go. The baby’s mother, NYCHA’S DEVELOPMENTS HAVE being waved from the PROVIDED THE BACKDROP FOR MANY (Continued on page 5) FEATURE FILMS, TELEVISION SHOWS, COMMERCIALS AND VIDEOS OVER THE October 1st – May 31st YEARS AND 2005 WAS ANOTHER YEAR FULL OF CINEMATIC ACTIVITY. THE LONG- Minimum Indoor Temperature RUNNING TELEVISION DRAMAS, “LAW From 6AM to 10PM AND ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT” AND “LAW AND ORDER: CRIMINAL 68 degrees Fahrenheit INTENT” HAVE USED NYCHA LOCATIONS whenever the outdoor temperature is FREQUENTLY. below 55 degrees. In just 2005 alone, the two “Law and Order” series filmed Minimum Indoor Temperature scenes at Manhattan’s Carver From 10PM to 6AM Houses, Taft Houses, Fulton Houses and twice at Polo 55 degrees Fahrenheit UNDERCOVER Actors Richard Belzer (left) as Detective John Munch and Grounds Houses. Fulton Houses Ice-T as Detective Odafin Tutuola star in Law and Order, Special Victims whenever the outdoor temperature falls also provided settings for the Unit, which sometimes films on NYCHA grounds. Photo courtesy of NBC below 40 degrees. (Continued on page 4) Universal. PAGE 2 PAGE 4 PAGE 5 MEET ARTIST THE BED BUG HEALING MARTIN MEDINA FACT SHEET THE WORLD! THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 2 FEBRUARY 2006

MAYOR’S MESSAGE PROFILE BUILDING AN EVEN GREATER CITY GRAPHIC ARTIST AND RESIDENT MARTIN MEDINA OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS, I’VE MET AND IS INSPIRED BY A LOVE OF ART AND COMMUNITY TALKED WITH NEW YORKERS WHO PRAC- TICE EVERY RELIGION, SPEAK EVERY LAN- By Heidi Morales GUAGE, AND COME FROM EVERYWHERE ON MARTIN MEDINA’S LIFE REVOLVES EARTH. It’s been the experience of a AROUND ART AND COMPUTERS AND lifetime, not only because of the SOMETIMES EVEN THE SPOKEN WORD. generous warmth — and advice — HE’S AN ARTIST IN THE TRUEST SENSE. you’ve given me, but also because “Think to inspire” is the motto he you’ve shared with me your deep- lives by and that’s what he est hopes and dreams. It’s the spends most of his “downtime” enormous power of those dreams, doing — inspiring youth to do over eight million of them, that better, be better and create. gives our city its unique optimism. Mr. Medina is the graphic On Inauguration Day in 2001, not long after the devastation of artist for the Special Events Unit September 11th, I asked New Yorkers to keep faith in our common in Community Operations’ destiny, to think big, dream big, and prepare to build an even greater Department of Citywide Pro- city. We’ve been united through blizzards and a blackout, and, most grams. Although he’s new at his recently, we’ve overcome a transit strike that could well have shut down our city. We have accepted the risks and requirements of the post-9/11 post, he’s not new to the New world without abandoning our devotion to our liberties or our zest for life. York City Housing Authority; in We’ve learned – or re-learned – that in this, the most diverse of cities, fact, he’s lived at the Smith we are one people, with one common destiny. That same spirit of unity Houses on the Lower East Side must continue to guide us now. for almost 20 years and has We have gone through the tough times, and come out stronger. worked at NYCHA for three-and- GRAPHIC GURU Martin Medina with samples of his work in his cubicle at Our population is at an all-time high. Crime is going down; student a-half years. 90 Church Street. achievement is going up; jobs are being created; new homes and parks “I got in through the mail are strengthening and revitalizing our neighborhoods. room,” Mr. Medina explained. the evening because I’m thinking Brooklyn, Bank Street College United, we will take on new challenges — with the passion and Several months after taking a about it all the time and I’m on and the Clemente School on the dedication that New York demands of us. United, we will succeed. civil service test for a stock a computer all the time. As soon Lower East Side. “Sometimes Think about what we have accomplished in the last four years. worker position he was hired by as I go home it’s back on a com- we have kids in the actual show Against all odds, we’ve made the safest big city in the nation even NYCHA. “I was working in the puter. I wake up in the morning [display their art] to show them safer. Our most urgent challenge now is ending the threat of guns and the mail room for three years and and I’m back on a computer, so, that if they keep doing their art violence they do. We have a duty to rid our streets of guns, and punish all everybody started seeing the it’s art all day.” After-hours his it’s going to pay off in the long those who possess and traffic in these instruments of death. We will work I could do — my portfo- artistic juices flow for a reward run.” take our message to Albany, to Washington, and to every capital of every lio — and from there I was in a more noble than money— the Mr. Medina created a Rosa state that permits guns to flow freely across its borders. We will not rest resident art show and everybody good of our communities. Parks piece, which was on until we secure all of the tools we need to protect New Yorkers from the saw my graphics and that’s really Mr. Medina belongs to a not- display at the YMCA in Brooklyn scourge of illegal guns. the doorway that led me in for-profit organization called and which CAPE plans to donate Working together, we’ve overcome the worst fiscal crisis in a generation. here.” Now instead of distribut- Coalition of Artists for Progres- to the “Y.” He’s given a lecture We made a fundamental choice to face up to the crisis, and master it. ing the mail Mr. Medina is shar- sion and Education — CAPE— at the Beacon Theatre on entre- We’ve done more with less, and today our quality of life is better and ing ideas