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Vol. 39, No. 7 www.nyc.gov/nycha JULY 2009 From a High-Rise to the Highest Court Sonia Sotomayor, President Obama’s Nominee for Supreme Court Justice By Heidi Morales

IFYOU'REANATIVE NEW YORKER form part of the highest court. ORPERHAPSAFANOFTHE NEW For the past 11 years, she has YORK YANKEES, THENAME SONIA been a judge on the United SOTOMAYORMAYHAVESOUNDED States Court of Appeals for FAMILIARTOYOUEVENBEFORE the Second Circuit, based in SHEBECAME PRESIDENT BARACK . OBAMA’SNOMINEEFOR U.S. Ms. Sotomayor, who is of Puerto Rican descent, was born SUPREME COURT JUSTICE. In 1995 in 1954 and grew up in the New Judge Sotomayor became as York City Housing Authority's legendary as baseball hall-of- (NYCHA's) Bronxdale Houses. famers for ending a long baseball Bronxdale Houses, located in the strike by ruling against owners in Bruckner section of the Bronx, DAY ONE (from left) NYCHA Board Member Margarita López, Deputy General Manager for favor of players. According to has 28 seven-story buildings with Ms. Sotomayor, the owners Finance Felix Lam, Citywide Council of Presidents Chair Reggie Bowman, NYCHA Chair John B. 1,496 apartments. Bronxdale is Rhea and City Council Member Alan Gerson at the Rutgers Houses in on Chair were trying to destroy the labor home to approximately 3,500 Rhea’s first day on the job. residents. A modern, high-tech Community Center opened its NEW CHAIR VISITS FIVE BOROUGHS ON doors on the grounds of this development back in 2007, and offers educational and recre- WHIRLWIND, FIRST-DAY MEET-AND-GREET ational activities for children and By Howard Silver adults of the development and the surrounding community. JOHN B. RHEA BEGAN DAY ONE AS CHAIR OF THE NEW YORK CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY WITH WELCOME REMARKS Ms. Sotomayor was raised in TO EXECUTIVE AND SENIOR MANAGERS IN A STAFF MEETING FOLLOWED BY A FULL DAY OF FIELD VISITS IN ALL FIVE BOROUGHS TO BEGIN MEETING AND TALKING TO RESIDENTS, EMPLOYEES, ELECTED OFFICIALS AND OTHER PARTNERS. by her mother, who worked as a nurse at a Chair Rhea had an easy rapport public housing families, as well At the Queens Community methadone clinic to support Ms. with the many stakeholders that as its physical assets. House, Pomonok Center in Sotomayor and her brother, he met on Monday, June 1st, who At Rutgers Houses on Flushing, the new Chair was Manhattan’s , the Juan. At the tender age of eight, also included members of the greeted by Department for the Chair met with Council Members Ms. Sotomayor was diagnosed NYPD and staff from community Aging Commissioner Lilliam based organizations, and clearly Rosie Mendez and Alan J. Judge Sonia Sotomayor with diabetes and just one Barrios-Paoli for a discussion of showed his interest in hearing Gerson, Citywide Council of speaks at Pace University year later her father, a factory senior services at NYCHA what they had to say. President (COP) Chair Reginald Graduation Ceremony worker, died of a heart condi- developments. He also met “My job here today is to hear Bowman, Manhattan South tion. She is no stranger to Photo Credit: Pace University your concerns so that when I COP Chair Rose Bergin, and with Queens COP Chair Ann adversity, but she did not let Resident Association President go back I can take them into Cotton Morris. these challenges deter her from Michael Steele before inspecting system and the concept of consideration,” said Chair Rhea. In the Melrose section of the reaching her goals. an energy-efficient boiler room collective bargaining. A die-hard “This is a great time for public Bronx, at Adams Houses, Chair Judge Sotomayor attended there. “Sometimes the best way to Rhea met with Human Resources fan of the Bronx Bombers housing, with new support from Cardinal Spellman High School, see how things work is to go Administration (HRA) Commis- herself, Judge Sotomayor took Washington, stimulus funds, and where the ‘guts’ of the operations a private Catholic school in the sioner Robert Doar and engaged only 15 minutes to issue the the need for affordable housing are housed,” said Rhea. Bronx, and was later accepted Borough President Ruben Diaz, directive that led to the settle- more pressing than ever.” At the next stop, Bushwick into Princeton University, where Jr. and Council Member Maria ment in the 1994-95 strike and Crowds gathered in front of Houses in , the Chair she graduated with honors at del Carmen Arroyo in a spirited make baseball history. Management Offices as the Chair was greeted by Assembly Member a time when the school had discussion about job training Now Judge Sotomayor is arrived, and accompanied him on Vito Lopez, City Council Member just begun to accept female and placement opportunities at making headlines again as the walks throughout development Erik Martin Dilan and Borough students. She then went on to NYCHA’s Resident Employment President’s nominee to replace grounds. Conversations went President Marty Markowitz, as study law at Yale Law School, Services satellite office located retiring Supreme Court Justice beyond pleasantries to include well as Resident Association where she was editor of the there. Bronx South COP Chair David H. Souter. If confirmed by school's law journal. Her inspira- comments the Chair solicited President Gloria Bonilla. He then John Johnson and Bronx North the U.S. Senate, Ms. Sotomayor, tion to pursue a career in law about how NYCHA can improve visited an elevator motor room on COP Chair Herma Williams who has more than 16 years of came from reading Nancy Drew services for residents and provide the rooftop of one of the build- joined Resident Association court experience, will become detective novels and watching employees with the support they ings, after