Melo’ Unveils Renovated Basketball Court at Red Hook East Houses Recreation Space Refurbished Thanks to the Carmelo Anthony Foundation and Jpmorgan Chase

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Vol. 43 No. 6 www.nyc.gov/nycha July/August 2013 ‘Melo’ Unveils Renovated Basketball Court at Red Hook East Houses Recreation space refurbished thanks to the Carmelo Anthony Foundation and JPMorgan Chase

Additional reporting by Zodet Negrón ew York Knicks All-Star Carmelo NYCHA Chairman John B. Rhea. “The NAnthony paid a visit to the Red Red Hook youth who play on the court Hook East Houses on June 27 toJourna cut the in the years ahead will know that the l ribbon on a newly refurbished basketball NBA’s top scorer for 2013 had their in- court and watch the next generation of terest in mind and made their recreation kids show off their skills. The Carmelo a priority.” Anthony Foundation and JPMorgan For 17-year old Red Hook resident Chase funded the re-pavement of the Sky Seay – who was showing his young- basketball court, which also got a new er neighbors how to slam dunk – the paint job and received new logos. The newly renovated court will make a big backboards and rims received a new difference for the kids in the community. coat of paint and repairs were made to He recalled how the court used to be in the surrounding fence. bad shape and had no nets. “I’m glad “I’m thankful for the privilege to give he came and renovated the court,” said back,” said Mr. Anthony, who spent Mr. Seay, who has a scholarship to play his early childhood in the Red Hook college basketball at California State Houses. “To be able to come back here University-Bakersfield next year. “The New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony meets Red Hook Houses residents on June 27, 2013, at the and dedicate this court is great.” kids will have a place to practice and ribbon cutting of a refurbished basketball court his foundation helped pay for. “This generous donation from Car- play their tournaments, and it will keep a melo Anthony’s foundation shows the lot of them out of trouble.” a place to go and something to look something to do,” he said. “This court is heart of a true champion who continues Mr. Anthony spoke of the same forward to, and now I think kids get for the kids, so that they can come and to give back to his community,” said positive effects. “When I grew up I had sidetracked because they don’t have use it every day.”

inside Summer Art Space a Big Hit at Forest Houses this issue By Eric Deutsch The workers and volunteers at the construct are Forest aybe you want to dip your feet into a small wading Houses residents. This includes Harry Drake, the Resident Mpool. Or read a philosophy book while enjoying a Association Secretary, whose stage name is DJ Baby gentle breeze. Or perhaps listen to a poetry reading on a Dee – he serves as the emcee for performances, works in couch in the shade. You can do all of this, and more, at the the radio station and reads daily announcements. “The Gramsci Monument at Forest Houses. The large interactive project brought the community together; we’ve never art exhibit – built out of wood in a public space just for seen anything like this before in NYCHA,” Mr. Drake said. the summer – is drawing people not just from the Bronx “It’s like a burst of energy, ‘Wow, it’s art coming here!’” development, but all over the world. The Gramsci Monument is the brainchild of Swiss artist Thomas Hirschhorn, and is paid for entirely by the Dia Art Foundation. Its name comes from the Italian philosopher Antonio Gramsci. An exhibit at the art space includes many of Antonio Gramsci’s personal artifacts, including the utensils he used when he was in prison. And his books are included in the library, which is managed by resident NYCHA Talent Show: Marcella Paradise. “This has brought a lot of enlightenment Residents Bring Down the House to me,” said Ms. Paradise, who also was convinced to do a » see page 8 poetry reading one day. “I was nervous at first because What’s Your Flood Zone? I never had experienced that, but (Mr. Hirschhorn) brought A Complete List of Developments in NYC’s a lot out of me.” Six New Zones » see pages 4 and 5 In the computer room, which is the most popular spot in the exhibit, residents can use the internet and play video Fresh Veggies in Red Hook: games. “It’s a lot of fun,” said seven-year-old Shamah Urban Farm First of Its Kind at NYCHA Jeffrey. “I like playing basketball on the computer.” » see page 3 To make sure everything is kept safe, several residents work as security, including cousins Kareen and Ernestine Resident Art Show: The Gramsci Monument at Forest Houses is open to the public all summer, and includes a wading pool, computer lab, art space, Bethea, who also know CPR and first aid. “We’re always Check Out Your Neighbors’ Creations performance space and library. continued on page 2  » see page 9 2 July/August 2013 The Housing Authority Journal

