December 2013 Message from Chairman John B

First-Class U.S. Postage Paid New York, NY Permit No. 4119 NYCHA

Vol. 43 No. 10 www.nyc.gov/nycha December 2013 Message from Chairman John B. Rhea - A Retrospective

five years at the Authority, it is time for belief that workforce training and jobs The Moving Finger me to apply the many lessons I learned are the most certain way for our families “ here to new endeavors. to advance economically. By facilitat- writes; and, having writ, Since my appointment as Chairman, ing nearly 7,000 job placements with everything we did as an organization NYCHA and its external vendors – total- Moves on: nor all was guided by the goals of increasing ing about $35 million in compensation thy Piety nor Wit stability at NYCHA, finding new revenue for residents hired by NYCHA and $25 Shall lure it back to Journasources to make up for declining govern- million for residents hired by NYCHA’sl ment funding, and improving the quality vendors – we played a big part in helping cancel half a Line, of life for low-income families. To steer NYCHA families enhance their econom- Nor all thy Tears wash NYCHA’s transformation, residents, ic standing. The Robin Hood Founda- management, front-line staff, and other tion has invested about $4 million in the out a Word of it.” stakeholders worked together to develop NYCHA Resident Training Academy so —Omar Khayyám Plan NYCHA, our long-term strategic far, which has set the stage for Build- roadmap to ensure the preservation of ing Skills NY, a creative public/private public housing in New York City for partnership, to train and hire NYCHA community coalitions. Our work with In 2009, Mayor Michael Bloomberg generations to come. residents for private sector real estate the Harlem Children’s Zone to build a entrusted me with the incredible job of One can marvel at how much of Plan construction projects. And thanks to an new home for the Promise Academy K-12 leading North America’s largest public NYCHA we managed to achieve, result- investment by the City that will expand public charter school and community housing authority. It was an extreme ing in real and tangible progress. To the Jobs-Plus program to a total of 23 facility on the grounds of St. Nicholas honor and privilege to be given the enhance the quality of life for residents NYCHA developments, more than 4,400 Houses will deliver resources for our responsibility to take on the challenges, and preserve our buildings for the future, residents in all five boroughs will have residents and their communities for years and seize the opportunities, that NYCHA we invested approximately $1.6 billion access to job placement and long-term to come. In fact, more than 100 residents faced at that time. Every day since, I have in capital projects over the past several career paths. were hired as a result of this endeavor, felt the same way – eager and energized years, including $423 million of federal Although economic opportunity is and children from St. Nicholas Houses to find solutions to the issues affecting Stimulus funds. This year’s Capital Fund vital, it is not sufficient alone. For that make up one-third of the Academy’s first NYCHA’s more than 620,000 public Financing Program bond deal generated reason, we connected our communities class of students. And in partnership housing residents and Section 8 recipi- about $500 million for repairs at our to opportunities beyond employment by with Harlem RBI, we are bringing a K-8 ents and hundreds of communities across developments – beginning with Cooper forging partnerships with many public, charter school, 88 affordable apartments, the five boroughs. However, after almost Park, Kingsborough, Kingsborough private, and philanthropic organizations. and not-for-profit offices to Washington Extension, Ravenswood, and Sack Wern Since its founding in 2010, the Office of Houses, investing approximately $80 – and with many more to come. Another Public/Private Partnerships has helped million in public and private funds to inside important and creative strategy to raise NYCHA leverage more than $50 mil- revitalize this community. inside funds for much-needed capital work was lion in funding, donations, and services To further enrich the lives of our resi- this issue our federalization in 2010 of 21 former from more than 150 partners to enrich dents and their neighbors, we successfully City and State NYCHA developments, the lives of residents of all ages. In 2012, delivered four long-promised commu- which resulted in $400 million to revital- we were awarded a Choice Neighbor- nity centers, investing $40 million total. ize the developments and now delivers hoods Planning Grant for Mott Haven in These “hubs” of enrichment – the Inger- approximately $75 million every year to the Bronx as part of President Obama’s soll, Gerard Carter, Johnson, and our budget. Our maintenance and repair plan to revitalize neighborhoods through continued on page 5  action plan improved NYCHA’s responses to repair times. We formed the Safety and Security Task Force in the first year of my tenure, bringing together NYCHA management, resident leaders, and the New York City City Council Members Police Department to address press- Tour Red Hook ing safety concerns. Enhanced building Inspect Post-Sandy Changes » see page 3 security was an important outcome of this collaboration, which included the instal- Community Center Switch lation of more than 5,000 closed-circuit Dept. of Youth & Community Development television cameras at more than 500 to Take Over 45 Centers » see page 6 buildings in the past four and a half years alone. We also issued a comprehensive Yuck! report and designed plans to reduce crime Baruch Residents Tour Sewage Treatment and increase safety. Plant…With a Smile » see page 9 Providing access to opportunities for residents was a hallmark of our work Family Re-entry Pilot at NYCHA. We created the Office of Program Resident Economic Empowerment and NYCHA Chairman John B. Rhea speaks with a Red Hook Houses resident and State Assemblyman Felix Offers a 2nd Chance » see page 2 Sustainability (REES) in 2009 out of the Ortiz during the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in November 2012. Photo credit: Thomas Ngo 2 December 2013 The Housing Authority Journal