which, he viewed President Sylvia Sierra at Adams the first Latina ever to serve on episodes of Perry Mason, a need. The day’s activities allowed CCTV footage with NYPD Hou- to meet the new Chair. the U.S. Supreme Court and the defense attorney, on TV. the Chair to gain insight into the sing Bureau Brooklyn Borough third woman in U.S. history to (Continued on page 5) Authority’s programs serving Commander Gerald Dieckman. (Continued on page 10) PAGE 2 PAGE 3 PAGE 8 20TH ANNUAL THE BEST YEARS FOR PUBLIC SUMMER FEEDING RESIDENT ART SHOW HOUSING IN NYC ARE STILL AHEAD PROGRAM SITES THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 2 JULY 2009 MAYOR’S MESSAGE OVER 200 RESIDENTS RECEIVE AWARDS Become A FDNY Fire AT 20TH ANNUAL RESIDENT ARTS SHOW Protection Inspector Independence Houses in the Bronx, who won an award for a THE FIRE DEPARTMENT OF NEW group mixed media project, YORK CITY (FDNY) IS LOOKING said his favorite thing about FOR CANDIDATES TO BECOME creating the piece was, “We FIRE PROTECTION INSPECTORS. could do it all together and help Becoming a Fire Protection each other.” Inspector will give you a real Consultant Carlton Murrell opportunity to make a positive taught at Pomonok Houses in impact in the lives of others — as Queens and at Breukelen and well as your own. Applications Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn submitted by New York City over the past year, his ninth year Housing Authority (NYCHA) with program. “I like the fact residents will be fast-tracked that people have something to for consideration. say, to express, to create from A Fire Protection Inspector the heart,” Mr. Murrell said of conducts inspections of premises to ensure that they are in his experience teaching. compliance with all rules, regulations and requirements of the New The art was on display from York City Administrative Code regarding life and fire safety. June 2nd through the 19th. The kinds of inspections you would perform may include: inspec- NURTURING TALENT NYCHA Vice-Chair Earl Andrews, tions of sprinkler/standpipe systems, carbonated gas systems and Jr. (left) and Chair John B. Rhea with a young artist awardee. extinguishing systems. If assigned to District Office Headquarters your responsibilities may include: inspecting for permits governing By Eileen Elliott the storage of flammables and combustible mixtures and compressed ONCEAGAIN, THE RUTGERS Lucero, who has been running the gasses; if assigned to the Public Safety Unit you would perform HOUSES COMMUNITY CENTER program from the beginning, as safety inspections on hotels and office buildings; in the Field Public ON MANHATTAN’S LOWER EAST well as all of the Center Directors Communications Unit you would handle and address complaints SIDEWASOVERFLOWINGWITH and artist-consultants. “We hope to from the public and private sectors. Other responsibilities may THE DRAWINGS, PAINTINGS, do more programs like this,” Mr. include representing the FDNY at the New York City Board of PHOTOGRAPHS, COLLAGES, MURALS Spence said, as he thanked Standards and Appeals; conducting inspections of building AND SCULPTURES OF THE HUNDREDS NYCHA’s Board — the Chair, construction; completing and issuing violation forms, orders and/or OF NEW YORK CITY HOUSING Vice-Chair and Member Margarita summonses; testifying in court when required; reviewing, AUTHORITY (NYCHA) RESIDENTS López, for supporting the program. formulating and amending the New York City Administrative Code; WHOSE WORK WAS SELECTED FOR Before the actual awards were or working with the Fireworks Safety Group to conduct safety THE 20TH ANNUAL RESIDENT handed out the NYCHA Youth inspections and monitor all fireworks shows throughout the City. ART SHOW EXHIBIT. Chorus performed an uplifting Salary and Benefits “To all of the young artists who musical selection, under the The starting salary for a Fire Protection Inspector is $33,291 for are here today, your friends and direction of Larry Matthew and the first year and $38,285 after two years of service. In addition, you families, you should be very Carrie Jones. will receive excellent health and pension benefits with domestic proud,” said NYCHA Chair John NYCHA Creative Arts partner coverage, two weeks of vacation a year to start, overtime and B. Rhea at the Youth Awards Manager Juan Santiago called a 35 hour work week with paid holidays. Ceremony which was held at the each artist up to the front of the Center on June 4th. “Please room to receive a medal from Hiring Requirements don’t lose that sense of wonder Chairman Rhea. In order to be appointed as a Fire Protection Inspector, you must be and excitement.” The Chair One of those artists, eight-year- 18 years of age; hold a valid New York State motor vehicle driver’s prefaced his comments by saying old Juan Rodriguez of Ft. license; complete the pre-employment process consisting of a he was “blown away,” by the comprehensive background investigation; have a high school creativity of the work. diploma or equivalent; and have three years of satisfactory full-time Three professional artists served The Housing Authority experience in one or a combination of the following: as judges, making their selection —Design, installation, operation, repair, testing or inspection of of the 375 artworks for the exhibit fire suppression and/or extinguishing systems and/or refrigeration, from an incredible 800 submis- Journal air-conditioning or oil-heating systems; or sions. These submissions reflected ESTABLISHED 1970 • CIRCULATION 200,000 —The formulation, enforcement or implementation of safety the work of many of the 6,000 standards and programs in the manufacture and/or storage of NYCHA residents who partici- Published monthly by the New York City Housing Authority materials which are potential