and conveying which brings art to community preneurship and he’s taught a New Yorkers are living longer. This is not the time to relax our vigilance, messages through his digital cre- organizations and schools to poetry lesson at Seward Park or to make the wrong choice of shifting our financial burdens onto the ations. teach children not only how High School. He says poetry is shoulders of our children. Mr. Medina takes pride in cre- to create art but how art can like a bottle washing up on the City government can and must live within its means. And we will do ating his work from scratch. help them better themselves. shore. “Whenever you have the so without abandoning the compassion that defines our city. We will care “I don’t use clip art. I create CAPE has had exhibits at East- opportunity to get your voice out for the elderly, the homeless, and all those in need. everything myself using Adobe side High School, the YMCA in City government must also be the catalyst of opportunity in all five bor- (Continued on page 10) Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. oughs. Private enterprise, not make-work public programs, always will I use QuarkXPress to do lay- account for New York’s prosperity. The public sector’s role is to create the outs but I find it graphically conditions that foster private investment. That is why, from West Harlem The Housing Authority impaired… it doesn’t give me the to Jamaica, and from Hunts Point to Coney Island, we are building new 72 ability to manipulate the graph- years parks, new homes, and new hope. of Public Housing ics. If something’s off on a flower Journal in New York City Staying united, we will pursue the most ambitious affordable housing initiative in New York’s history. We’ll encourage development where it’s I design, I go all the way back to needed, and curb it where it’s not. the beginning and do it all over ESTABLISHED 1970 • CIRCULATION 200,000 again.” At the beginning of my first term our city was caught in a deep national Published monthly by the New York City Housing Authority recession, and our economy was hemorrhaging jobs. Because we’ve Although Mr. Medina strives for Department of Public and Community Relations stimulated growth in all five boroughs, today, by contrast, our economy is flawlessness when it comes to 250 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10007 Tel. (212) 306-3322 • Fax (212) 577-1358 once again moving forward. But for too many in our city, opportunity is still his work, he doesn’t consider himself a perfectionist. “I know nyc.gov/nycha elusive. And as long as that is true, this will not be the New York that we Michael R. Bloomberg...... Mayor want it to be. Staying united, we will create more jobs for all New Yorkers. you’re only as good as your last job, so everything I do I try to put Tino Hernandez...... Chairman Over the next four years, we will aggressively foster small business Earl Andrews, Jr...... Vice-Chairman start-ups and expansion, and promote our growth industries — from out my best.” JoAnna Aniello...... Board Member tourism, to the arts, to the life sciences. We will also step up our efforts Mr. Medina said making the Vilma Huertas...... Secretary to move thousands more New Yorkers from the dependency of welfare to transition from “stock worker” in Douglas Apple...... General Manager Sheila Greene...... Director of Public and Community Relations the dignity of work. the mail room to being one of the Howard Marder...... Public Information Officer We’ve started to fulfill our most important obligation: to our children. go-to people for graphics at Eileen Elliott ...... Editor To give them the future they deserve, we’ve established accountability and NYCHA has been a learning Heidi Morales...... Editor, Spanish Edition set standards in our public schools. We’ve begun to ensure all our stu- experience to say the least. Allan Leicht ...... Staff Writer dents the first-rate education that is their fundamental civil right. Deborah Williams ...... Staff Writer “Now when I wake up in the Peter Mikoleski, Kevin Devoe...... Photography Over the course of my first term, I’ve learned even more what morning I’m like ‘Oh man, I can’t If you are interested in placing an advertisement in the Journal, please connects all of us to New York so deeply. It’s possibility. It’s opportunity. wait to get to work.’ I want to It’s ambitions as bold as seeing your name in lights on Broadway, and as call our marketing representatives in Marketing and Revenue Operations work on this or that, I have a new at (212) 306-6616. The inclusion of any advertisement in this Journal simple and universal as creating a good home and a better life for your idea.” And this enthusiasm does not constitute any endorsement by the Housing Authority of the children. doesn’t end at close of busi- advertiser or its products or services or any other representation by the Michael R. Bloomberg ness. “Everything I do stems into Housing Authority with respect to such products or services. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL FEBRUARY 2006 3