NYCHA Pilot Program Offers “Second Chance” Board Meetings to Formerly Incarcerated to Reunite otice hereby is given that the New York City Housing With Their Families NAuthority’s Board Meetings take place as announced on hen Precious Perry, a Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. in the Board Room on the 12th floor W45-year old mother of of 250 Broadway, New York, NY (unless otherwise noted). three who has been incarcer- The next Board Meetings are scheduled for December 18, ated three different times on 2013, and January 29, 2014. drug-related charges, lost cus- Any changes to the schedule will be posted in the Journal tody of her daughters she was and on NYCHA’s website at www.nyc.gov/nycha to the extent determined to do everything in practicable at a reasonable time before the meeting. her power to gain stability and These meetings are open to the public. Pre-registration reunite with her youngest child. at least 45 minutes before the scheduled Board Meeting is After attending a drug rehabili- required by all speakers. Comments are limited to the items on tation program, taking par- the Calendar. Speaking time will be limited to three minutes. enting classes and finding an The public comment period will conclude upon all speakers affordable apartment, thanks to being heard or at the expiration of 30 minutes allotted by law The Fortune Society in NY, Ms. for public comment, whichever occurs first. Perry was able to be reunited Copies of the Calendar for an upcoming meeting are permanently with her now five- available on NYCHA’s website at www.nyc.gov/NYCHA, or can year-old daughter. be picked up at the Office of the Corporate Secretary at 250 “I feel blessed,” said Ms. Broadway, 12th floor, New York, NY, no earlier than 3:00 p.m. on Perry of getting a second Precious Perry, a formerly incarcerated individual, was permanently reunited the Monday before the upcoming Wednesday Board Meeting. chance at life. She now is with her now five-year-old daughter. Copies of the Dispositions of prior meetings are available on focused on continuing her edu- NYCHA’s website or can be picked up at the Office of the cation by obtaining a GED and will reside in the public hous- [email protected], Corporate Secretary no earlier than 3:00 p.m. on the Thursday finding a job. ing household on a permanent or contact one of these after the Board Meeting. Ms. Perry is an example basis and remain out of the participating providers: Any person requiring a reasonable accommodation in order of how providing supportive homeless shelter system. to participate in the Board Meeting should contact the Office services and a stable home In order to be eligible, of the Corporate Secretary at 212-306-6088 no later than five can help formerly incarcerated participants must be at least 16 Adolescent Portable business days before the Board Meeting. individuals get back on their feet years old; be within a certain Therapy For additional information regarding Board Meeting and re-enter society. NYCHA is category of family relation- (212) 376-5203 Calendars, Dispositions, dates and times, please call launching a Family Re-entry Pilot ship with the NYCHA tenant 212-306-6088. Program to do just that. The of record; want to live with Center for Alternative program is designed to reunite family members who agree to Sentencing and Employ- individuals out of prison and/or participate and currently live in ment Services (CASES) jail with their families who live in a NYCHA apartment; be will- (212) 553-6312 public housing and provide them ing to participate in intensive Check out NYCHA’s Facebook page! with supportive re-entry services. case management services for Center for Community ot a web-enabled smartphone? Now you can access NYCHA’s “Research shows that the 6-12 months; and have been Alternatives (CCA) GFacebook page and bonus content in this issue by scanning re-entry approach strengthens released from a correctional fa- Ask for: Housing Specialist or taking a snapshot of the QR codes. The QR code for NYCHA’s families and enhances safety cility within the last 18 months, (718) 858-9658 Facebook page is on the right. in communities,” said NYCHA among other requirements. Step 1: Download a QR code scanner application Chairman John B. Rhea. “The Participating provider organi- ComALERT at the from your phone’s marketplace (many of these Family Re-entry Program zations will identify and refer Brooklyn District “apps” are free to download). Step 2: Point your not only will reunite families eligible participants to NYCHA. Attorney’s Office phone’s camera at the QR image. but strengthen NYCHA and The program is expected (718) 250-3281 surrounding communities by to serve 150 participants over providing a path for people to two years. The participants will Exodus Transitional come out of the shadows and receive permission to live in Community become stable, productive the household for two years Ask for: Contract Manager

NYCHA members of society.” while they are enrolled in the (917) 492-0990 The Family Re-entry Pilot program. If the pilot participant Program is a collaborative effort successfully completes the re- Fortune Society ESTABLISHED 1970 • CIRCULATION 200,000 with the New York City Depart- quirements of the program, his (212) 691-7554 Published by the New York City Housing Authority Department of Communications • 250 Broadway, New York, NY 10007 ment of Homeless Services or her family can ask NYCHA Tel 212-306-3322 • Fax 212-577-1358 • www.nyc.gov/nycha (DHS), the Vera Institute and to add the participant to the Harlem Community Michael R. BloombergJourna ��l Mayor the Corporation of Supportive NYCHA household on a perma- Justice Center John B. Rhea ��Chairman Housing, among other part- nent basis. (212) 360-4131 Cecil House �� General Manager Lynn Godfrey ��Chief Communications Officer ners. The program will provide NYCHA residents interested Sheila Stainback ��Communications Officer intensive case management in learning more about the Osborne Association Eric Deutsch �� Publications Manager and support to project par- program can contact the Family Ask for: Director of Zodet Negrón �� Editor, Spanish Edition Peter Mikoleski, Leticia Barboza ��Photographers ticipants and their families with Re-entry Pilot Program 212- Workforce Development Michael Corwin, Howard Silver �� Staff Writers the goal that eventually they 306-6024, send an e-mail to (718) 707-2638 If you are interested in placing an advertisement in the Journal, please call our marketing representatives in the Office of Business and Revenue Development Palladia at (212) 306‑6614. The inclusion of any advertisement in this Journal does not Resident’s Voices Editor’s note: For this issue, Residents’ constitute any endorsement by the Housing Authority of the advertiser or its Ask for: DuWanda Young products or services or any other representation by the Housing Authority with Voices has been moved to page 4. respect to such products or services. (646) 771-5143 The Housing Authority Journal December 2013 3 City Council Tours NYCHA Sandy Damage – Promises Assistance s more than 80,000 NYCHA cies. [Our] plan includes a need backup power; and Aresidents are very aware, of more than $620 million for • other advanced approaches Hurricane Sandy presented resiliency measures in areas that to restoration, like the use of some developments with severe were impacted but not dam- combined heat and power devastation, including extensive aged as a result of Sandy. This plants. damage to infrastructure. The work will make our most vulner- NYCHA currently has 24 New York City Council’s Public able buildings and infrastructure mobile boilers in place; they Housing Committee members resilient for the long-term and replaced damaged boilers that toured various properties to resistant to potential damage.” previously had been below assess the state of NYCHA’s re- In the year since Hurricane ground and completely flooded. covery one year later. The Com- Sandy struck New York City, NYCHA actually has received NYCHA General Manager Cecil House and Executive Vice President for Capital mittee held a public hearing on NYCHA has dedicated itself about $130 million – $3.5 mil- Projects Ray Ribeiro show City Council Members Melissa Mark-Viverito, Margaret Chin and Rosie Mendez the boiler rooms during a tour of Red Hook Houses on the matter on November 20, to ensuring that buildings and lion from FEMA and $126.3 November 1, 2013. when Council members learned equipment are protected and million from insurance. However, that NYCHA has received only a that residents and staff have this does not even cover the “Without the money NYCHA process. Council members fraction of the funding needed better preparation for emer- costs incurred for the imme- needs for true resiliency, we will promised to do what they to advance efforts to make dam- gencies. NYCHA’s action plan diate response in the weeks have to make tough but un- can. “We’ll take your message aged systems resilient against identified approximately $1.8 after Sandy. The first of HUD’s avoidable choices that will be to anyone who can help, and future Sandy-like storms. billion in potential Sandy- Community Development of consequence for the coming even go to Washington (D.C.) “NYCHA’s plan includes related expenditures based on Block Grant – Disaster Recovery generations of NYCHA families,” if need be,” said Committee $50 million for programmatic this large-scale assessment. (CDBG-DR) funding allocates GM House further testified. “For Chair Rosie Mendez. improvements such as infor- This includes more than $150 $120 million to NYCHA for instance, equipment will simply Intensive assessments mation technology disaster million for operating costs and providing emergency backup be repaired and put back where and on-the-ground efforts backup, program management, emergency repairs incurred in power at approximately 100 it was before (which was the case and planning has resulted in and training,” said NYCHA the weeks immediately after buildings; however, NYCHA has following Hurricane Irene), put- better protection for NYCHA General Manager Cecil House the storm. Also included in that not yet received this funding. ting the systems at risk for dam- properties; as well as resi- in testimony before the Council. amount are: HUD recently announced a sec- age from future disasters.” dents and staff who are better “NYCHA has identified a need • the cost of making permanent ond CDBG-DR funding in the Because NYCHA does not prepared for emergencies. for $180 million for resiliency at repairs, such as replacing amount of $1.4 billion for New know what elements of the Additional funding will community centers so they can electrical panels; York City. As of this issue’s press action plan will receive fund- enable NYCHA to recover be used as emergency centers, • elevating infrastructure and time, NYCHA continues to work ing, the Authority cannot make from Hurricane Sandy’s de- and play a bigger role in serv- building new utility buildings; with the City to determine how design decisions for even simple struction in a way that is as ing our residents and the local • mitigation measures, such much of that allocation will be repairs, and cannot begin the smart, strong, and resilient community in future emergen- as providing emergency applied to NYCHA’s needs. procurement and construction as possible. One Year Later: After Sandy, NYCHA Residents Received New Furniture By Community Solutions, Special to the Journal