fire hazards; or pated in the Harborview Visual Department of Communications —The inspection of facilities for compliance with fire and Arts program at 60 Community 250 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10007 Tel (212) 306-3322 • Fax (212) 577-1358 building codes and other safety inspection standards and the enforce- Centers throughout the City, nyc.gov/nycha ment of these codes and standards; under the guidance of 28 Michael R. Bloomberg...... Mayor —Service as a Certified Fire Safety Director; or Harborview artist-consultants. —Thirty semester credits from an accredited college or university NYCHA Vice-Chair Earl John B. Rhea...... Chair in fire science technology; fire protection engineering; chemical, Andrews, Jr. also spoke, Earl Andrews, Jr...... Vice-Chair Margarita López...... Board Member mechanical, environmental, electrical or marine engineering, or commenting that he was privi- chemistry; or Vilma Huertas...... Secretary leged to attend the awards cere- Douglas Apple ...... General Manager —A certificate of completion from an approved union-sponsored mony for senior artists held earlier Sheila Greene ...... Director, Department of Communications plumbing inspection program or satisfactory completion of a course in the week. Mr. Andrews Eileen Elliott...... Editor of study in plumbing from an accredited trade/high school and two encouraged the youth to continue Heidi Morales...... Editor, Spanish Edition years of satisfactory full-time experience in general plumbing. Howard Silver ...... Editor, NYCHA Bulletin to express themselves throughout Tischelle George...... Online News Editor How to Become a FDNY Fire Protection Inspector their lives as they have with Deborah Williams...... Staff Writer Interested New York City Housing Authority residents should their art. Peter Mikoleski, Leticia Barboza...... Photography call NYCHA’s Department of Resident Employment Services NYCHA’s Department of Community Operations Deputy If you are interested in placing an advertisement in the Journal, please call at (718) 250-5904. For more information, visit the FDNY website, our marketing representatives in the Office of Business and Revenue General Manager Hugh Spence www.nyc.gov/fdny. Development at (212) 306-6616. The inclusion of any advertisement in this thanked his staff, including Journal does not constitute any endorsement by the Housing Authority of Michael R. Bloomberg Harborview Visual Arts Program the advertiser or its products or services or any other representation by the Community Coordinator William Housing Authority with respect to such products or services. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL JULY 2009 3 CHAIR’S MESSAGE DOLLARS AVAILABLE DEBORAH’S DIARY By Deborah Williams Inspired — When Joanne Smitherman was The Best Years for Public Housing FOR RESIDENT just a young girl her mother used to get frus- EMPOWERMENT trated with her because she didn’t take much in New York City Are Still Ahead interest in their community. But with age and GREETINGS!I AM TAKING THE PROGRAMS motherhood Joanne’s carefree attitude soon OPPORTUNITY OF USING MY FIRST changed. “I was walking past Kingsbridge EACHYEARTHE U.S.DEPARTMENT COLUMN AS CHAIRMAN TO TELL YOU and 161st Street and someone handed me a OF HOUSINGAND URBAN DEVELOP- A LITTLE BIT ABOUT MYSELF, AND leaflet,” Ms. Smitherman said. “There was infor- MENT (HUD) PROVIDESPUBLIC HIGHLIGHTMYPRIORITIESFOR mation about a community meeting that evening. I decided to HOUSINGAUTHORITIESAROUNDTHE THE EW ORK ITY OUSING attend. That was my very first community meeting.” N Y C H COUNTRYWITHMONIESFOREACH UTHORITY That was just the beginning of what would turn into years of A (NYCHA). FEDERALLYFUNDEDDWELLINGUNIT First, let me say that I am community involvement. “The very first organization I joined was TOBEUSEDFORRESIDENTEMPOW- grateful to the leadership that has back in 1960 — The National Welfare Group. I would attend rallies ERMENTPROGRAMS. To utilize and sit-ins and sure I got arrested but I never went to jail. I remember held NYCHA together for so many this funding, recognized years and particularly over the last being inspired by listening to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Resident Association Presi- Reverend and Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. and Reverend few months. I would like to dents must submit proposals personally thank Ricardo Elías Jesse Jackson. Listening to them taught me the importance of infor- to the New York City mation sharing and communication,” said Ms. Smitherman. Morales for his stewardship as Housing Authority (NYCHA) interim Chairman. I also want to thank my fellow Board Members, Earl through their District Andrews, Jr. and Margarita López, for their professionalism and unwa- Community Involvement Council of Presidents (COP), She moved into Highbridge Gardens in the Bronx 50 years ago, vering commitment to NYCHA. outlining the program(s) It is an honor and privilege to be entrusted by Mayor Michael R. raised five children there and has served three terms, each they would like to imple- consisting of three years, as the Bronx South Council of President Bloomberg with the mammoth job of running this agency. I believe my ment, in accordance with experiences have trained me well to take on the challenges— (COP) District Chair.You could hear the seriousness in her voice as HUD specifications. she told me, “I was always a boisterous person when it came to and equally important the opportunities — that NYCHA faces at this The Tenant Participation critical juncture. getting my point across. I would attend all the Tenant Association Activity program, or TPA, is a meetings and spoke regularly about the changes needed in I’ve spent 20 years in the private