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE BOROUGH DIGEST DEBORAH’S DIARY By Deborah Williams CELEBRATING EXTRAORDINARY The Bronx: Protector — Herma Williams is not Wonder CONTRIBUTIONS In collaboration with Throggs Woman or Superman but she is a champion and Neck Houses Resident Associ- advocate for public safety. Herma has been a AS WE CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY ation President Dwayne Jenk- resident of Pelham Parkway Houses in the MONTH AT NYCHA AND ACROSS ins, Bronx Borough President Bronx for the past 50 years. She gets a giggle in AMERICA, WE UNDERSTANDABLY FOCUS Adolfo Carrion, Jr. has secured her voice when she says, “I have lived here all ON GREAT HISTORICAL FIGURES, EXTRA- funding for exterior lighting at my life. I was born here and I have raised my ORDINARY PERSONALITIES.We Throggs Neck Houses. Car- daughter here too.” It wasn’t until a group of Mary Williams’ remember that we owe Black rion’s office will contribute (Herma’s mother) friends approached Herma on the subject that she History Month to a Harvard $43,000 for 2006 and actually decided to do something about public safety. Mary’s friends scholar named Carter G. Wood- $75,000 for 2007 for exterior believed that Herma would be the ideal person to address resident son, the son of former slaves lighting at the development. safety issues because she seemed to care a lot about others. In fact, who spent his childhood work- Throggs Neck Houses and ing in the Kentucky coal mines. when Herma’s daughter Christine Williams was in public school and Throggs Neck Addition com- wanted to join the Girl Scouts but couldn’t because there was no Dr. Woodson instituted the first prise 33 residential buildings Black History Week in 1926 to one to be a troop leader, she came home and asked her Mom to lead on approximately 42 acres of the troop. “Why me?” said Herma. “Doesn’t one of the other ensure that Black History would land. be accurately documented and mothers want to manage the troop?” “No, no Mom. We want you,” disseminated. Brooklyn: answered Christine. So Herma became the troop leader of Brownie We remember the lifetime achievements of African-Americans On February 14th, 55 seniors Troop 1-367. After working with the Brownies Herma wanted to do who were pioneers, the first in their fields. Pioneers such as from NYCHA developments in more to help the community. In 1994, she ran for the office of Ten- Benjamin Banneker — often considered to be the first African- Coney Island including: Surf- ant Association (TA) President of Pelham Parkway Houses and won. American scientist, he published six annual Farmers’ Almanacs side, Gravesend, O’Dwyer, As TA President, she began to take a stand against drugs and vio- from 1792 to 1797. We remember more famous pioneers includ- Carey Gardens and Coney lence in her community, focusing on senior safety. Through local ing public officials from Shirley Chisholm to Colin Powell and ath- Island Houses, will gather at meetings held by the 49th Precinct Community Council she was letes from Jackie Robinson to Tiger Woods. And of course, we the Surfside Community Center able to voice resident safety issues and has been instrumental in pay tribute to the towering champions of freedom from Frederick for a Senior Club Valentine’s making Pelham Parkway Houses and its resident safe. On November Douglass to Harriet Tubman, who blazed trails wide enough for Luncheon. Not only will these 18, 2005 at the 49th Precinct Annual Fellowship Breakfast, millions to follow. This year, however, one individual stands out not seniors enjoy a delicious lunch, the Precinct’s Commanding Officer Captain George Smith and really for what she did but for what she refused to do. they will also be entertained, Community Council President Joe Thompson presented Herma Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat. play games and win prizes. with the Tom Twyman Citizen Award for being a true champion and When Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus in Mont- Manhattan: advocating for public safety. Senator Jeffrey Klein also presented gomery, Alabama on December 1, 1955, she changed the world. The Manhattan North Council of Herma with the Tom Twyman Certificate of Recognition for her With one small, quiet, one might even say polite act of courage Presidents, led by Barbara outstanding work and dedication to the community. The event was Rosa Parks made history. She was arrested. Her arrest triggered G. Barber of Drew-Hamilton covered by the Bronx Times-Reporter and appeared in its November a 381-day boycott of the Montgomery bus system by African-Amer- 23, 2005 issue. Herma hopes to create a training center for icans that was organized by a then unknown 26-year-old Baptist Houses, held its Second Awards residents to participate in ARISE (Assisting Residents in Services minister, the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. The bus boycott Ceremony for Resident Partici- catapulted Reverend King to the forefront of the Civil Rights Move- pation for Leadership Training at and Education), an organization she created. Sometimes it takes just ment and led to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in November the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. one committed person to bring about significant change in a 1956 that segregation on transportation is unconstitutional. And State Office Building on 125th community. To the Pelham Parkway community, Ms.Williams, you Rosa Parks lived the remainder of her life in relative privacy, cor- Street on January 21st. are indeed that person. I extend my congratulations to you for responding, lecturing, preparing meals, going to church, and vis- Queens: being the recipient of the Tom Twyman Award and wish you iting hospitals. Queens Community Operations, success on your future endeavors. To be sure, Ms. Parks remained active in fighting racial injustice. in collaboration with the NYPD, Update — In my November 2005 “Diary” I congratulated 20 She and other members of the Rosa and Raymond Parks Insti- held its Second Annual “Stop NYCHA residents who graduated from a 12-week Introduction to tute for Self-Development created a special program called Path- The Violence” Basketball Computers course. Well, since then 15 of the 20 have gone on to ways to Freedom, for young people ages 11-18. Children in the League Championship Games take the Intermediate Computer Training course, made possible by a program