n the January/February is- in Manhattan. “When I handed of Housing Preservation and Isue of the Journal, NYCHA over my keys before I moved, Development as people who wrote about residents af- the Red Cross was still bringing had lost their homes as a fected by Hurricane Sandy food and other things to Far result of the storm. who received new furniture Rockaway,” she said. While Ms. Dávila’s post- thanks to donations from When Ms. Dávila walked Sandy experience was not partner agencies. This article into her new apartment, it tumultuous, she said that catches up with Maria Dávila, was fully furnished. Through some of her neighbors did one of the residents featured funding from the Robin Hood not fare as well after the in that article. Foundation totaling $55,000, storm. “The building I re- The day before Hurricane Community Solutions was able sided in was predominantly Sandy blew through New to work with NYCHA to replace elderly people,” she said. York City, a police officer furniture and household goods “I can walk and talk and get knocked on Maria Dávila’s for 82 NYCHA families who lost out of there. I was fortunate, door urging her to evacuate When NYCHA resident Maria Dávila walked into her new apartment, it was fully their belongings in the storm. but there were people who her apartment. Ms. Dávila furnished thanks to a grant from the Robin Hood Foundation and Community “After the storm, I started weren’t. A lot of people lived in Ocean Bay Apart- Solutions, which worked with NYCHA to replace furniture and household goods to price things out and got stayed behind because they for 82 families who lost their belongings in the storm. ments in Queens, in one of overwhelmed,” Ms. Dávila said. didn’t listen. I think for the the 26 developments in what and tried to return to her Far Dávila was met with water dam- “But I was so full of joy when I next storm, there will be a was evacuation Zone A. She Rockaway home about two age, and her son’s asthma was walked into the furnished apart- better response because was one of 80,000 NYCHA weeks later. “We lived a block made worse from the mold. A ment; I think I even cried!” there is more knowledge residents displaced from her and a half from the beach and NYCHA staff member con- NYCHA transferred 139 now that people saw what home after Sandy. there was sand halfway into the tacted her soon after to assess residents who were impacted really can happen.” She weathered the storm housing developments,” Ms. the damage and help her family by Sandy, and placed nearly A version of this article in her mother’s one-bed- Dávila said. find a new home. A month and 200 low-income New Yorkers previously appeared on room apartment in Manhat- When she walked into her a half later, they had a new in public housing who were Community Solutions’ tan with her two children, second floor apartment, Ms. apartment at Johnson Houses identified by the Department website at bit.ly/1bDMhHc. 4 December 2013 The Housing Authority Journal

The NYCHA Not Wanted List The Chief’s Corner Below is a partial list of names of individuals who have been excluded permanently from NYCHA’s public housing developments. This list Holiday Safety Tips keeps residents informed of the Authority’s ongoing efforts to improve ith the holiday season upon us, most people are preoccupied the quality of life for New Yorkers in public housing and to allow for the peaceful and safe use of its facilities. The full list can be viewed at W with the details of holiday planning and shopping. Unfortu- on.nyc.gov/nychanotwanted. The following are the people, with their nately, the safety precautions we normally take can be forgotten as the former addresses, excluded as of June 5–July 31, 2013. excitement of the season causes us to let our guard down. The NYPD June 5, 2013 wants this to be a safe holiday season for all, so we remind you to fol- Jesse Colon Albany II Houses, 1414 Bergen Street, Apt. 7C, Brooklyn low these simple tips. Enjoy the City and the season! Eric Gonzalez Castle Hill Houses, 530 Olmstead Avenue, Apt. 8G, Bronx • Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Criminals often June 12, 2013 target people who are distracted. Sandra Benjamin Seth Low Houses, 157 Belmont Avenue, Apt. 7E, • Whether driving, walking or taking public transportation, plan the Housing Bureau Police Brooklyn trip in advance. Know how to get to your destination by the most Chief Joanne Jaffe Edward Hunter Lincoln Houses, 2135 Madison Avenue, Apt. 4C, Manhattan direct and safest route. Dashawn Young Ocean Bay Apartments (Bayside), 445 Beach 51st • If possible, stay in designated waiting areas or in view of the station booth clerk while Street, Apt. 6C, Queens awaiting your train. Never walk or stand near the edge of the subway platform. June 19, 2013 • Travel on populated, well-lit streets. If possible, travel with a friend. Andrew Banks Douglass Houses, 830 Amsterdam Avenue, Apt. 3E, • When driving, keep your doors locked and the windows closed. Make sure the gas tank is full. Manhattan Maintain your car in good working order to avoid breakdowns. June 26, 2013 • Always lock your car. Before getting into your car, check the back seat to make sure no one is Keith Davis Pomonok Houses, 155-05 71st Avenue, Apt. 1C, Queens hiding there. David Hawkins Taylor Street-Wythe Avenue Houses, 51 Ross Street, Apt. 10B, Brooklyn • Avoid leaving valuables in your car. Whenever possible, place items out of sight in the trunk Andre Young Douglass Houses, 870 Columbus Avenue, Apt. 9B, of your vehicle prior to reaching your destination. Never leave packages in the passenger Manhattan compartment unattended. July 17, 2013 • Plan your purchases in advance and carry only the amount of cash or number of credit cards Cornell Gill Samuel Houses, 158 West 144th Street, Apt. 5B, Manhattan necessary to make the purchase. If you must carry a large sum of money, divide the cash between Jermaine Maxwell Samuel Houses, 158 West 144th Street, Apt. 5B, Manhattan your purse, pockets and wallet. Pbillip Miller Van Dyke I Houses, 362 Suiter Avenue, Apt. 11B, Brooklyn • Carry your purse close to your body. Place one end of the purse in the palm of your hand and the July 31, 2013 other in the bend of the elbow. Never wrap the strap around your body. Albert Burney Long Island Baptist Houses, 375 Williams Avenue, Apt. • If you are carrying a wallet, carry it in the breast pocket of your jacket or in your side pants pocket. 3F, Brooklyn The rear pants pocket is the easiest to pick. Naquan Davis Butler Houses, 1352 Webster Avenue, Apt. 17M, Bronx • When in a restaurant, don’t leave your handbag over the back of your chair or on the floor. Don’t Joseph Kellum Brownsville Houses, 294 Osborn Street, Apt. 2D, Brooklyn leave belongings unattended. Randy Negrón Grant Houses, 1305 Amsterdam Avenue, Apt. 12E, • Don’t wait until you have reached your front door to look for your keys. Have them ready in Manhattan your hand. If a stranger is standing near your door, it may be a good idea not to go in until the Ladon Pender Marcy Houses, 103 Nostrand Avenue, Apt. 2B, Brooklyn situation feels safer. Richard Quijano Pelham Parkway, 2225 Bronxwood Avenue, Apt. 1B, Bronx • If you live in an apartment building, don’t buzz in someone who rings your bell until you Timothy Walker Wagner Houses, 350 East 124th Street, Apt. 15H, have verified who they are. This will help protect both you and your neighbors. Manhattan • If you have elderly family members or neighbors, please remember to check in on them. • Remind children to be wary of strangers, including those on the internet. • Be wary of con artists. Con artists use a number of ploys to trick you and steal your property. Some divert your attention while another picks your pocket, some pose as utility workers or Why Do So Many Tenant & Resident Associations tradespersons to gain access to the inside of your home, while others conduct scams that are more elaborate involving several con artists. at NYCHA Use BOB MANN TOURS? IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, DIAL 911 • (NON-EMERGENCY, DIAL 311) We Offer: * Over 25 Years Experience Working with NYCHA Help us fight terrorism – report suspicious activity to the COUNTER TERRORISM * Professional and Courteous Service * 55 Pass Modern Buses with DVD and Clean Bathrooms HOTLINE:1-888-NYC-SAFE (1-888-692-7233) * Low Rates That Benefits Groups