sector competing in high perfor- great way to encourage resi- mance environments where customer service was the key to success. I Highbridge Gardens and other developments in the South Bronx. dents to get involved and I guess that’s probably why, back then, I was approached by three intend to bring that same energy, drive and customer focus to serving become active participants NYCHA residents each and every day. members who sat on the Council of Presidents and asked to run in in the lives of their commu- the upcoming election as Bronx South Council of Presidents Both residents and staff can count on me to ask for your opinion often nities. HUD implemented the and to act on what you tell me. In fact, during my first few weeks as District Chair.” TPA program in 2001, and She was a little hesitant at first because she didn’t really know Chair, I asked NYCHA’s employees to fill out an anonymous, strictly regulates its funding. confidential questionnaire to help me get a better sense of what the much about the position, but nonetheless decided to run. Eligible activities include Ms. Smitherman had previously held the position of Highbridge real underlying issues are at the Housing Authority. I also had a chance programs that help residents to meet with residents, staff, elected officials and police officers Gardens Resident Association Secretary and Resident Association improve their quality of life, President and now with certainty in her voice she said, at NYCHA developments in each borough my first day on the such as leadership training job and found the many conversations we had to be very helpful “I figured that I could help change things because in my eyes and programs which teach something more needed to be done.” and informative. business and job-related Having grown up in a large city where access to education, jobs, and skills. Resident Association Change Comes quality, affordable housing in safe neighborhoods were of concern to Presidents submit proposals many residents, I understand the challenges many NYCHA residents Ms. Smitherman has led the way in the use of Tenant Participa- to NYCHA and to their tion Activity (TPA) Funds. (See article to the left of this column.) confront every day. COP District Chair, and Though I grew up in Detroit, Michigan, I’ve lived in New York City TPA funds are allocated by the U.S. Department of Housing receive a determination and Urban Development (HUD) specifically for public housing for most of my adult life — in both Brooklyn and Manhattan — and within 30 days. understand the unique make-up of our city and the tremendous vibrancy residents to finance a variety of initiatives that promote community NYCHA is currently working involvement and improvement, self-sufficiency and leadership. that exists as a result of ethnic and cultural diversity. NYCHA adds to with all nine COP Districts on that richness in so many communities in all five boroughs. Ms. Smitherman submitted 84 proposals for programs that their program submissions. she believed would benefit the youth, young parents, students and NYCHA has been and will continue to be an important part of the Many District Councils are affordable housing equation as it is a critical means for lower income, holding retreats and semi- (Continued on page 5) immigrant and minority communities to have an opportunity to gain nars to facilitate the TPA stability and begin building better lives for themselves. program. The Bronx South NYCHA is also an economic engine and our community programs District held a three-day are critical to the neighborhoods in which we operate. I intend to nurture retreat in March 2009 them to ensure we are doing all we can to support the communities covering topics such as: NYCHA residents are committed to building. We will also use Understanding Principles of NYCHA’s economic clout to help residents secure jobs and build Leadership; Recruitment and businesses wherever possible. Retention (of residents into This is a great time to be taking over the leadership of NYCHA. As the Resident Association); we celebrate our 75th year — our diamond anniversary — it is ener- and Conducting Successful gizing to know that the Administration in Washington is committed to Meetings and Project Plan- moving toward full funding of public housing once again and has ning. The Bronx North has showed its commitment by providing NYCHA with $423 million in scheduled a similar retreat. federal stimulus funding to make critical capital improvements. It is The Manhattan North District exciting to pick up the newspaper and to read stories celebrating famous has also utilized TPA funding NYCHA alumnae, like Supreme Court Justice nominee, Sonia successfully by implementing Sotomayor. It reminds all of us at NYCHA that the people we serve three computer training every day share the same aspirations as all Americans — to provide programs, and using TPA their children with a safe and secure place to grow and pursue funds to buy new computers. their dreams. It is important to remember Bronx South Council Of Presidents Chair and Mott Haven NYCHA has a tremendous legacy to reclaim. We will work that the TPA program is Resident Association President John Johnson, City Council diligently to ensure that every single unit of public housing is preserved resident-driven. It is up to Member Maria del Carmen Arroyo, Assistant Police Chief for future generations. I say this with the deepest sense of commitment Resident Associations and their Edward Delatorre of PSA #7, Bronx District Attorney Robert because I believe there is no nobler cause than to serve the community. COP Districts to initiate the Johnson and former Bronx South Council of Presidents Chair The best years for public housing are still ahead. process. NYCHA is, however, Joanne Smitherman, now Bronx South Vice-Chair, at the COP very happy to provide technical Installation Ceremony held at the Mott Haven Community John B. Rhea (Continued on page 10) Center on May 26th. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 4 JULY 2009