travel across the country tracing the Underground Rail- at the Hammel Houses Com- road, visiting the scenes of critical events in the Civil Rights Move- collaboration between the Consortium for Worker Education (CWE) munity Center on January 7th. and NYCHA’s Department of Resident Employment Services ment and learning aspects of America’s history. Over 215 youth from Far Rock- (RES). Classes were held in the morning and afternoon for 12 Nevertheless, Rosa Parks always remained soft-spoken, digni- away and Jamaica participated weeks. The course covered Desktop Publishing, Excel, Powerpoint fied and much more of a private rather than a public personality, in the program this year in three and E-mail Access. On December 19, 2005 the 15 students along spending her last years living quietly in Detroit, where she died last divisions: ages 11 and under; with six others graduated from the Intermediate Computer Training October at the age of 92. ages 13 and under; and ages Yet there was one more pioneering achievement for Rosa Parks. 15 and under. Players also course. The graduates are: Joan Diaz, Jacques Pavilus, Henry Her casket was placed in the rotunda of the United States Capi- participated in a series of work- Splliers, Ndiaye Madieng and Kante Amhood of Carver Houses; tol for two days, so that the nation could pay its respects to the shops led by NYPD Youth Yadira Santos, Angela Scales, Peggy Taylor, Anna Rodriquez, and woman whose courage had changed the lives of so many. Rosa Officers promoting community Antoinette Major of Johnson Houses; Marcus Asencio, Ralph Parks was the first woman in American history to lie in state at the involvement, gang and drug Rodriquez, Paulette Massard, Rhonda Atlas, Jeanette Health, and Capitol, an honor usually reserved for presidents of the United prevention. Ursela Torres of Jefferson Houses; Lovey Murjenko and Jose Valen- States. (Continued on page 5) tine of Washington Houses; Terrence Davis of Taft Houses; and Ann One of the things I enjoy most as Chairman is visiting develop- Ashwood of Lehman Village. On January 11, 2006 the Advanced ments and getting to know the many NYCHA residents who make Computer Training course began and all 21 graduates of the Inter- extraordinary contributions in what seem to be ordinary ways: by mediate course were registered to attend. Well, I am so proud of mentoring children, visiting the homebound, showing your con- everyone. You have continued your education and gained useful cern for the well-being of your neighbors, and sharing friendships computer skills that will lead you to the path of a great job. I look in good times and through rough patches. Rosa Parks was by forward to hearing about your success in the Advanced Computer trade a seamstress, not what one might envision as a hero, but course. Congratulations and I wish you continued success! like so many NYCHA residents, what a difference she made. Tino Hernandez If you have good news you would like to share with your neigh- bors, drop me a few lines care of The NYCHA Journal/250 Broadway, 12th Floor/New York, New York 10007 or by fax at (212)577-1358, or better yet, you can e-mail me at: CALL 311 FOR ALL CITY [email protected]. Or hey, make it personal! Give me a call at (212)306-4752. I can’t 100% guarantee it but I’ll do my best NON-EMERGENCY SERVICES to see that your good news makes it into this column. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 4 FEBRUARY 2006 The NYCHA “Not Wanted” List Stop Bed Bugs Safely In this issue we continue our editorial policy of publishing the names of individuals who have been permanently excluded from our Last winter, the NYCHA Journal ran its first article on bed bugs. public housing developments. This list is part of NYCHA’s effort to These nocturnal parasites have resurfaced in New York City. They keep residents informed of the Housing Authority’s ongoing effort only come out at night and they can be hard to detect, but once you to improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers in public housing have them you will need a NYCHA exterminator to get rid of them. and to allow for the peaceful and safe use of our facilities. Here Find out what you need to know... follows a list of the people excluded after hearings were held on What are bed bugs? December 29, 2004 and January 5, 12, and 19, 2005. Please note: These exclusions are based on NYCHA’s Administrative Bed bugs are small insects that feed on human blood. They are Hearing Process and should not be confused with the recently usually active at night when people are sleeping. Adult bed bugs implemented Trespass Policy under Mayor Bloomberg’s have flat, rusty-red-colored oval bodies. About the size of an apple Operation Safe Housing Initaitive. seed, they are big enough to be easily seen, but often hide in cracks in furniture, floors, or walls. When bed bugs feed, their bodies swell and become brighter red. They can live for several weeks or months without food or water. REMEMBER, What does a bed bug bite feel and look like? IF YOU SEE ANY OF THESE INDIVIDUALS ON Most bed bug bites are initially painless, but later turn into large, itchy skin welts. These welts do not have a HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTY, PLEASE CALL red spot in the center like flea bites. YOUR MANAGEMENT OFFICE OR NYCHA’S SPECIAL Are bed bugs dangerous? INVESTIGATIONS UNIT AT (212) 306-8595. Although bed bugs are a nuisance, they are not known to spread disease. Prohibited as of December 29, 2004 How does a home become infested with bed bugs? Gary Coleman Case 3661/04 formerly associated with the In most cases, people carry bed bugs into their homes unknowingly, in infested luggage, furniture, bed- seventh floor of 1810 Watson Avenue, ding, or clothing. Bronxdale