Residents’ Voices October 26, 2013 (via mail) GROUP PACKAGES TO: Congratulations to Ms. Willie Mae Lewis on Nicholas Houses Resident Association President. Baltimore, Great Blacks in Wax Museum, Heritage Tours, her recent appointment to the NYCHA Board. I The Board will benefit from her experience and Nordic & Pocono Lobsterfeasts, Myrtle Beach, offer thanks to Ms. Lewis for her many years of service in that role. She will be an asset. Philadelphia Black Holocaust Museum, and Much More! helpful and devoted service as the former St. Ruth Johnson-Martin, St. Nicholas Houses 718-628-9030 Tell us what is on your mind! Send an e-mail to [email protected] [email protected] www.bobmanntours.com Residents’ Voices accepts letters, photographs, poems, drawings – anything that allows you to express yourself! Send a snail mail to: NYCHA Journal, Letters to the Editor Please include your full name, development name, address and 250 Broadway, 12th floor phone number. We will print only your name and development on New York, NY 10007 our pages; we need your address and phone number for verification Correction purposes only. Send a Tweet on Twitter at n the November issue of the Journal, we indicated in the twitter.com/NYCHA_Housing Please limit written submissions to 250 words. Post a message on Facebook at Iobituary of long-time Brooklyn resident leader Rosia Wyche The Journal reserves the right to edit all content for length, clarity, www.facebook.com/NYCHA that she was the mother of three children. While Ms. Wyche good taste, accuracy, etc. Because of space limitations, we must limit Send a fax to 212-577-1358 all contributors to one letter per person per issue. was a fixture in the lives of young relatives and other youth, If you have any questions, please send them to There are many ways to share your thoughts with us at the Journal: her survivors include one child. We regret the error. [email protected]. The Housing Authority Journal December 2013 5

 continued from page 1 Message from Chairman John B. Rhea - A Retrospective More Repairs Begin on Work Funded Polo Grounds Community Cen- residents made these develop- ters – now provide a variety of ments their home, most of whom by Large Bond services and programs offered by were living in apartments with our partners. For example, John- more rooms than they needed. n the October issue of the son Community Center boasts an This proves positive that we can IJournal, NYCHA Chairman innovative early childhood learn- right-size seniors while being John Rhea wrote about ing and health initiative spon- compassionate and serving other nearly $500 million generated sored by the Children’s Museum families in need. by a bond issue that will of Manhattan that is dedicated to During my tenure, we experi- be used to fund repairs putting public housing’s young- enced some real tests as well. Hur- to deteriorating building est residents on a road to lifelong ricane Sandy dealt a serious blow exteriors and systems at 24 learning and improved health to many of our buildings and resi- public housing developments through reductions in obesity dents. Despite the unprecedented with approximately 32,000 and related diseases. challenges, NYCHA employees residents. Affordable housing is a plat- worked around the clock to make The repairs to brick form for success, a way for New repairs, restore critical services, façades, roofs and other Yorkers to gain stability and and connect residents to vital structural elements will build better lives for themselves. resources. Our ability to respond help address underlying That is why we were committed to an emergency of this magnitude conditions that can be the to Mayor Bloomberg’s plan to also is a testament to our manage- cause of many of NYCHA’s build or preserve 165,000 units ment expertise. Recruiting Cecil ongoing maintenance issues. of affordable housing throughout House to join NYCHA as General They will help stop water the City. NYCHA contributed to Manager was one of my smartest penetration into apartments the plan by creating 1,557 afford- decisions, as he has engaged all – known to cause mold and able apartments. Additionally, levels of staff in enhancing our mildew – and keep buildings 578 apartments are under con- operations during the storm and well-maintained and free of struction and almost 2,100 are in every day since his arrival. After problems caused by outside development, along with another the storm, we gathered feedback elements. In addition, once 100 apartments that will provide from our stakeholders, includ- the repairs are completed, supportive housing for seniors at ing residents, which led to many NYCHA can move ahead Van Dyke Houses. This year, we agency-wide improvements and on improving elevators, bathrooms, kitchens and worked with a range of stake- a variety of events and resources Crews make repairs to the exterior of a building at Kingsborough Houses holders to refine a proposal to that enhanced residents’ emer- intercoms, as well as heating, in Brooklyn. lease land at eight developments gency preparedness. plumbing and electrical for the creation of affordable and Alongside these efforts, our systems. include asbestos abatement Most of the remaining market-rate housing that would “Green Agenda” to promote a Work has begun at three and concrete and masonry money will refinance – at generate more than $700 million more sustainable, environmen- additional developments, work. lower cost – existing bonds – enough funding to bring all tally friendly NYCHA increases Cooper Park Houses in NYCHA meets with residents that funded capital projects 10,000 units at these develop- efficiency while improving Brooklyn, Ravenswood at every development to several years ago. This ments to a state of good repair. resident quality of life. We took Houses in Queens and Sack provide information on how the refinancing will save NYCHA In a city as rich with history many steps to reduce our carbon Wern Houses in the Bronx, repairs will improve their quality approximately $3 million, as ours, preservation is key to footprint, such as installing more benefitting more than 6,300 of life, and the condition of the and give the Authority increasing affordable housing. than 200,000 compact fluores- residents. Repairs will be grounds while the construction greater financial flexibility With that in mind, we made sure cent light bulbs (CFLs) that re- done on multiple buildings at is performed. All building and more favorable terms on to accelerate the full redevelop- duce greenhouse gases by about a time, until every building at exteriors from the first floor the newly issued bonds. ment of Randolph Houses in 8,000 tons per year. Since 2009, the three developments to the roof are enclosed with Over the past three Harlem and Prospect Plaza in Green City Force has helped us is completed as scheduled scaffolding and netting in order years, NYCHA has made Ocean Hill-Brownsville. True build a greener NYCHA, provid- by 2015. to ensure the safety of residents approximately $1.5 billion to our promise, construction on ing young residents with train- Work is proceeding at and employees, and sidewalk in capital investments, both will begin in 2014, with ing, educational, and leadership the first developments sheds will be needed until work including $423 million in funding from a creative mix of opportunities related to the green where construction began – is completed. federal stimulus funding for public and private sector sources, economy. In fact, we launched an Kingsborough Houses and The $476 million come from capital improvements that including tax credits and urban farm at Red Hook Houses Kingsborough Extension in a bond deal that generated enhanced the quality of life tax-exempt bonds. These two – the first of its kind – with their Brooklyn. Upcoming actions approximately $732 million. for 140,000 families. projects alone will produce 227 assistance. public housing and 439 afford- Despite our many successes, able apartments, two community we all know that a lack of fed- Every one of the tough choices indirect economic activity, and full potential. I always will be a facilities, and a retail store. eral funding seriously continues we made was to ensure the pres- supports 30,000 jobs annually. fierce advocate for public hous- As more and more seniors to challenge NYCHA’s ability to ervation of public housing and It also found that residents are ing, and everything that I have are aging in place, NYCHA has fulfill its mission. But thanks to ensure better service to current a vital part of the City’s work- gained and learned from work- pursued a range of strategies the hard work of 12,000 dedi- and future residents alike. force, at NYCHA and beyond ing with each of you to advance to look after their needs. This cated employees in implement- Not only is NYCHA im- – this certainly is not news to this mission will be a part of me includes the 78-unit Council Tow- ing these bold – and not always portant to those who call it us. We also know that NYCHA forever. Thank you ers VI and the recently completed easy – plans, NYCHA is on home, but it also is an economic has a tremendously important for providing me that honor. 114-unit Riverway Apartments, firmer footing for the future. Of engine, indispensable to its legacy to uphold; together, we which feature not only brand-new course, you also are the heart neighborhoods and the city as have shown that the best years Best wishes. homes with senior-friendly ame- of this vibrant institution, and a whole. Indeed, an economic of public housing can lie ahead. nities, but also social services that I know that your support will report released this year con- Continued bold actions and support their lifestyles. With our help NYCHA continue forward firmed that NYCHA generates fearlessness will be required assistance, many former NYCHA in the pursuit of transformation. billions of dollars in direct and to ensure NYCHA achieves its John B. Rhea 6 December 2013 The Housing Authority Journal