THE NYCHA NOT WANTED LIST NEW YORK CITY In Memoriam Police Officer In this issue we continue publishing the names of individuals who have HOUSING been permanently excluded from our public housing developments. Omar J. Edwards AUTHORITY February 4, 1984 — The purpose of this list is to keep residents informed of the Housing May 28, 2009 Authority’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for all New Board Meeting Yorkers in public housing and to allow for the peaceful and safe use Schedule of our facilities. What follows is a partial list of the people excluded The New York City Housing For a Authority would like to after hearings were held on March 25, and April 1 and 8, 2009. Notice is hereby given that full list of the “Not Wanted” visit NYCHA’s Website at extend its condolences to the the New York City Housing nyc.gov/residentscorner. Please note: These exclusions are based Authority’s Board Meetings family, friends and colleagues on NYCHA’s Administrative Hearing Process and should not be take place every other of Police Officer Omar J. confused with the Trespass Notice Program under Mayor Wednesday at 10:00 A.M. Edwards. On May 28th, the Bloomberg’s Operation Safe Housing Initiative. (unless otherwise noted) in 25-year-old Officer, who had served with the Housing the Board Room on the 12th Bureau’s Manhattan Impact Response Team for two years, REMEMBER, Floor of 250 Broadway, New was shot and killed in a case of mistaken identity while IF YOU SEE ANY OF THESE INDIVIDUALS ON York, New York. The meetings attempting to arrest a man who he caught breaking into HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTY, PLEASE CALL for the remainder of the his car. YOUR MANAGEMENT OFFICE OR NYCHA’S Calendar Year 2009 are SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT AT (212) 306-8595. as follows: A service was held for Officer Edwards on June 4th at Prohibited as of March 25, 2009 July 8, 2009 Our Lady of Victory Roman Catholic Church in Joseph Kennedy Case 312/09 formerly associated with the fourteenth July 22, 2009 Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. floor of 111 Bridge Street, Farragut Houses, August 5, 2009 August 19, 2009 Brooklyn. Officer Edwards is survived by his wife, Danielle, two September 2, 2009 Prohibited as of April 1, 2009 September 16, 2009 sons, Xavier and Keanu, his mother Natalia Harding, his Messiah Sosa Case 1963/09 formerly associated with the second September 30, 2009 father Ricardo Edwards, a brother, Alfonso Williams, floor of 224 York Street, Farragut Houses, Brooklyn. October 14, 2009 grandmothers Maria Burkett and Maria Edwards, October 28, 2009 grandfather George Harding, aunts, uncles, cousins and Eliyah Bussey Case 3/09 formerly associated with the second November 10, 2009 friends and colleagues. Ishiyah Bussey floor of 445 Fountain Avenue, Cypress Hill Houses, (Tuesday) John Pope Brooklyn. November 25, 2009 December 9, 2009 Makai Jackson Case 2014/09 formerly associated with the third December 23, 2009 Floyd Johnson floor of 12-50 Redfern Avenue, Redfern Houses, West Nile Virus Far Rockaway. Please note that these dates Angel Chapman Case 1977/09 formerly associated with the thir are subject to change. Any changes to the schedule Mosquito Treatment teenth floor of 131 Belmont Avenue, Seth Low/ The New York City Housing Authority will be treating above will be posted on Glenmore Houses, Brooklyn. NYCHA’s Website at all of the catch basins located on Housing Authority developments to reduce the mosquito population in an Kevin Stokes Case 2279/09 formerly associated with the tenth nyc.gov/nycha and in the effort to minimize the transmission of the West Nile Virus. floor of 60 West 104th Street, Douglass Houses, NYCHA Journal to the extent Manhattan. practicable at a reasonable These applications will take place between May and time before the meeting. October of 2009. One or more of the following pesticides Corey Watson Case 2290/09 formerly associated with the twelfth These meetings are open to will be used: floor of 1191 Park Place, Albany Houses, the public. Pre-registration Brooklyn. of speakers is required. Those who wish to register -Vectolex CG, EPA Reg. No. 73049-20, Toxicity Kimberly Smith Case 904/09 formerly associated with the third must do so at least forty-five Category – ”Caution” floor of 94 Centre Mall, Red Hook East Houses, (45) minutes before the Brooklyn. scheduled Board Meeting. -Summit B.t.i. Briquets, EPA Reg. No. 6218-47, Comments are limited to Toxicity Category – ”Caution” Jose Hernandez Case 1490/09 formerly associated with the sixteenth the items on the agenda. floor of 3150 Broadway, Grant Houses, Manhattan. Speakers will be heard in -Altosid XR, EPA Reg. No. 2724-421, Toxicity Jonathan / Case 0156/09 formerly associated with the second the order of registration. Speaking time will be limited Category – ”Caution” Jonathon floor of 225 Hoyt Street, Gowanus Houses, to three (3) minutes. The Fernandez Brooklyn. public comment period Contact names and numbers for this application are: Reno Smith Case 2321/09 formerly associated with the seventh will conclude upon all floor of 93 Lewis Avenue, Roosevelt Houses, speakers being heard or at NYC Housing Authority: Brooklyn. the expiration of thirty (30) minutes allotted by -Cal Bruno, Deputy Director, 718-707-5281 Tara Almon Case 2310/09 formerly associated with the third law for public comment, floor of 56 Roxbury Street, Mariner’s Harbor whichever occurs first. For available from 9:00AM - 5:00PM Houses, Staten Island. Board Meeting dates and times, and/or additional -Jamal Rashid, Technical Resource Advisor, Prohibited as of April 8, 2009 information, please visit our 718-707-5808 available from 8:00AM – 4:00PM Jon Smith Jr. Case 2091/09 formerly associated with the second Website at nyc.gov/nycha floor of 155-11 71st Avenue, Pomonok Houses, or contact us at (212) -NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation, Queens. 