 continued from page 1 NYCHA out here, so why not help out?” Residents’ Voices said Kareen Bethea. “The kids need something May 9, 2013 Board Meetings to look forward to every day, (via Instagram) otice hereby is given that the New York City Housing something positive, especially NAuthority’s Board Meetings take place every other the ones who are not in day Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. in the Board Room on the 12th camp,” said Ernestine Bethea. floor of 250 Broadway, New York, New York (unless otherwise People have come to the noted). The remaining meetings for Calendar Year 2013 are Gramsci Monument from to be determined. as far away as Germany, Any changes to the schedule above will be posted here Switzerland and the United and on NYCHA’s website at nyc.gov/nycha to the extent Kingdom. And neighborhood practicable at a reasonable time before the meeting. day camps even schedule These meetings are open to the public. Pre-registration regular visits as part of their at least 45 minutes before the scheduled Board Meeting day, according to Resident Destiny Mata, Lillian Wald Houses is required by all speakers. Comments are limited to the Association President Eric items on the Calendar. Speaking time will be limited to three Farmer. “The kids love this minutes. The public comment period will conclude upon thing. We have to actually Tell us what is on your mind! letter per person per issue. all speakers being heard or at the expiration of 30 minutes make them leave at night,” There are many ways to share allotted by law for public comment, whichever occurs first. he said. Residents’ Voices accepts your thoughts with us at the Copies of the Calendar are available on NYCHA’s website The Gramsci Monument will letters, photographs, poems, Journal: drawings – anything that allows or can be picked up at the Office of the Corporate Secretary be dismantled on September Send an e-mail to you to express yourself! [email protected] 15, by the same Forest Houses at 250 Broadway, 12th floor, New York, New York, no Please include your full name, earlier than 3:00 p.m. on the Friday before the upcoming residents who built it earlier Send a snail mail to: development name, address NYCHA Journal Wednesday Board Meeting. Copies of the Disposition are this year. “I am going to feel so and phone number. We will Letters to the Editor available on NYCHA’s website or can be picked up at the sad when it closes,” said Myrna print only your name and 250 Broadway, 12th floor development on our pages; we New York, NY 10007 Office of the Corporate Secretary no earlier than 3:00 p.m. Alvarez, who provides snacks at need your address and phone on the Thursday after the Board Meeting. the art space. “I wish we could number for verification purposes Send a Tweet on Twitter at twitter.com/NYCHA_Housing Any person requiring a reasonable accommodation in keep it forever; the community only. order to participate in the Board Meeting should contact would get closer. It will stay in Please limit written submissions Post a message on to 250 words. Facebook at the Office of the Corporate Secretary at (212) 306-6088 no my heart and in my mind.” www.facebook.com/NYCHA later than five business days before the Board Meeting. For Mr. Hirschhorn updates The Journal reserves the right to edit all content for length, Send a fax to 212-577-1358 additional information, please visit NYCHA’s website or call the Gramsci Monument’s clarity, good taste, accuracy, etc. If you have any questions, (212) 306-6088. website every day at Because of space limitations, we please send them to www.gramsci-monument.com. must limit all contributors to one [email protected].

Check out NYCHA’s Facebook page! NYCHA Lends a Helping Hand to Family ot a web-enabled smartphone? Now you can access NYCHA’s Who Lost Home in Hurricane GFacebook page and bonus content in this issue by scanning or taking a snapshot of the QR codes. The QR code for NYCHA’s By Michael Corwin Facebook page is on the right. helping hand from NYCHA, Step 1: Download a QR code scanner application A along with a random act from your phone’s marketplace (many of these of kindness, made a big differ- “apps” are free to download). Step 2: Point your ence for a family that lost their phone’s camera at the QR image. home and belongings as a result of Hurricane Sandy. After their Staten Island home was dev- astated by the storm, the Wu family was referred to NYCHA in April 2013 as part of the City’s

NYCHA Hurricane Sandy re-housing efforts. NYCHA wanted to locate ESTABLISHED 1970 • CIRCULATION 200,000 an apartment close to the hospi- Published monthly by the New York City Housing Authority Department of Communications • 250 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10007 tal where four-year-old Annabel Four-year-old Annabel Wu (left) joins her father Gongxi Wu, mother Ru Lin, and Tel (212) 306-3322 • Fax (212) 577-1358 • nyc.gov/nycha Wu is being transferred for her sister Alice in their new Carver Houses apartment, which is near the hospital Annabel goes for leukemia treatments. leukemia treatments, and Carver Michael R. Bloomberg ��Mayor John B. Rhea ��Journal Chairman Houses in Manhattan is only a room, bedroom and kitchen each room, trying out the new Emily Youssouf…. �� Vice Chair Margarita López ��Board Member few blocks away. furniture sets, along with kitchen sofa and eagerly examining the Victor A. Gonzalez ��Board Member “We like the neighborhood appliances and cookware, a toys and art supplies that also Vilma Huertas �� Corporate Secretary Cecil House ��General Manager and being close to Central Park, high chair and crib, sheets, were part of the anonymous Lynn Godfrey �� Chief Communications Officer Sheila Stainback �� Communications Officer which will be very good for towels and decorative items. donation. She gave her seal of Eric Deutsch �� Editor Annabel – she will get stronger “Thank you, everybody, for approval on her older sister An- Zodet Negrón ��Editor, Spanish Edition Peter Mikoleski, Leticia Barboza �� Photographers by taking walks and getting ex- helping,” Annabel exclaimed on gela’s bedroom after noting the Howard Silver, Vinson Cunningham, Brent Grier ��Staff Writers ercise there,” said Gongxi Wu, the day her family moved in to perfect placement of the stuffed If you are interested in placing an advertisement in the Journal, please call our Annabel’s father. the three-bedroom apartment. animals on the bed. marketing representatives in the Office of Business and Revenue Development at (212) 306‑6614. The inclusion of any advertisement in this Journal does not NYCHA also received an “My room is very pretty!” “We like this apartment and constitute any endorsement by the Housing Authority of the advertiser or its anonymous $5,000 donation, Annabel gleefully followed are very happy,” Mr. Wu said. “All products or services or any other representation by the Housing Authority with respect to such products or services. which the Family Services De- her parents, Mr. Wu and Ru Lin, we can say is thank you to every- partment used to select living and baby sister Alice through one at NYCHA for your help.” The Housing Authority Journal July/August 2013 3 Message from the Chairman

If there was only one lesson to be learned Another example is Nancy Ortiz, the Vladek Houses RA President who was from Hurricane Sandy, it was “Be profiled in last month’s issue of theJournal . After the story ran about her offer Prepared.” NYCHA and residents have to help other RA Presidents who want advice on how to provide emergency spent countless hours over the past nine preparedness resources to their residents, she received several requests for assistance months looking at what happened last with using TPA funds, and she will be going to other developments’ Family Days. October and using our experiences to plan We also are teaming up with some of our partners for your benefit. We encourage ahead in case we have another weather Resident Associations to invite the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to their emergency. NYCHA is making it a priority Family Days, as several resident leaders have done, so they can provide information this hurricane season – which lasts until to their neighbors. We also worked with OEM and community-based organizations November 30 – to make sure everyone is to offer emergency preparedness training and services to residents. And our Family prepared for an emergency. Services and Emergency Services Departments are working with the NYPD to add The easiest thing you can do to prepare emergency preparedness training for Resident Watch volunteers this summer. yourself for an emergency is to pack a “go bag.” You can see what you should About one in five NYCHA residents were affected in some way by Hurricane include in a go bag and emergency supply kit, in case you stay home during an Sandy, by flooding, wind damage, loss of power or all three. Many more NYCHA emergency, on page 4 of this issue. It takes just a little time, and guarantees you residents could be affected by flooding in future storms; a complete list of all develop- will have what you need in case you need to evacuate. ments that are in the City’s six flood zones is on pages 4 and 5. It is very important for residents to take responsibility for their own And while the focus is on the weather, I also want to be sure that all of you are preparedness. A great example is Maria Forbes, the Resident Association President prepared for an emergency of any kind. Just because you do not live in a flood zone, at Claremont Consolidated Houses in the Bronx. When two blackouts left her does not mean you cannot be affected. There can be a loss of power in the summer, development without heat and hot water back in 2002, Ms. Forbes knew that she or a loss of heat in the winter. The entire eastern United States had a blackout in and her fellow residents needed a new approach to emergency preparedness. She 2003, and there even was an earthquake here in New York a couple of years ago. used Tenant Participation Activity (TPA) funds to purchase new generators for the For more information about how to get prepared, go to our website at development, as well as preparedness bags, cots and blankets. on.nyc.gov/emergencynycha. If there ever is an emergency, you can get up-to-date But Ms. Forbes did not stop there. She holds preparedness meetings for residents information from NYCHA on the website; on our Facebook and Twitter accounts; three times a year, and the development’s Family Day doubles as an annual prepared- and at your developments. ness day. And she partnered with NYCHA, other neighborhood leaders and civic And remember: Be Prepared. groups to get grants to recruit and educate community members about emergency preparedness. Ms. Forbes’ work is just one example of how NYCHA residents are coming together to make their communities safer and more resilient in the event of emergencies. John B. Rhea Urban Farm Brings Fresh Produce, Jobs and Education to Red Hook Houses One-acre urban agriculture installation is the first-ever large-scale community farm on NYCHA property