49 NYCHA Community & operations and programming. Eye on Housing Fraud “NYCHA is committed to providing families with access to hrough the feature “Eye Senior Centers to Close social and community services Ton Housing Fraud,” the Dept. of Youth and munity centers. However, the City that foster opportunity,” said New York City Department of Community Development of New York committed critical Vice-President for Community Investigation (DOI) provides & Dept. for the Aging to funding to keep community cen- Operations Deidra Gilliard. “As names of residents, as listed Continue Services ters open through June 2014. As an integral part of our mission, below, who have been convict- part of this initiative, on January this is a long-standing commit- ed and sentenced for defraud- s announced by NYCHA 1, 2014, NYCHA will close 45 of ment that will not change.” ing NYCHA. In these cases, Aearlier this year, ongoing de- its directly-operated community NYCHA will continue to moni- restitution is collected through creases in federal funding, com- centers, but the Department of tor the activities and programs a payment schedule until bined with the severe funding cut Youth and Community Develop- that take place in all of the com- fully paid, including wage and of $205 million made by Con- ment (DYCD) will take over oper- munity facilities on its property to asset garnishments, if neces- Department of Investigation gress as part of what is commonly ating them through partnerships ensure that they meet partici- sary. Anyone with information Commissioner Rose Gill Hearn known as sequestration, forced with community-based organiza- pants’ needs. The community- regarding fraud or wrongdo- ment and three years probation, the Authority to make tough tions. Participating youths will based organizations that will ing should call DOI’s NYCHA and ordered to pay NYCHA decisions in order to continue to continue to receive high-quality operate the community centers Inspector General hot line at $38,302, the amount of the deliver essential services such as programs, and NYCHA is working held meetings with parents to 212-306-3356 or DOI’s hot fraud. addressing maintenance repairs with DYCD to ensure a smooth discuss how they can become line at 212-3-NYC-DOI. Qyretta Smith – pleaded and building improvements. transition. NYCHA also will close more involved. DFTA will begin Natalie Madison – pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct for This caused NYCHA to either four of its directly-operated senior to hold meetings with residents guilty to the federal charges failing to report the presence reduce services or cut funding for centers, with the Department and providers regarding their of Theft of Government Funds of her daughter in her NYCHA some social programs and com- for the Aging (DFTA) taking over senior centers. and Conspiracy for illegally apartment in Ravenswood Hous- These 45 community centers will be operated by the New York City Department subletting her NYCHA apart- es, and her daughter’s income of Youth and Community Development as of January 1, 2014. ment in Butler Houses and col- from the United States Postal lecting rent from the tenants. Service. Smith was also ordered Borough Development Borough Development In addition, while she was a to pay NYCHA $10,116, the Bronx Boston Secor Brooklyn Williamsburg NYCHA resident, she co-pur- amount of the fraud. Bronx Butler Manhattan Campos Plaza II chased property in Virginia for Sharon West – pleaded Bronx East 180th Street-Monterey Ave Manhattan East River $110,000, sold property in the guilty to Petit Larceny for Bronx for $570,000, and was concealing her employment Bronx Gun Hill Manhattan Grant employed at a Virginia com- income from NYCHA while she Bronx Highbridge Gardens Manhattan King Towers pany where she received an was a resident in the Baychester Bronx Marble Hill Manhattan Manhattanville annual salary of up to $58,000. Houses and was ordered to pay Bronx Melrose Manhattan Riis II She was sentenced to six NYCHA $31,000, the amount Bronx Sedgwick Manhattan Robinson months home confinement of the fraud. and three years supervised Tiffany Coleman – pleaded Bronx Sotomayor Manhattan Rutgers released and ordered to pay guilty to Petit Larceny for fail- Brooklyn Albany Manhattan Wagner NYCHA $89,265, the amount ing to report her employment Brooklyn Atlantic Terminal Site 4B Queens Astoria of the fraud. income for two years while Brooklyn Boulevard Queens Beach 41st Nidia Justiniano – pleaded she was a resident in NYCHA’s guilty to the federal charge of Adams Houses, was ordered Brooklyn Breukelen Queens Hammel Theft of Government Funds for to pay NYCHA $12,852, the Brooklyn Carey Gardens Staten Island Berry illegally subletting her Section amount of the fraud, and Brooklyn Cooper Park Staten Island Richmond Terrace was sentenced to three years 8 apartment, was sentenced Brooklyn Glenwood Staten Island South Beach to six months home confine- probation. Brooklyn Hope Gardens Staten Island Todt Hill Brooklyn O’Dwyer Gardens Staten Island West Brighton I Brooklyn Pennsylvania Ave-Wortman Ave Brooklyn Red Hook East/Joseph Miccio These four senior centers will be operated by the New York City Department for the Aging Brooklyn Roosevelt II as of January 1, 2014. Brooklyn Seth Low Houses Brooklyn Sheepshead Bay Borough Development Brooklyn Stuyvesant Gardens I Bronx Pelham Parkway Brooklyn Tilden Brooklyn Farragut Brooklyn Unity Plaza (Sites 4-27) Brooklyn Saratoga Square Brooklyn Van Dyke I Manhattan Polo Grounds