Houses, the Bronx. How do I know if my home is infested with bed bugs? Mark Green Case 10370/04 formerly associated with the Samuel Green fourth floor of 444 Beach 54th Street, Ocean You may notice itchy skin welts. You may also see the bed bugs themselves, small bloodstains from crushed Bay Apartments, Far Rockaway. insects, or dark spots from their droppings. It is often hard to see them because they hide in or near beds, Alton Garner III Case 10430/04 formerly associated with the other furniture, and in cracks. eighth floor of 81 North Portland Avenue, What should I do if I find I have bed bugs? Whitman Houses, Brooklyn. If you discover that you have bed bugs, contact your Management Office immediately, so that a work ticket Terrance Johnson Case 10430/04 formerly associated with the eleventh floor of 1348-50 Webster Avenue, for a visit by a NYCHA exterminator can be filled out: Remember, residents of Queens and Staten Island Butler Houses, the Bronx. should call the Centralized Call Center at: (718) 707-7771. Prohibited as of January 5, 2005 Treatment for bed bugs will be done in three phases: Jimmy Farrior Case 10463/04 formerly associated with the 1.) A NYCHA exterminator will inspect, make recommendations and schedule a date to treat the apart- nineteenth floor of 456 Dekalb Avenue, ment. You will be advised to vacuum, wash, and remove all bedding so that the exterminator can treat Lafayette Gardens, Brooklyn. thoroughly. A plastic cover is advised for affected mattresses. Affected clothes and items from the Tyrone Winslow Case 10599/04 formerly associated with the floor should be place in plastic bags, then washed in hot water. fourth floor of 1270 Redfern Avenue, Redfern 2.) On the scheduled treatment date, the exterminator will thoroughly treat all visibly affected areas, Houses, Far Rockaway. vacuum mattresses and the edges of carpets. Closets and any other areas where bed bugs may be Danny Caraballo Case 10625/04 formerly associated with the hiding will also be treated and vacuumed. first floor of 90 Amsterdam Avenue, 3.) The NYCHA exterminator will return to the apartment within ten days. S/he will then apply a follow-up Amsterdam Houses, Manhattan. treatment. The NYCHA exterminator will inform the residents if an additional treatment is necessary. Richard Poche Case 10643/04 formerly associated with the sixth floor of 484 East Houston Street, Wald How can I keep bed bugs out of my home? Houses, Manhattan. Wash clothing and bedding immediately after returning from a trip. Never bring used or discarded bed Juan Jiggetts Case 10671/04 formerly associated with the frames, mattresses, box springs, or upholstered furniture into your home. seventh floor of 288 10th Avenue, Elliott How can I keep my furniture from infesting someone else’s home? Chelsea Houses, Manhattan. Yidamis Ferdinand Case 10672/04 formerly associated with the Never resell or donate infested furniture. If you throw infested furniture away, make it undesirable to others Yidamis Erdinand fourth floor of 2949 8th Avenue, Polo Grounds by cutting or poking holes in its upholstery or making it unusable. You should also notify your Management Towers, Manhattan. Office so that the mattress or furniture can be removed immediately from the garbage pick up area. Hector Gonzalez Case 10501/04 formerly associated with the The above article was written by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) in collaboration with the sixth floor of 16 Mill Street, Red Hook East New York City Housing Authority. Houses, Brooklyn. Prohibited as of January 12, 2005 Adam Concepcion Case 10663/04 formerly associated with the first floor of 535 East 143rd Street, Betances NYCHA In the Movies (Continued from page 1) Houses, the Bronx. Jacquelyn Skipper Case 10719/04 formerly associated with the feature film “The Interpreter,” information and permits to film Smith Houses in Manhattan second floor of 21-09 35th Street Avenue, which starred Nicole Kidman and in public locations. A production has been popular among film- Ravenswood Houses, Queens. Sean Penn. using NYCHA buildings and makers because of its proximity Phillip Moreira Case 10760/04 formerly associated with the Thanks to the overall success grounds must then be coordi- to classic views of the East River fifth floor of 3550-60 Bivona Street, Boston of Mayor Bloomberg’s “Made In nated with the Authority’s Bridges and the New York sky- Secor Houses, the Bronx. New York” incentive program for Department of Public and Com- line. The development was a Norman Robinson Case 10747/04 formerly associated with the eleventh floor of 2410 Eighth Avenue, Saint film and television production munity Relations (PCR). PCR’s recent location for a feature film Nicholas Houses, Manhattan. in New York City, 2005 saw Audio Visual Unit works to entitled “A Crime,” starring Har- Tamara Moody Case 10795/04 formerly associated with the $600 million worth of new ensure that the film production vey Keitel. sixth floor of 41-01 10th Street, Queensbridge production business in the city, is accommodated with little or NYCHA rooftops are often the North Houses, Long Island City. creating jobs for more than no disruption of normal life for location for scenes using the Anthony Sandoval Case 3036/04 formerly associated with the 6,000 New Yorkers. As a direct NYCHA residents. backdrop of the city or as the tenth floor of 235 Hoyt Street, Gowanus Houses, Brooklyn. result of Made In New York, over NYCHA managers and super- point from which a long shot is Brian Grays Case 10806/04 formerly associated with the 250 independent and studio intendents make sure the executed, such as a shot of a Ernest Huey fourth floor of 1710 Randall Avenue, films and a lineup of over 100 spaces needed for filming are bus driving across the