Additional reporting by Zodet Negrón will provide hands-on job skills nutrition education which Obesity Task Force, which has organizations to develop the esidents of the Red Hook training in the field of urban can help their residents lead provided capital funding for the additional sites and provide RHouses now have access to agriculture, as well as educational healthier lives,” said NYCHA sites. NYCHA will solicit part- programming, including a fresh produce such as lettuce, support and life skills. NYCHA Chairman John B. Rhea. “This nerships with other nonprofit job training component. kale and tomatoes, grown right and Green City Force already is a key example of how we in their backyard. The Red have recruited more than 20 can work together to pro- Hook Urban Farm has two main young residents for the Red Hook vide NYCHA residents with missions – to grow and distrib- Urban Farm project. Produce the benefit of fresh produce ute healthy foods and educate grown there will be sold through grown right in their community local residents about healthy Added Value’s Farmers’ Markets, as well as information about diets; and to train NYCHA with the proceeds used to sup- healthy eating habits.” youth who are out of school port staffing and stipends for the The Red Hook Urban and unemployed for green Green City Force members or Farm also will serve as a jobs. The farm came about donated to people in need. model to launch five ad- from a partnership among “Low-income communities ditional farm sites within NYCHA, the Mayor’s Office, the tend to have limited access to NYCHA developments in nonprofit group Added Value the healthy food choices and partnership with the Mayor’s and Green City Force. “This is great for the kids, for the seniors, for the entire community,” said Waliek Juneol, a Green City Force alumnus and resident of Red “Miss Susie” Turns 114! Hook East Houses. “It’s fresh produce, which we didn’t re- he year was 1899. Queens and Staten Island merged with ally have in the area, and jobs T New York City. The Bronx Zoo opened. William McKinley for youth in the community.” was President. And Susannah Mushatte Jones was born. The Over the first three years, Vandalia Houses resident turned 114 years old on July 12, cel- the farm will be overseen by ebrating with family and friends at the Vandalia Senior Center in Added Value and maintained Brooklyn. “Miss Susie,” as she is known affectionately, holds the by Green City Force members. Kids who live at Red Hook Houses are shown some of the plants that will grow at distinction of being the current oldest living person in New York A six-month training program the new Red Hook Urban Farm. State, second oldest in the country and third oldest in the world. 4 July/August 2013 The Housing Authority Journal ✁ Cut this out and put on your refrigerator or thumbtack board. List of NYCHA Developments in Flood Zones

s recently announced, New York City now is divided into six Aflood zones. While the NYCHA developments most vulnerable to coastal storm flooding generally are located in Coney Island, the Lower East Side and the Rockaways, many other developments are in one of the six zones. The complete list of all NYCHA developments in a flood zone is below. Please note some developments are listed in more than one zone – this is because different buildings in a development may be in a different zone. Any development not listed is not in a flood zone. For more information, call 311 (TTY: 212-504-4115) or go to nyc.gov/oem and check the Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder. ZONE 1 Borough Development Brooklyn Carey Gardens Brooklyn Coney Island Brooklyn Coney Island I (Site 1B) Brooklyn Coney Island I (Site 8) Brooklyn Coney Island I (Sites 4 & 5) Brooklyn Gravesend Brooklyn Haber Brooklyn O’Dwyer Gardens Brooklyn Red Hook East Brooklyn Red Hook West Brooklyn Surfside Gardens Manhattan Baruch Manhattan Baruch Houses Addition Hurricane Season: Be Prepared Manhattan Campos Plaza I YCHA, working with the identify in advance the nearest for at least three days. You Manhattan Campos Plaza II NNew York City Office evacuation center that you can should have one gallon of Manhattan Lavanburg Homes of Emergency Management go to by calling 311 or going water per person per day, Manhattan Lower East Side III (OEM), is committed to ensuring to nyc.gov/oem. ready-to-eat nonperishable Manhattan Riis that NYCHA residents and staff • Keep a “Go Bag” ready. A canned foods and a manual Manhattan Riis II are well prepared in case of a “Go Bag” is a collection of can opener Manhattan Smith storm emergency. With hur- items you may need to grab • First Aid Kit Queens