306-6088. Copies of the Region 2, Bureau of Pesticide Management– Darnell Case 2115/09 formerly associated with the third agenda can be picked up 718-482-4994 Thompson floor of 11 Bridge Street, Farragut Houses, at the Office of the Secre- tary at 250 Broadway, Brooklyn. 12th floor, New York, New -National Pesticide Telecommunications Network– Victor Corporan Case 2116/09 formerly associated with the first York, no earlier than 3 P.M. 1-800-858-PEST Christopher floor of 75 LaSalle Street, Grant Houses, on the Friday before Brown Manhattan. the upcoming Wednesday Inquiries concerning symptoms of pesticide poisoning Anita Jenkins Case 1393/09 formerly associated with the first Board Meeting. Any person should be directed to the Poison Control Center – 1-800- requiring a reasonable Jonee Williams floor of 717 East 108th Street, Breukelen Houses, accommodation in order to 222-1222. Brooklyn. participate in the Board Meeting should contact the For a full list of the “Not Wanted” Office of the Secretary at visit NYCHA’s website at (212) 306-6088 no later than five (5) business days before nyc.gov/residentscorner. the Board Meeting. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL JULY 2009 5

Highest Court DEBORAH’S DIARY By Deborah Williams (Continued from page 1) (Continued from page 3) Ms. Sotomayor worked as an seniors in Highbridge Gardens and several other South Bronx Assistant District Attorney for developments. She was successful in bringing 67 of the 84 proposed New York District Attorney programs to fruition. Robert Morgenthau and for “I was able to accomplish this because I got my Resident Associa- several years litigated cases for a tion Presidents to come to the monthly meetings and their attendance private law firm until that big day made their development eligible for TPA funds.” In return, together, whenshewasnominatedtositon “My Resident Association Presidents and I were able to get telephone the U.S. District Court for the equipment installed at [Resident Association Offices in] a few Southern District of New York. At developments; at Adams Houses karate classes were held; Mitchell age 40, Ms. Sotomayor became Houses was host to an Adult Leadership and Entrepreneurship the youngest judge in the program; Mott Haven Houses offered Entrepreneurship and Young Southern District of New York Parent Leadership programs; Highbridge Gardens held its first and the first American of Puerto Intergenerational program where seniors and youth attended Rican descent to hold this Broadway shows that included “The Color Purple”; Patterson, Mill position. In 1992 she was Brook and Butler held College Tours to several Historical Black confirmed to serve as a U.S. University/Colleges; Claremont Village and Teller Avenue offered Circuit Court Judge becoming the exercise and arts-and-crafts programs. There were mentoring and first Puerto Rican woman to serve housekeeping programs offered as well,” Ms. Smitherman said as a federal Judge in New York. proudly. In addition, Ms. Smitherman, said she is responsible for Then in 1998, President Bill getting more of NYCHA’s Executive Staff to attend the monthly COP Clinton nominated her for a seat meeting where she distributed informational packets. “I always kept on the second highest court in my Vice-Presidents informed about everything thing I was doing,” America, the U.S. Court of said Ms. Smitherman. Appeals in the Second Circuit, a seat she currently holds. Time to Step Down During a lecture in 2002, Judge It’s been nine years since the day Ms. Joanne Smitherman was Sotomayor said, “My family voted in as Bronx South Council of Presidents District Chair. showed me by their example how Nine years of being the voice of residents and advocating for her wonderful and vibrant life is and neighborhoods and now its time “to step back and give someone how wonderful it is to have a else a chance” said Ms. Smitherman. “That’s why I decided not to Latina soul. They taught me to run for District Chair again. It’s only fair. The new Bronx South love America, to value its lesson COP District Chair is Mr. John Johnson and he is a very capable that great things could be person. He was my Vice-Chair for several years so I know firsthand achieved if one works for them.” that he will do a good job.” Ms. Smitherman is now 76 years young President Obama said he and has a few health concerns that must take priority.Yet, she is still was looking for “a qualified the President of Police Service Area #7 Community Board and will nominee with legal and real world actively participate in their National Night Out Against Crime. experience, as well as an appreci- While she might not hold the demanding job of Bronx South ation for the impact of court COP Chair she will hold the position of Vice- Chair, “I will still be decisions on everyday life.” The there to see that NYCHA does what it’s suppose to do in terms of U.S. Senate now has to hold communicating with its residents.” confirmation hearings and decide whether Sonia Sotomayor's court On behalf of NYCHA, I would like to thank you for all your experience and humble back- service and dedication to your community. It’s people like you who grounds make her the best choice make NYCHA a better and more enjoyable place to live.Thanks! for U.S. Supreme Court Justice.