Williams- Soundview Houses, the Bronx. new and returning television ready and caretakers may work burg Bridge in the film version of David Torres Case 10803/04 formerly associated with the productions were shot in New late to help out. “Rent,” which was shot from the first floor of 113 Ten Eyck Walk, Williamsburg York City’s streets and studios Ravenswood Houses in Asto- roof of Baruch Houses last year. Houses, Brooklyn. last year. ria, Queens was a setting for Among other motion picture Prohibited as of January 19, 2005 The Mayor’s Office of Film, “Rescue Me,” a dramatic series personalities who have worked Jason Serrano Case 10848/04 formerly associated with the Jonathan Serrano seventh floor of 212 Broad Street, Stapleton Theater and Broadcasting is the about the New York City Fire on NYCHA locations are Sean Walter Serrano Houses, Staten Island. first point of contact for a pro- Department starring Denis Leary Connery, who appeared in “Find- duction company wishing to film on the Fox Network. “Rescue ing Forrester,” which was shot on NYCHA property. It is there Me” was also shot at Lower East for nearly a week at Jefferson that the companies apply for Side II Houses in Manhattan. (Continued on page 10) THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL FEBRUARY 2006 5

New York City Housing Authority BOROUGH DIGEST NYCHA HERO FELIX VAZQUEZ Energy Saving Tips (Continued from page 3) (Continued from page 1) Staten Island: Tracinda Foxe, threw her two-month-old Eric Guzman, out the City Councilman Mike McMa- window. The New York City Housing Authority hon, who represents the North Mr. Vazquez, who is a catcher on the NYCHA softball team, (NYCHA) is asking residents to help Shore, joined NYCHA General ran to the rescue. “She was panicking, and she just said, ‘Catch my baby, catch my baby,’” said Mr. Vazquez. “But she save energy. Between 2002 and 2005, Manager Douglas Apple, Assis- didn't let it go straight, she just threw him. I had to jump tant Deputy General Manager energy spending at the Authority has over the gate and I caught the baby.” Hugh Spence, and Community increased by an incredible 70%. You Once he caught the baby he noticed that it was not Operations Borough Director breathing so he gave it mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, which can help NYCHA reduce the impact Carl Billington to welcome more of skyrocketing energy costs. By he learned years earlier as a lifeguard in the Bronx. After a than 100 seniors to the West few breaths the baby began to breathe on its own. following these tips you will be able Brighton Senior Center which Within minutes FDNY firefighters D.J. Martin and Bobby to use energy more efficiently, while reopened on January 9th, after Eustace burst into the burning apartment, gave Ms. Foxe staying safe and helping the Authority being closed for renovation. fresh air and carried her to safety. Both mother and child The $3.3 million renovation were taken to Jacobi Hospital in the Bronx, where they were to save money on energy costs. If you are increased the size of the Cen- among the 16% of NYCHA families who pay treated and released. ter, which will also serve area “I said, ‘God, please save my son,’” Ms. Foxe said. “I their own utility bills, the money you save will be your own. youth, by half its original size. prayed that someone would catch him and save his life.” Heating – heat rises but costs don’t have to! An official ribbon-cutting cere- “He coughed and started yelling and crying,” said Vazquez. mony is slated for March. •Never use your stove/oven to heat your home! Stoves and “It’s a miracle, just a miracle... and it's a beautiful thing.” The father of three added, “I didn’t think. I just reacted.” ovens were not designed for heating rooms. Using them for Ms. Foxe has asked Mr. Vazquez to be the baby’s godfather this purpose can cause a fire, or can reduce oxygen levels and and Mr. Vazquez has accepted. produce deadly carbon monoxide gas. The story of NYCHA’s hero caught the attention of media •Use natural light. It’s free. Open drapes or blinds and let the around the world from the U.S. to Canada to Australia to sunlight heat the room. Nigeria. Vazquez was kept busy as he appeared on the Today Show, Good Morning America, local television and radio •Don’t cover the radiator with drapes because the heat will be programs and a special Saturday night appearance on trapped behind the drapes. Sabado Gigante, the international Spanish-language TV •Use portable electric space heaters sparingly. They can add 25 program where he was honored with a standing ovation and cents to NYCHA’s energy costs for each hour of use. Eight a special plaque. He was also honored when he was named “New Yorker of the Week” by NY1. hours use costs $2.00. If you multiply this by 30 days, that’s The Bronze Medallion is designated to be presented by $60.00 a month. the Mayor to those who have demonstrated exceptional Lights – new technology is lighting the way toward citizenship and outstanding achievement. The recipients savings! come from a wide range of backgrounds. Some are ordinary citizens while others are foreign dignitaries, superstar •Always turn off the lights when no one is in the room. athletes, and film stars. •Replace old incandescent bulbs with new compact fluorescents. You’ll get the same amount of light and help the Authority save money. ‘HEAL THE WORLD’ HOLIDAY CONCERT •Don’t light a room too brightly. To decide how much is too much, try turning off a table lamp or unscrewing a fluorescent bulb and see if you even notice it. •Dust light bulbs and fixtures to improve light output. Water •Report leaking faucets as quickly as possible; a steady drip of hot water wastes gallons per month as well as the energy required to heat it. •Don’t run the