Brooklyn Net Deron Williams and his Point of Hope Foundation sponsored a Thanksgiving Dinner at the Ingersoll Houses Community Center in Brooklyn on November 23, 2013. The Housing Authority Journal December 2013 7

NYCHA and Partners Celebrate NYCHA Reduces Work Groundbreaking of New Affordable Family Order Backlog to 48,000 Housing Development at Soundview Houses NYCHA’s Action Plan produces improved results Additional reporting in HUD’s annual inspections by Zodet Negrón ore than 100 new units of s of December 1, 2013, firms that the work NYCHA Mlow-income apartments ANYCHA reduced its has performed has positively are coming to the Bronx near maintenance and repair back- impacted the conditions that Soundview Houses. NYCHA log to approximately 48,000 residents live in. recently joined the New York open work orders from a Along with reducing the City Department of Housing peak of 333,000. With this total number of open work Preservation (HPD), the New reduction, the total number of orders, NYCHA also has York City Housing Development open work orders is 138,300, reduced the average time Corporation (HDC), developers which includes a baseline of it takes to respond to work CPC Resources, Inc, L+M Devel- about 90,000 work orders requested by residents. For opment Partners and Lemle & considered to be routine, in- example, the average time it Wolff, and Soundview resident progress work. NYCHA began takes to respond to a request leaders to celebrate the ground- NYCHA and partners broke ground for the new Soundview family affordable its Action Plan with 423,000 for maintenance has been housing development on November 21, 2013. Appearing from left to right: breaking of the latest afford- Michael Sturmer, Principal of Lemle & Wolff; Ron Moelis, CEO and Chairman of open work orders, including reduced to 20 days citywide. able housing development on L+M Development Partners; Rebecca Pointzes, President of the Soundview Houses the 90,000 baseline. Response times for most other NYCHA land; the project’s name Resident Association; NYCHA Chairman John B. Rhea; Mary McGee, former The success of NYCHA’s repair requests also show sig- President of the Soundview Houses Resident Association; Rafael Cestero, President is Soundview Family Housing. of CPC Resources; Marcos Crespo, New York State Assemblyman; Aurelia Greene, maintenance and repair nificant improvement, with the The new eight-story building will Deputy Bronx Borough President; Ruth Anne Visnauskas, Commissioner of HPD. program can be seen in the average time to address work be adjacent to Soundview Park results of the U.S. Depart- such as front doors, compac- and is Phase I of a development ally for a family of four, will be employment through Building ment of Housing and Urban tors, intercoms, mildew and that will feature 120 low-income eligible for these apartments. Skills NY, a workforce training Development’s (HUD) an- extermination, now at less apartments for families. There will be a preference for program that offers low-income nual Public Housing Assess- than two weeks. There still is “The efforts at Soundview NYCHA and Community Board and unemployed New Yorkers ment System (PHAS). The more work to be done, and represent what we presented residents. The property also will training in construction and job PHAS scores NYCHA has in some skilled trades the in our strategic roadmap Plan include 42 parking spaces for placement on affordable housing received this year to date wait time still is considerable. NYCHA to create and imple- the residents. The proposed projects in their communities. have improved by an aver- The average response times ment a long-term develop- second phase of the project, “This development will age of eight percent overall for carpenters and plaster- ment strategy of our land and Soundview Senior Housing, be good for the community since their last inspection, an ers currently are 92 and 155 development assets that could will include 86 apartments of of Soundview Houses,” said improvement driven by a 20 days, respectively, down from accommodate the new housing affordable senior housing. Both Rebecca Pointzes, Resident percent increase in the scores more than 270 days at the that we are celebrating today,” buildings will include ground- Association President. “It will within apartments. PHAS beginning of the year. NYCHA said NYCHA Chairman John B. floor community rooms and benefit us greatly.” inspections are conducted continues to focus on reduc- Rhea. “The end result of this laundry rooms. The proposed Soundview Family Housing by independent, third-party ing these response times to effort directly will benefit NYCHA Phase III of the project will is part of the NYCHA/HPD/ inspectors hired by HUD. This meet the target of an average residents who will receive priority include the construction of 16 HDC collaboration under Mayor independent assessment con- of 15 days. for 25 percent of the low-income two-family townhomes for sale. Michael R. Bloomberg’s New housing, as well as recruitment The development of the project Housing Marketplace Plan for jobs resulting from the con- required extending Lacombe (NHMP), a multi-billion dollar struction of this project.” Avenue to create Bronx River initiative to finance 165,000 NYCHA Action Plan Soundview Family Housing Avenue, a mapped road that units of affordable housing by will include 24 one-bedroom, 78 was never built. The new road the close of the 2014 fiscal year. Reduction of Maintenance and Repair Backlog two-bedroom, and 18 three- will give street access to the NYCHA’s role in this collabora- 350,000 bedroom apartments. Families new buildings. tion has produced more than earning up to 60 percent of the During the construction 2,500 apartments with another 300,000 Area Median Income (AMI), or phase, NYCHA residents will 1,500 either in construction, or no more than $51,540 annu- have access to training and in the development pipeline. 250,000 Earned Income Disallowance Helps 200,000 Residents Have Lower Rents 150,000 100,000 YCHA residents who recently started participation in an economic self-sufficiency working may not have to have their rents program; or N 50,000 increased. Residents who qualify for the Earned • Currently working, but were unemployed be- Income Disallowance (EID) will not have their in- fore for 12 months or more, or made less than 0 crease in the first year after employment. In the $3,625 per year; or second year, their rent will not increase to the • Participated in a TANF-funded program, re- January 2013 December 2013 full amount. This allows residents to get used to ceived cash payment or services and now are Original backlog Backlog as of December 1, 2013 an increase in rent gradually, rather than having newly employed or have increased earnings. it happen immediately, and save extra money. Residents interested in applying for the Earned Income Disallowance should contact Residents may qualify if: their Housing Assistant at their Management Comments? Questions? E-mail [email protected]. • A new job or increased earnings are due to Office to find out if they qualify. 8 December 2013 The Housing Authority Journal