UTILIZE THE CITY’S COOLING CENTERS DURING HEAT EMERGENCIES Customer Contact Center If you begin to feel sick or disoriented during The CCC has changed a Heat Emergency, there are “COOLING its name. The Centralized Call CENTERS” throughout the city that you can use Center is now the Customer to get relief. Some are even located in Contact Center. The tele- NYCHA developments. phone number remains the same. Call (718) 707-7771 to schedule maintenance Call 311 during the next Heat Emergency appointments between the to find the location of a Cooling Center hours of 4AM and midnight, near you. and 24/7 for maintenance emergencies. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 6 JULY 2009 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL JULY 2009 7 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 8 JULY 2009 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL JULY 2009 9

NYCHA Celebrates 75 Years of Public Housing

Mill Brook Houses 50th Anniversary

The New York City Housing Authority’s (NYCHA’s) Mill Brook Houses, located in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx, celebrated its 50th Anniversary on May 26, 2009. Mill Brook Houses consists of 1,252 apartments in nine, 16-story buildings on 12 acres between East 135th and 137th Streets, and Brook and Cypress Avenues. It is home to 2,965 residents.

Mill Brook Houses takes its name from the Mill Brook which was once an important waterway, running through the Morrisania Estate, from East 170th Street to the East River, roughly along the course of what is today Brook Avenue.The Morrisania Estate was originally owned by the Morris family, beginning in 1670. In 1840 Gouverneur Morris, Jr., son of the famous Gouverner Morris (January 31, 1752 – November 6, 1816), allowed a railroad to be built across the property.The estate was purchased by the neighborhood’s namesake, Jordan Mott, for his iron works in 1849.

Mill Brook Houses has a strong resident association whose members have traveled to Mill Brook Houses in 1959. both Albany and Washington to advocate for increased government subsidy for public housing. Mill Brook has traditionally hosted Father’s Day Basketball Tournaments, with teams from nearby NYCHA developments competing. A successful resident- initiated “College Bound” program has introduced high school youth to various colleges. A proclamation issued by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg was presented to NYCHA residents and staff at the development to commemorate the occasion of the development’s anniversary.

The historical photos and captions are from the LaGuardia and Wagner Archives.

Old law tenement building at 631 East 135th Street in the South Bronx, February 24, 1953, part of the 12 acre site for Mill Brook Houses.

Mill Brook residents indoctrination, July NYCHA staff and residents gathered at Mill Brook Houses to commemorate the development’s 1959. Residents apparently learning anniversary. From left, front row, are NYCHA Vice-Chair Earl Andrews, Jr., Melvina R. Smith, Resident the “Do’s” and “Don’ts” of living in a Association President P. Jamerson, Bronx South District Council of Presidents Chair John Johnson, NYCHA development. Manager Allison Williams, Sylvia Arroyo, and Carem Cintron (holding sign). Also shown here (not in order) are: Ada Robinson, Shirley M. Greene, Lottie Chaney, Joyce Coleman, Clevester Hemphill, Assistant Superintendent Anthony Henry, Salli Harrison, Ivan Vargas, Ana Velasquez, Bronx Borough Director Michael Cornelius, Supervisor of Caretakers Nathaniel Calhoun, Borough Administrator Trevor Baptiste, Superintendent Linden Sinclair, and Bronx Borough Deputy Director Peter Edwards. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 10 JULY 2009 NEW CHAIR VISITS BOROUGHS (Continued from page 1) Douglass Houses Seniors’ Tile Art On At Polo Grounds in Harlem, Markham Gardens, a mixed- the Chair met with Council income community being Member Inez Dickens following developed by a private manage- PermanentBy Eileen Elliott Display in India and China a visit to the development’s state- ment team on the site of a of-the-art ATTAIN computer former housing development. At THE NEXT TIME YOU’REIN lab. The children there were Markham he visited with the first AHMEDABAD,INDIA, STOP BY THE obviously excited about meeting returning former Markham resi- KANORIA CENTRE FOR THE ARTS NYCHA’s 21st Chair who clearly dent Milagros Arroyo, who was AT THE UNIVERSITY THERE TO enjoyed helping one young ecstatic to be “back at home.” SEE WHAT THE SENIORS FROM boy with his computer-based When asked about Day One, THE NEW YORK CITY HOUSING math exercise. Rhea said, “This was a great start AUTHORITY’S (NYCHA’S)DOUGLASS The Chair ended his day but I’m ready for tomorrow.” To HOUSES’SENIOR CENTERIN in West Brighton, Staten Island, find out more about NYCHA’s UPPER MANHATTAN HAVE BEEN where he strolled through new Chair, read the Chair’s DOING. Twenty-two ceramic tiles new housing construction at Message in this paper on page 3. created