water while shaving, washing your hands or brushing your teeth. Faucets use two to three gallons a minute. •Don’t use the toilet as a wastebasket and don’t flush it unnecessarily. Appliances •Purchase appliances with the Energy Star label. Energy-efficient appliances save energy and money! The NYCHA Youth Chorus helps to ‘heal the world’ on December 15th at FIT. •Be sure your range is turned off immediately after use. •Avoid opening the oven unnecessarily to check on food. By Allan Leicht Each time you open the oven door, the baking temperature The NYCHA Holiday Concert 2005, entitled “Heal the World,” enchanted a capacity audience in the auditorium of drops 25-50 degrees. Manhattan’s Fashion Institute of Technology on the evening of December 15th. Written and directed by Drama •Be sure the refrigerator door is always shut tightly. Consultant Jessie Saunders Petrus and with overall musical direction by Charles Carrington, the evening featured a reprise of “Reunion,” a musical mystery play originally performed in September at NYCHA’s Senior Festival. Aptly •Keep your refrigerator clean; it will run more efficiently. renamed “Holiday Reunion,” the NYCHA Performing Arts Group romped through a kaleidoscopic dream-journey •Always cover foods or liquids in refrigerators. This will keep that paid homage to the inimitable character and history of New Orleans – its message as fresh in winter as it was in the food from drying out and the refrigerator will not have to the fall. work as hard to remove excess moisture. NYCHA’s musical forces were in full flourish, led by the NYCHA Symphony Orchestra under conductors Jack Jeffers and Lloyd Carter and the NYCHA Drum Ensemble from Brooklyn’s Sumner Community Center. The La •When appropriate, microwave foods instead of using a Guardia Senior Choir led by Jie Ling Gao, the NYCHA Youth Chorus under the direction of Larry Matthew and the stove-top. It saves time and energy. Senior Chorus conducted by Carrie Jones Payne and Herold Nicolas spanned the vocal generations with an all- encompassing program celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Soloist Rebecca Lewis opened the second act with a soulful styling of Franz Schubert’s “Ave Maria” and the entire performing ensemble numbering over 100 voices and instrumentalists raised the roof with a thunderous celebration in song with “Joy to the World.” THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 6 FEBRUARY 2006

Department of Resident Employment Services Job Development Unit

Let us Help You Unlock the Door to Success!!! The Job Development Unit operates like a full-service employment agency. We provide FREE employment services to NYCHA residents and prospective employers. The services provided to NYCHA The services provided to prospective residents are as follows: employers are as follows: • job referral and placement assistance • access to NYCHA’s large pool of • career counseling “job-ready” candidates • resume preparation assistance • recruitment and pre-screening of candidates • job interview preparation • design of training programs geared to an employer’s needs • training in searching for jobs on the Internet • access to conference room space for job recruitment purposes • access to job training and education programs • technical assistance regarding new-hire tax credit incentives

For more information, please call (718) 250-5904. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL FEBRUARY 2006 7

NEW YORK CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT TOLL-FREE TERRORISM HOTLINE REPORTS MAY BE MADE ANY TIME TO: 1-800-NYC-SAFE 1-888-692-7233 ALL CALLS WILL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL.

Check With Your Housing Assistant If You Have Questions About The Community Service Requirement. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 8 FEBRUARY 2006 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL FEBRUARY 2006 9

For a Free Online Subscription to the NYCHA Journal Click on E-Mail Updates at nyc.gov

R Never let anyone claiming to be a New York City Housing Authority DE (NYCHA) employee, or a representative from any public or private MIN RE entity into your apartment without first seeing photo identification. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 10 FEBRUARY 2006

production of “The Lion King.” Commercials have also put GRAPHIC ARTIST AND RESIDENT MARTIN MEDINA Movies NYCHA sites on screen, and (Continued from page 2) many student films have been something that they are inter- Macintosh Learning Center in (Continued from page 4) shot on NYCHA grounds. ested in.” Manhattan. “That’s really what Mr. Medina was a little younger gave me the edge,” he said. Houses in Manhattan, and Spike However, perhaps one of the than some of his own students Overall, Mr. Medina says the Lee, who filmed a portion of a most appropriate productions to when he was bitten by the art key to his success has been UNICEF AIDS awareness film at have been filmed at a NYCHA bug. He recalls being awarded time management, and a love for Gowanus Houses in Brooklyn. location was by a NYCHA resi- the prestigious “Best Artist art and his community. “This is Brooklyn was also the scene for dent, Selena M. Blake, who with Award” during his fourth grade my opportunity to do graphics, the feature film, “My Brother,” a filmmaker Gregory O. Larkin graduation, a coveted prize do what I love and still reach the drama to be released in 2006, made “Queensbridge: The Other amongst all the wannabe artists. kids; that’s what it comes down written and directed by Anthony Side,” a documentary about He says that’s when he knew he to at the end of the day.” Pas- Lover and starring Vanessa Queensbridge Houses in had talent although it had not sionate words from a man who Williams and Nashawn Kearse, Queens, the nation’s largest pub- been developed. Once in Junior never had what he offers neigh- which was filmed at Marcy lic housing development. Ms. to people, there should be a High School he fought to be borhood youth with such fervor. Houses. Marcy was also a loca- Blake’s goal was to depict the message of encouragement or placed in the art program. He “When I was younger I really tion for “99 Problems,” a rap most positive aspects of life at positive influence or even a joke began studying architecture and didn’t look up to anybody; I music video by Jay-Z, made in Queensbridge. to make someone laugh.” commercial art and one teacher always did my own thing.” 