NYCHA Residents Come Together to Plant Daffodils in Developments Bronx Resident Finds Joy in Throughout the City Gardening, Giving Back to or the second year in a distributing more than 21,000 held at Ocean Bay Houses in Harlem Neighbors Frow, NYCHA residents bulbs to more than 50 NYCHA Queens, O’Dwyer Gardens from every borough came resident gardeners, New Yorkers Houses in Brooklyn, and Ba- together to plant more than for Parks visited Community ruch Houses and Riis Houses 25,000 bulbs at developments Centers in every borough to in Manhattan. Additional throughout the city. These plant more than 4,600 bulbs plantings were held at the bulbs have been planted as with NYCHA youth and se- Astoria Houses Community part of an ongoing partner- niors. Through these plant- Center (Queens), Mariner’s ship with the nonprofit New ings, more than 130 children, Harbor Houses Community Yorkers for Parks and NYCHA’s youth, and seniors were able Center (Staten Island), and Garden & Greening Program. to beautify the grounds around Soundview Houses Senior The Daffodil Project, a sig- their Community Centers. The Center (Bronx). In addition to nature program run by New partnership also allowed New the bulb plantings, two bulb Yorkers for Parks, provides Yorkers for Parks and NYCHA distributions were held at free daffodil bulbs to any New to plant bulbs in developments Seth Low Houses in Browns- NYCHA resident Pearl Spivey was interviewed by CNN for Anderson Yorker willing to plant them in that were impacted by Hur- ville Brooklyn, and Betances Cooper’s program 360 on October 30, 2013. Photo credit: Stephen Coppin a public space. In addition to ricane Sandy. Plantings were Houses in the Bronx. or Morris Houses resident Harlem and noticed it was FPearl Spivey, gardening just a patch of land covered in is not just a hobby, but also weeds. She offered a helping a way to give back to the hand to residents and 11 years community. Ms. Spivey tends later, it became a flourishing to a community garden next urban garden that gained no- to the P.S. 139 senior hous- toriety for winning numerous ing development in Harlem, awards from NYCHA’s Garden- where she grows tomatoes, ing and Greening program. okra, collard greens, sweet The New York Times wrote potatoes, and strawberries. about Ms. Spivey and another She shares the harvest with resident gardener, Marian residents in the surrounding Dolphus from South Jamaica community. Houses in Queens, this past From April through Octo- fall, leading to additional local ber every year, Ms. Spivey, and national coverage. 79, drives herself from the “I like to feed the neighbor- Bronx to Harlem daily to hood,” Ms. Spivey told The look after the garden, urging Times. “I can’t tell you why. I along her vegetables, and just like to do it.” NYCHA youth plant daffodil bulbs at Mariner’s Harbor Houses on November 22, 2013. Photo credit: Emily Walker keeping the surrounding area Since then, CNN’s Ander- clean from debris. She also son Cooper’s program 360 places seasonal decorations has decided that Ms. Spivey NYCHA Continues to Connect Residents to Local around the garden, heralding was a worthy candidate for its the arrival of her bounty. Ms. American Journey segment, Jobs and Services Through its Zone Model Spivey gladly parts with her which features people who or many NYCHA residents, company called FCS Modular as Zone Model in September 2012, cornucopia, often leaving it are doing great things in their Fhaving access to local job a technician. REES has been working hard to in the reception area of the community and giving back in training programs and services “I am very pleased with this create partnerships in the public, senior housing for anyone a selfless way. The video crew has enabled them to achieve job because it is a full-time, per- private and not-for-profit sectors who wants it. captured her at the P.S. 139 se- economic stability and success. manent position with benefits that increase resident access Ms. Spivey first came nior center, where Ms. Spivey’s Henry Scott, a resident of Polo such as a 401k retirement plan,” to educational and economic across the garden area when bounty goes from her hands to Grounds Towers, knows first- said Mr. Scott. “I now have a opportunities. To date, NYCHA she was passing through neighbors’ tables. hand what a difference this can stable income and can provide has launched five zones – Down- make. Mr. Scott, who was re- for my family while continuing town Brooklyn, East Harlem, ferred to NYCHA’s Office of Res- my career goals.” Lower East Side, South Bronx, economic goals,” said Sideya assistance to make referrals ident Economic Empowerment Through the Zone Model, and Upper Manhattan – and has Sherman, director of REES. to Zone Partners and create and Sustainability (REES) by his NYCHA’s developments are partnered with 20 organizations “The model’s long-term suc- additional opportunities for Housing Assistant, obtained em- separated into geographic and institutions. REES also es- cess relies on NYCHA’s ability to residents. Since launching the ployment through the NYCHA “zones,” which are comprised tablished citywide Zone Partner- create innovative tools like our Zone Model, more than 6,000 Zone Model, which connects of one or more community dis- ships with a range of providers web-based referral system for NYCHA residents have received public housing residents to tricts and an average of 11,000 that offer services to NYCHA external service providers that information about services via local, community-based Zone NYCHA households. This model residents in all communities. allows NYCHA frontline staff the referral system, recruit- Partner organizations that offer allows NYCHA to connect more “A key component of the to connect residents to critical ment initiatives and informa- economic opportunity programs residents to economic oppor- Zone Model is collaborating services.” tion sessions. In the upcoming and services. From REES, Mr. tunity programs and services with both neighborhood and Zone Coordinators man- year, NYCHA will continue to Scott was referred to one of close to their homes and better citywide economic opportunity age partnerships with Zone pursue additional partnerships the Zone Partners, the Brooklyn positions NYCHA and local pro- service providers to expand Partners, work with local and launch additional zones to Navy Yard Employment Center, viders to respond to residents’ NYCHA’s capacity to support stakeholders, and provide serve more residents through- where he was placed with a needs. Since launching the residents in achieving their front-line staff with technical out the city. The Housing Authority Journal December 2013 9

NYCHA Seniors Meet with Deputy Mayor Linda Gibbs Discuss Project Exploring Ways to Promote Social and Physical Health of Seniors Social Security and Supplemental Security Income to Increase wo NYCHA senior curred at Jefferson and Corsi Work at Hunter College, the Beginning in January your Social Security benefit and T residents were part of a Houses this year. The Senior Positive Deviance Initiative Supplemental Security Income will increase by 1.5 team that met with Deputy Positive Adaptation (SPA) (PDI), and Union Settlement percent due to a cost-of-living adjustment. This Mayor Linda Gibbs at City project is a collaborative effort Association. The project was increase will be automatic. For more information call Hall on November 12. The between NYCHA, the NYC supported by a grant to (800) 772-1213 or visit www.socialsecurity.gov/cola. team delivered a presentation Department for the Aging, PDI by the New York on a special project which oc- Silberman School of Social Community Trust. SPA was driven by a group Raising Your Grandchild? of seniors at the two Manhat- The Department for the Aging’s Grandparent Resource tan developments that met Center can help you: every week to explore social • Find a support group in your community isolation and identify strate- • Learn about financial and health benefits you are gies some seniors use to entitled to stay connected. SPA helped • Get info on adoption, kinship foster care and child NYCHA seniors and project custody options partners learn about how • Access other Department for the Aging services seniors maintain and expand including: their social connections to o Resource Library improve health and wellness. o Holiday Toy Drive Earlier in the year participat- o Recreational Activities ing seniors also shared what o Summer Camp Program they learned from the project at a community meeting at Call 311 to find out more. Ask for the Department Corsi, and presented the for the Aging’s Grandparent Resource Center. project to seniors from other All services are free and confidential. Corsi Houses residents Randy Kiser (far left) and Isaura Ortiz (third from left) developments at NYCHA’s joined Deputy Mayor Linda Gibbs (second from left), Maria Alejandro and Senior Benefit and Entitle- David Nocenti from Union Settlement,and Patricia White from the New York Community Trust at City Hall on November 12, 2013. ment Fair in September. “Cease the Grease” Project Brings Baruch Residents to a Brooklyn Wastewater Treatment Plant aruch Houses residents process. The demonstration made by the Digester Eggs Bparticipated in the latest showed how the process imi- during the sludge processing, NYCHA collaboration with the tates and speeds up what oc- is used as fuel in boilers to NYC Department of Environ- curs naturally in the water cycle heat the plant and the Digester mental Protection (DEP) and its - for instance, the continuous Tanks.” “Cease the Grease” project. A recycling of the usable supply As part of the program, group of NYCHA visitors took of the earth’s clean water. Resi- residents also have toured a a tour of the Newtown Creek dents learned that the incom- compactor room in a Baruch Wastewater Treatment Plant ing wastewater comes from building and the Manhattan in Brooklyn, the largest of the drainage areas servicing more Pump Station on 13th Street City’s 14 wastewater treatment than one million residents and and Avenue D. plants. The pilot project is a businesses in parts of Brook- “The ‘Cease The Grease’ year-long collaboration that lyn, Manhattan, and Queens. program is a critical educates residents about the Next, the group visited the component of the City’s proper disposal of kitchen plant’s eight stainless-steel education and outreach efforts grease to improve their internal clad ‘egg-shaped’ digester motivating citizens to learn environment; to avoid costly tanks. The “Egg Digester” responsible ways to care for sewer backups; and to under- tanks are each 145 feet tall, their internal environments and stand the impact on the city’s and process, on the average, appreciate the positive impacts infrastructure. 750,000 gallons of sludge on the greater environment,” How that infrastructure each day using oxygen-free said Charles Sturcken, Director works was seen during the bacteria, among other steps. of Economic Development at October 12 visit to the Waste- “The engineer who gave the DEP. “These tours demonstrate water Treatment Plant where lecture was very clear and ‘over to residents the importance the Plant’s engineer gave a the top,’” said Baruch Houses of constantly striving for lecture about the workings resident Barry Stewart. “I liked a cleaner, sustainable of the wastewater treatment learning that the methane gas, environment.” A group of Baruch Houses residents and staff were part of a tour of the Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant in Brooklyn hosted by the New York City Comments? Questions? E-mail [email protected]. Department of Environmental Protection on October 12, 2013 Photo courtesy of New York City Department of Environmental Protection.. 10 December 2013 The Housing Authority Journal