by 21 NYCHA seniors have crossed the oceans and are now on permanent exhibit, FIREDUP (left to right) Douglass seniors Barbara “Babs” affixed to a courtyard wall at the White, Mary Givens, Doris Walton, Artist-Consultant Jennifer Kanoria Centre—along with Wade, Gretchen Marshall, Delores Bedford, and Aurelina tiles created by artists from Fernandez with tiles for a work-in-progress to be installed at the some 40 countries, as part of New York Aquarium. The Tile Project: Destination, the World. “It was three weeks from the their work on an international site. Sponsored by the TransCul- time we learned about the program I’m just amazed by it all,” said tural Exchange Program in until the tiles were shipped by Ms. Wade. Boston, which is funded by the overnight mail to China, first, then “It’s beautiful,” said Aurelina United Nations Educational, India. The seniors worked day and Fernandez, who is 76 years old, and Scientific and Cultural Organi- night,” Mr. Cohen said. “Usually has been coming to the Center for zation, the Tile Project has one they come in from 1:00 PM to seven or eight years. “It makes me goal: to unite the world through 4:00 PM, but some seniors started happy. You feel like you’re doing innovative art. Between 2004 coming in at 9:00 AM and we something and it’s pretty when At the Polo Grounds ATTAIN Lab in Manhattan and 2008 over 100 artists each kept the kiln fired up pretty late.” you’re finished.” created 22 tiles that are currently Seniors first drew their designs The seniors are currently DOLLARS AVAILABLE FOR RESIDENT being installed at 22 sites around on the tiles, then painted them with working on tiles with a marine the globe. Not headed to India in special glaze made to withstand the theme for the New York EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMS the near future? Then maybe you 1800 degree temperature of the Aquarium and there are hopes of (Continued from page 3) can stop by the Ku Art Center in Center’s kiln, which is used by the tiling the Center’s exterior with a ceramics group that meets there garden theme. assistance and has already met with all nine COP District Beijing, China where the seniors twice weekly. Four elected officials have Chairs to explain the process and provide guidance. NYCHA also have tiles on display. “We got the tiles to India with contributed funding for the senior will also provide appropriate guidance to residents in estab- Douglass Senior Center Director one hour to spare; bubble wrapped, arts program at Douglass: Senator lishing Resident Associations for those developments which Floyd Cohen spoke enthusiasti- hand-delivered and everything,” Bill Perkins, Assembly Member don’t have them. cally about the exhibits, and the Mr. Cohen continued. Daniel O’Donnell, City Council NYCHA encourages its Resident Associations and COP District effect participating in the program The tiles were installed in Member Melissa Mark-Viverito Councils to take advantage of this valuable opportunity to has had on the Douglass seniors. Beijing inAugust 2008 and in India and Manhattan Borough President help public housing residents in your community enrich their “The seniors are so happy,” he in October 2008 but the photos Scott Stringer. lives. Whether your Resident Association chooses to propose said. “One of our best artists is only recently became available on The tiles can be viewed at leadership development programs, education, job-training, legally blind; others are stroke the Internet for the India site. www.transculturalexchange.org by computer, or household safety programs, there is no time like victims who are partially para- “A lot of light; a lot of strength clicking on “Senior Center Project” the present to get the ball rolling. Speak with your Resident lyzed, one has had polio since was brought out in the seniors. It under “Education.” Better yet, as Association President today about how you might be able to childhood. They feel so impor- was great to see their creative Ms. White said, “Wereally must go implement programs in your development or to find out about tant now that the tiles are posted potential come through and to see and visit.” programs already planned for your community. on the Internet (see last para- graph) and relatives who don’t live in this country can see them. It gives them such a feeling of accomplishment.” The seniors became involved when one of the artists Barbara “Babs” White, came to the Center with a piece of paper describing the Tile Project. Arts Coordinator Jennifer Wade, an art-therapist and consultant with NYCHA’s Harborview Visual Arts Program, got on the case, contacted the TransCul- tural Exchange in Boston and received the go-ahead for the NYCHA seniors to participate. Ms. White, who decorated one of her tiles with an image from her synchronized swimming team, commented that “the camaraderie that developed between the seniors trying to get everything done in time was really great.” THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL JULY 2009 11