2004. Proceeds received for filming And, speaking of laughter, saw that this witty boy with a Mr. Medina remembers a time Lillian Wald Houses on the on NYCHA grounds have been what does the “graphics guru” smile as genuine as it was wide when he needed direction, when Lower East Side was the location used to fund scholarships for do for fun? “I go to open mike had a natural talent and con- he wanted to hear a kind voice for scenes from a musical based NYCHA residents who are study- nights. I also perform poetry at vinced Mr. Medina to take the but he faced the pressures and on Beatles songs to be released ing the arts and related fields at CAPE. I paint, play football and entrance exam to the High obstacles of growing up in the in 2006. “Across the Universe” City University of New York basketball. I have a guitar. I just School of Art and Design in “hood” by himself. “I had to grow was directed by Julie Taymor, (CUNY) colleges. learned how to play the Fugees’ Manhattan. up really fast [but] I was who directed the Broadway stage “Ready or Not,” “Lean on Me,” Mr. Medina attended St. Fran- focused,” he said. “I had an out- and an Ozzy Osbourne song.” cis College in Brooklyn for two let — art, poetry, sports.” And many locations throughout the Income Tax Credit He’s even helped build a home years until he got a big break that’s what he wants to give city, some of which are in NYCHA (Continued from page 1) for Habitat for Humanity. “I working for a clothing line. “I kids, an outlet, and an option. developments. The Volunteer wanted to help out the victims of is it counted as income in calculat- Income Tax Assistance (VITA) ended up putting school to the “Nobody helped me when I was Hurricane Katrina.” So, on Sep- ing entitlement to Medicaid, Food program will work with residents side for a little while and started young so I want to help them. tember 30, 2005 Martin and his Stamps, and SSI. However, the to prepare basic income tax returns working for the clothing line full- So, to give kids less of a struggle friends went to Radio City Music payment must be spend by the end at no charge at VITA sites. Volun- time for a year. I went to Hong I teach them, this way I put them of the month following the month teers at these sites are trained by Hall and built a frame for a house Kong, China and Taiwan.” Mr. on the right path early. Like it is received in order to retain the Internal Revenue Service. To within two hours. “From 11:30 Medina says this is really where Gandhi said, ‘You must be the eligibility for these government find the nearest location, or for PM to 1:30 AM, after banging he learned the tricks of the change you want to see in the benefits. further information, call 311. nails and lifting wood that late, I trade. “After the clothing line I world,’ that’s what I’m trying to NYCHA families with incomes Remember, the tax filing dead- went home, woke up the next started working independently live by right now.” under $40,000 last year can get line is April 15th! morning and came to work feel- with a couple of photographers, free help preparing their taxes at ing blessed I was able to come record labels… I did a lot of free- to a job and go home to a bed.” lance work.” Black History Month Mr. Medina also spent three His interest kept growing and months volunteering as a flag he began to teach himself how Essay Contest football coach at his neighbor- to use different computer pro- hood’s YMCA and also volun- Who is Angela Davis? grams such as Adobe Photo- teers at the Seward Park shop; Adobe Illustrator; Adobe Youth between the ages of 13 and 18 who are registered with Community Center. Every After Effects; QuarkXPress; a New York City Housing Authority Community Center in Monday for about two months Micro Media Flash; Micro Media Brooklyn are eligible to participate in the Black History Month now, he has been teaching Dreamweaver (breathe…); and Essay Contest. If you’re interested, pick up an application at youngsters about graphic art. eventually went back to school your Community Center. The topic: “Who is Angela Davis?” “Right now I try to teach some- to get certified as a Graphics and The contest runs from January 11th to February 10th. First prize thing that the kids want to learn, Professional Development Pro- is an iPod Shuffle and second prize is a $50 Best Buy Gift so, I teach them how to do grammer in 2001 from the Apple Certificate. Good luck! mix-tape covers, how to do flyers, Brooklyn Observes World AIDS Day The theme for World AIDS Day, December 1, 2005, was “Stop AIDS... Keep the Promise.” Brooklyn teens helped raise awareness of AIDS and HIV in their borough through skits, dancing, and song at the Williamsburgh Community Cen- ter. More than 325 residents, most of whom were teens them- selves, came to see the show. At left are dancers from Atlantic Terminal: Joshua Hidalgo, Will Hyman, Chauncey Coley, and Jonathan Hidalgo. Teens from the following centers partici- pated: Roosevelt, Williamsburg, Gowanus, Atlantic Terminal, Bushwick-Hylan, Hope Gardens, Sheepshead-Nostrand, Carey Gardens, Albany and Farragut.