Beach 41st Street-Beach Channel Drive ricane season having started on in a hurry in case you have to • Flashlight June 1 and running through No- evacuate. The bag should be • Whistle Queens Carleton Manor vember 30, here are important accessible and packed in an • Cell phone Queens Hammel suggestions to help you prepare easy-to-carry container such • Personal hygiene items Queens Ocean Bay Apartments (Bayside) in case of a hurricane warning. as a backpack. A “Go Bag” • If you are asked to evacu- Queens Ocean Bay Apartments (Oceanside) Figure out if you live in an should include: ate, do so immediately! Queens Redfern evacuation zone: • Copies of important • If you are going to an evacu- • NYCHA developments most documents ation center, pack lightly, and ZONE 2 vulnerable to coastal storm • Extra set of keys bring your Go Bag, a sleeping flooding generally are located • Credit/ATM cards bag or bedding, and medi- Borough Development in the Rockaways, Coney Island • $50 to $100 in cash in small cal supplies and equipment. Brooklyn Gowanus and the Lower East Side. denominations Always let friends or relatives Brooklyn Marlboro • For a detailed listing of city • Bottled water and nonper- know where you are going. Manhattan Dyckman evacuation zones call 311 ishable food A Word about Pets: Manhattan East 4th Street Rehab (TTY: 212-504-4115) or go • Flashlight • The NYC emergency sheltering Manhattan East River to nyc.gov/oem and check • Battery-operated AM/FM system is friendly to all pets, Manhattan Fulton the Hurricane Evacuation radio and extra batteries but you will be responsible for Manhattan Holmes Towers Zone Finder. • Medical information, medi- their care, so please bring your Manhattan Isaacs If you do live in an cations and a first-aid kit pet’s food, leashes, crate or evacuation zone: • Contact and meeting carrier, a copy of vaccination Manhattan Lincoln • Discuss and prepare a disaster place information for your and medical records, and any Manhattan Lower East Side II plan with household members household medication. Also make sure Manhattan Lower East Side Rehab (Group 5) that outlines clear action steps. • Small regional map that your pets wear collars and Manhattan Two Bridges URA (Site 7) Be sure to include information • Childcare supplies tags with up-to-date identifica- Manhattan Wald on the best way to communi- • Other special items tion information. Manhattan Wilson cate and where to meet in case • Assemble an Emergency Sup- Stay informed: Queens Astoria of an emergency. ply Kit in case you are asked to • If a hurricane is expected • Identify family or friends liv- shelter in place (stay at home). please stay tuned to TV and ra- continued on page 5  ing outside evacuation zone The Emergency Supply Kit dio broadcasts, go online and NYCHA NOT WANTED LIST boundaries that you can stay should include: access www.nyc.gov or call Editors’ Note: For this issue, the Not Wanted List is on page 6. with. If this is not an option, • Enough food and water 311 (TTY:212-504-4115). The Housing Authority Journal July/August 2013 5

 continued from page 4 ZONE 3 Borough Development Queens Leavitt Street-34th Avenue Bronx Bronx River Queens Queensbridge North Bronx Bronx River Addition Brooklyn Bay View Queens Queensbridge South Bronx Bronxchester Brooklyn Boulevard Queens Ravenswood Bronx Butler Brooklyn Breukelen Bronx Claremont Rehab (Group 2) Brooklyn Cypress Hills ZONE 5 Bronx Claremont Rehab (Group 3) Brooklyn East New York City Line Borough Development Bronx Claremont Rehab (Group 4) Brooklyn Glenwood College Avenue-East 165th Bronx Boynton Avenue Rehab Bronx Brooklyn Linden Bronx Bronx River Addition Street Brooklyn Marcy Glebe Avenue-Westchester Bronx Castle Hill Bronx Avenue Brooklyn Nostrand Bronx Claremont Rehab (Group 2) Bronx Mott Haven Brooklyn Pennsylvania Avenue-Wort- Bronx Claremont Rehab (Group 3) Bronx Webster man Avenue Bronx Claremont Rehab (Group 4) Brooklyn Brownsville Brooklyn Pink Bronx Clason Point Gardens Brooklyn Cooper Park Brooklyn Sheepshead Bay Bronx Fort Independence Street- Brooklyn Lenox Road-Rockaway Parkway Brooklyn Vandalia Avenue Heath Avenue Bronx Mill Brook Brooklyn Long Island Baptist Houses Manhattan 335 East 111th Street Bronx Mill Brook Extension Brooklyn Tapscott Street Rehab Manhattan Chelsea Addition Bronx Randall Avenue-Balcom Brooklyn Tilden Manhattan Corsi Houses Avenue Brooklyn Tompkins Manhattan East 120th Street Rehab Bronx Sack Wern Brooklyn Unity Plaza (Sites 4-27) Manhattan Elliott Bronx Soundview Manhattan Drew-Hamilton Manhattan Jefferson Bronx Teller Avenue-East 166th Manhattan First Houses Manhattan La Guardia Street Manhattan Harborview Terrace Bronx Throggs Neck Manhattan La Guardia Addition Manhattan Meltzer Tower Bronx Throggs Neck Addition Manhattan Metro North Plaza Manhattan Milbank-Frawley Brooklyn 572 Warren Street Manhattan Polo Grounds Towers Manhattan Morris Park Senior Citizens Home Brooklyn Belmont-Sutter Area Manhattan Rangel Manhattan Rehab Program (Taft Rehabs) Brooklyn Borinquen Plaza I Manhattan Rutgers Manhattan Saint Nicholas Brooklyn Borinquen Plaza II Manhattan Samuel (City) Manhattan Seward Park Extension Brooklyn Bushwick Manhattan UPACA (Site 5) Manhattan Wagner Brooklyn Hylan Manhattan UPACA (Site 6) Manhattan Washington Brooklyn Taylor Street-Wythe Avenue Queens South Jamaica I Manhattan White Manhattan 344 East 28th Street Queens South Jamaica II Queens Latimer Gardens Manhattan Harlem River Staten Island Richmond Terrace Manhattan Harlem River II Staten Island West Brighton I ZONE 4 Manhattan Johnson Staten Island West Brighton II Borough Development Manhattan King Towers Bronx 1471 Watson Avenue Manhattan Park Avenue-East 122nd, Bronx Clason Point Gardens 123rd Streets West Nile Virus Bronx Marble Hill Manhattan Public School 139 Bronx Mitchel (Conversion) Manhattan Samuel (City) Mosquito Treatment Bronx Monroe Manhattan Samuel (MHOP) I Bronx Patterson Manhattan Samuel (MHOP) II The New York City Housing Authority will be treating Bronx Sotomayor Houses all of the catch basins located on Housing Authority Manhattan Stanton Street develowpments to reduce the mosquito population Brooklyn Farragut Manhattan Taft in an effort to minimize the transmission of the West Brooklyn Ingersoll Nile Virus. These treatments will take place between Queens Baisley Park Brooklyn Wyckoff Gardens May and September 2013. Queens Bland One or more of the following pesticides will be used: Manhattan Bracetti Plaza Staten Island Berry Manhattan Carver Vectolex CG, EPA Reg. No. 73049-20, Toxicity Category – Staten Island Mariner’s Harbor “Caution” Summit B.t.i. Briquets, EPA Reg. No. 6218-47, Manhattan Chelsea Toxicity Category – “Caution” Altosid XR, EPA Reg. No. 2724- Staten Island South Beach Manhattan Clinton 421, Toxicity Category – “Caution” Staten Island Stapleton Manhattan Gompers Contact names and numbers for this Manhattan Harlem River application are; Manhattan Lehman Village ZONE 6 NYC Housing Authority: Ray Gamble, Administrator, 718-707-5306 Manhattan Lincoln Borough Development Bronx 1010 East 178th Street available from 9 am – 5 pm Manhattan Robinson Jamal Rashid, Technical Resource Advisor, 718-707-5808 Bronx Betances I Manhattan Samuel (City) available from 8 am – 4 pm Bronx Betances II, 18 Manhattan Samuel (MHOP) I NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation, Region 2, Bronx Betances II, 9A Bureau of Pesticide Management – 718-482-4994 Manhattan Samuel (MHOP) III Bronx Betances III, 18 National Pesticide Telecommunications Network – Manhattan Vladeck 1-800-858-PEST Bronx Betances III, 9A Manhattan Vladeck II Inquiries concerning symptoms of pesticide Bronx Betances IV Manhattan Washington poisoning should be directed to the Bronx Betances V Poison Control Center Queens Forest Hills Co-op (108th Street-62nd Drive) Bronx Betances VI 1-800-222-1222 6 July/August 2013 The Housing Authority Journal

The NYCHA Not Wanted List Eye on Housing Fraud Below is a partial list of names of individuals who have been excluded permanently from NYCHA’s public housing developments. This list hrough the feature “Eye on Housing keeps residents informed of the Authority’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for New Yorkers in public housing and to allow for T Fraud,” the New York City Department of the peaceful and safe use of its facilities. The full list can be viewed at Investigation (DOI) provides names of residents, on.nyc.gov/nychanotwanted. The following are the people, with their as listed below, who have been convicted and former addresses, excluded as of January 23-February 13, 2013. sentenced for defrauding NYCHA. In these Prohibited as of January 23, 2013 cases, restitution is collected through a pay- Diana Castro Taft Houses, 1365 Fifth Avenue, Apt. 10E, Manhattan ment schedule until fully paid, including wage Frenchy Davilla Wagner Houses, 2370 First Avenue, Apt. 4E, Manhattan Jonathan Hester Butler Houses, 1458 Webster Avenue, Apt. 21B, Bronx and asset garnishments, if necessary. Anyone Fernando Rios Washington Avenue, 1851 Third Avenue, Apt. 14A, with information regarding fraud or wrongdo- Manhattan ing should call DOI’s NYCHA Inspector General Nelson Rivera Riis Houses, 152 Avenue D, Apt. 2C, Manhattan Hotline at (212) 306-3356. Wilbur Roberts Morris Houses, 1372 Washington Avenue, Apt. 14A, Bronx Nicole Conley – pleaded guilty to failing Eugene Rolack Glenwood Houses, 5905 Glenwood Road, Apt. 5B, to report income she received from various Department of Investigation Commissioner Brooklyn sources, including the income she received as a Rose Gill Hearn Tyrone Roony Queensbridge North Houses, 40-10 Vernon Boulevard, Apt. 6E, Queens Correction Officer in North and South Carolina, ernment Funds, was sentenced to six months in Jamar Singleton Lincoln Houses, 2155 Madison Avenue, Apt. 2H, while she was a resident at Amsterdam Houses, prison and six months home confinement, and Manhattan defrauding NYCHA of $14,561. Conley agreed was ordered to pay $186,501 in restitution to Benny Soto Taft Houses, 1365 Fifth Avenue, Apt. 10E, Manhattan Benjamin Suarez Taft Houses, 1365 Fifth Avenue, Apt. 10E, Manhattan to repay NYCHA the amount of the fraud. NYCHA. Leib Glanz, the unauthorized tenant, Tahrel Swinton Hughes Houses, 335 Sutter Avenue, Apt. 17F, Brooklyn Sherman Gamble – pleaded guilty to the pleaded guilty to Making False