NYCHA in Social Media: Project-Based Section 8 The Survey Says… Developments Getting Renovated ince establishing a social the ages of 50-59 who Smedia presence on are most interested in Apartments and Landscape Facebook in 2009, NYCHA receiving news about YCHA has selected a de- in order to preserve our aging at six sites; renovation of build- has made tremendous NYCHA, as well as Nvelopment team to begin housing stock,” said NYCHA ing façades and interiors, as strides in the area of social maintenance and repair work at six project-based Sec- Chairman John B. Rhea. “It also well as landscaped areas; and and digital media. Going updates via that specific tion 8 properties to completely demonstrates our long-term on-site social services. The plan forward, NYCHA plans to platform. renovate apartments and redo commitment to preservation of will present opportunities for deepen the focus on how it • Twitter commands the landscaping of their proper- affordable housing for low-in- residents to apply for jobs cre- can provide information via attention from those ty. The buildings are eligible for come families and households.” ated by the transaction through social media. Specifically, who are 21-29 years old, a mixed-finance transaction that RDC’s efforts include exten- Section 3 hiring. NYCHA will use Facebook, who also are members will provide funding for critical sive tenant-in-place rehabilita- In addition, NYCHA expects Flickr, Twitter, LinkedIn, of community based work to improve the apart- tion work, and it has experience the RDC Development to pro- Youtube to share positive organizations and/or ments and buildings, and cre- managing more than 3,000 vide residents with dedicated and uplifting stories, and residents that desire news ate more energy efficiency. For project-based Section 8 units. daily maintenance and upkeep speak to the combined about NYCHA, as well as this important work, NYCHA The six sites are Bronxchester before, during and after the social media following of jobs information. has selected RDC Develop- in the Bronx; Saratoga Square complete renovation. Campos close to 15,000 people. • The majority of LinkedIn ment, a joint-venture between in Brooklyn; and Campos Plaza residents were so happy about From November 15- participants are NYCHA MDG Design + Construction I, East 4th Street Rehab, East getting newly painted apart- November 22, 2013, employees between the and Wavecrest Management. 120th Street Rehab and Milbank- ments with renovated kitchens NYCHA conducted its first ages of 30-39 who wish to “This is a significant milestone Frawley in Manhattan. The plan and bathrooms, that Campos social media survey, which learn more about jobs and as part of the strategic road- calls for exterior and interior re- Resident Association President was hosted across Twitter, training opportunities. map Plan NYCHA to identify habilitation of more than 700,000 Derese Huff simply urged, Facebook and LinkedIn. These findings will help alternative sources of revenue square feet of space for 874 units “Start the work!” NYCHA received more than NYCHA better tailor content 120 responses. Among the that is relevant, meaningful key findings: and speaks to the needs • On Facebook, the of residents and other majority of users are stakeholders. residents between

Stay Warm! • Keep radiator areas clear • Seal leaks (Tenants who ere are some tips to keep think they have an air leak Hyour apartment warmer and do not know how to during heating season, and fix it can call the Customer reduce utility costs. Contact Center at • Keep windows closed 718-707-7771) • Open curtains to let the sun • Use blankets provide heat • Dress warm while inside Looking to Add More Heat to your Apartment? Please Follow These Safety Tips. • Space heaters should be kept away from any heater at least three feet from or appliance that has hot sur- The photos of this kitchen and bathroom represent what part of the renovated apartments at Campos Plaza I will look like anything that can burn and faces that can cause burns. when completed. always should be turned • Ovens and Stoves: Please off when leaving a room or do not use the oven or going to sleep. Space heat- stove to heat your apart- News from the NYC Department ers are temporary heating ment, this is a fire hazard devices and only should and can cause toxic fumes. of Education be used for a limited time • Candles: For your safety do Applying To Kindergarten for the 2014-2015 School Year each day. not leave candles burning f your child was born in 2009, it’s time to start to receive a kindergarten placement. Admission • Never use an extension cord through the night and do not Ithinking about kindergarten for next year. You is not first-come, first-served. All applications with a space heater. Space leave candles unattended. can apply to kindergarten from January 13 to received by the deadline are treated the same, heaters should be plugged • Generators: Please do not February 14, 2014. All families can apply for according to schools’ admissions priorities. directly into an outlet. use a generator inside your kindergarten in one of three ways: Elementary School Directory • Never use a space heater apartment for electricity or • Online using Kindergarten Connect at You can find the Elementary School Directory with a frayed or damaged heat, operating a generator www.nyc.gov/schools/kindergarten online at www.nyc.gov/schools/kindergarten. cord, even for a small in a poorly ventilated area • Over the phone by calling 718-935-2400 The directory provides detailed information amount of time. can cause carbon monoxide (8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Monday–Friday) about the admissions process and will help you • Young children should be poisoning, which can be fatal. • In person at an Enrollment Office to explore elementary school options available (8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., Monday–Friday) for your child. All families, including those of students with For more information, call 718-935-2009 or Comments? Questions? E-mail [email protected]. disabilities, should submit an application in order visit www.nyc.gov/schools/kindergarten.