Statements, Prohibited as of January 30, 2013 federal charge of Theft of Public Money for was sentenced to 45 days in prison, and was or- Raymond Banks Richmond Terrace Houses, 151 Jersey Street, Apt. 1C, impersonating his cousin, a Baruch Houses dered to pay $36,484 in restitution to NYCHA. Staten Island resident who had moved out of state, to gain Diana Luckerson – pleaded guilty to Peter Cruz Mariner’s Harbor Houses, 153 Brabant Street, Apt. 5A, Staten Island control of his cousin’s NYCHA apartment that concealing the presence and income of her Freddie Lawson Ocean Bay Apartments (Bayside) Houses, he then rented to others, sometimes advertis- husband while she was a Section 8 recipient 51-32 Beach Channel Drive, Apt. 5A, Queens ing the apartment on Craigslist. Gamble was in Queens, defrauding NYCHA of $45,281. Michael Rohlsen Wagner Houses, 2360 1st Avenue, Apt. 12A, Manhattan sentenced to six months of home confine- Luckerson agreed to repay NYCHA the amount Antwon Steele Brownsville Houses, 557 Rockaway Avenue, Apt. 3F, ment, community service, and ordered to pay of the fraud. Brooklyn $53,542 in restitution to NYCHA, the amount Cherie Williams – was sentenced to six Prohibited as of February 6, 2013 of the fraud. months of home confinement and ordered to Wesley Young Armstrong Houses, 451 Gates Avenue, Apt. 00A, Brooklyn Leib Glanz and Menashe Glanz – the two pay $136,784 to NYCHA and the federal De- Prohibited as of February 13, 2013 brothers pleaded guilty to federal offenses and partment of Housing and Urban Development Patrick Rance South Jamaica Houses, 108-09 159th Street, Apt. 5D, received prison terms in connection with a more (HUD) for collecting subsidies from both hous- Queens than $200,000 Section 8 housing fraud in which ing agencies simultaneously. Williams received Steven Sanchez aka Jairo Sanchez Adams Houses, 680 Tinton Avenue, Apt. 6F, Bronx Menashe Glanz filed records with NYCHA that Section 8 subsidies for a NYCHA Section 8 falsely indicated he and his family were living apartment in Queens and illegally collected Help From the Heat in a subsidized apartment in Brooklyn when, in Section 8 subsidies for a HUD-sponsored apart- fact, his brother Leib Glanz was residing there. ment in Brooklyn. ew York City has had its fair share of extreme heat so far this Menashe Glanz pleaded guilty to Theft of Gov- Nsummer. Heat waves particularly are dangerous for children, seniors, people with chronic health problems and especially for those without air conditioning. Please check-in on family, friends and neighbors to make sure they are okay. Cooling centers open throughout the city during heat Campos Plaza Gets CCTV Cameras emergencies for those needing relief. When a heat emergency ampos Plaza is the latest reported criminal activity. is declared, cooling center locations and hours can be found by NYCHA development to “The safety and security going to nyc.gov or calling 311. C get closed circuit television of our residents is of great (CCTV) cameras. The cameras importance to NYCHA, and were installed with $600,000 installing CCTV cameras in City Council funds provid- deters crime and enhances ed by New York City Council the quality of life of our resi- Member Rosie Mendez. dents,” said NYCHA Chair- “Having the cameras man John B. Rhea. installed is a wonderful thing NYCHA only is able to for all the tenants here at provide this additional secu- Campos Plaza, who now feel a rity because of discretionary lot safer,” said Campos Plaza funding provided by elected Resident Association President officials such as Council Mem- Dereese Huff. “I want to thank ber Mendez. Council Member Mendez and Shown in the circles are two of the “We are here today to NYCHA for helping get these new closed circuit security cameras celebrate a milestone accom- installed at Campos Plaza. cameras installed.” plishment that is primarily due The funding provided for NYPD and Resident Associa- to the effective advocacy and 52 cameras located in all four tion leaders worked together to tireless dedication of the resi- buildings and the infrastruc- determine the camera locations, dents of Campos Plaza – who ture to connect the cameras including building entrances, have taken the issue of public to a Security Operations Cen- street corners, elevators and safety to heart and into their ter, where they can be viewed equipment rooms. The NYPD own hands,” said Council in one place. NYCHA, the can access footage in cases of Member Mendez. The Housing Authority Journal July/August 2013 7

NYCHA on Track to Clear Repair Backlog This Year Finish Your s of August 1, NYCHA has reduced the number of open Medicare Changes Program GED in 2013 Amaintenance and repair work orders from a peak of about for Diabetic Testing Supplies 423,000 to approximately 197,000. The decrease of more than A new mail-order program for home delivered diabetic test- YCHA’s Office of 225,000 work orders means that NYCHA is on schedule to meet its ing supplies now is in effect. You also have the option to get NResident Economic goal of eliminating its backlog by the end of 2013. The reduction your supplies from any local store that is enrolled with Medi- Empowerment and Sustain- is a result of NYCHA’s Action Plan to improve its accountability and care. Medicare Advantage Plan members are not affected ability (REES) is partnering efficiency in responding to maintenance and repair work orders. by this change. A new listing of approved suppliers is on the with the NYC Fund for Given ongoing budget constraints, which were made worse Medicare website at www.medicare.gov/SupplierDirectory. Public Advocacy to support by federal sequestration, NYCHA needs to prioritize its work. You also can call 800-633-4227 for assistance, 24 hours a day, their 2013 GED Campaign Recognizing that there are limited resources, NYCHA staff will seven days a week. Have your Medicare number with you and to Finish, which connects not be able to address work that primarily is to improve the ap- say “Agent” to speak to a live person. qualified test takers to free pearance of apartments until the fiscal situation improves. One GED services in New York example is paint. The City Council has allocated $10 million to Walk For Your Health with City. Anyone who has taken hire painting apprentices, and NYCHA will hire about 175 ap- the Big Apple Senior Strollers and passed a portion of the prentice painters who are NYCHA residents, and will begin paint- Walking is an easy and fun way to stay fit, especially when you five-part GED exam, but has ing units in the fall. This additional staffing will help the Authority walk with friends. Big Apple Senior Stroller walking clubs are not yet passed the full exam, address paint requests in occupied units. Currently there are active in many of the city’s senior centers and faith-based orga- should act now to complete about 39,000 vendor work orders for painting, and about 14,000 nizations. To find a walking club near you call 212-442-8962. the entire GED exam in paint requests for a room or wall also are awaiting NYCHA paint- Join a walking club this year and you may have an opportunity 2013. The GED exam will ers. These work orders will be reexamined. Those where the to participate in the Arthritis Foundation’s Walk with Ease pro- change on January 1, 2014, painting is needed to coat and protect walls after plaster work, or gram. The Big Apple Senior Stroller program is run by the New and once the changes are in after other repairs affecting a wall, will be prioritized. York City Department for the Aging. place, test takers who have taken sections of the exam in the past automatically will lose their old scores. NYCHA and computer software dis- For free help in finishing the NYCHA Action Plan counts. The partnership gives GED exam in 2013 before Reduction of Maintenance and Repair Backlog Partnership residents access to: the changes take place, • Free online information tech- call 718-557-2525, text 450,000 with IT nology training, which enables ‘GED’ to 30644 or go to residents to establish and www.GEDCompass.org. 400,000 Company Has improve their IT skills; 350,000 Benefits for • Certification exams, which 300,000 validate an individual’s techni- percent off the standard price, 250,000 Residents cal skills, knowledge and which can be used on up to competence (the exams have three computers per person 200,000 YCHA and the computer a $150 fee); per year. 150,000 Nsecurity software company • Symantec internship program; For more information about 100,000 Symantec are joining together • A discount on the Norton these opportunities, please go to provide residents free training AntiVirus Security Product, 40 to bit.ly/nycha-symantec. 50,000 0 January 2013 August 2013 Original backlog Backlog as of August 1, 2013 8 July/August 2013 The Housing Authority Journal

New Boxing Gym for Youth NYCHA Annual Talent Show! programming that will re- Opens at Berry Houses duce both the likelihood and NYCHA’s 43rd Annual Talent Show was held on April 20 at incidence of crime is criti- the Red Hook East Miccio Community Center in Brooklyn. outh at Berry Houses and blyman Michael Cusick, Rich- cally important to NYCHA in its Below is a list of all winners and competitors. Ythe surrounding community mond County District Attorney commitment to provide safe, in Staten Island now can benefit Daniel M. Donovan, and the Dr. affordable housing and access Children from a new boxing gym and Theodore A. Atlas Foundation, to community services,” said 1st place: MMS Girls (Rutgers) program that teaches young which partnered with the NYPD NYCHA Chairman John B. Rhea. 2nd place: Modesty Devine (Rutgers) people discipline, self reliance, Cops and Kids boxing program The gym will serve up to 200 3rd place: Lashanique Mourning (Fort Independence) physical fitness and nutrition, as to make the new gym a reality. youths. The program is free for well as boxing. The Atlas NYPD “Providing our youth with those who register. Teens Cops and Kids Boxing Gym at 1st place (tie): Nova Bodo (Section 8/Queens) the Berry Houses Community 1st place (tie): Vintage Quality Center also will be a training site (Castle Hill, Claremont, Highbridge, Monroe) for youth who are interested in 2nd place: A.S.K. (Throggs Neck) entering future Golden Gloves 3rd place: Lil Legin (Morrisania) boxing competitions and other Competitor: Tiffany Rodriguez (Taft) tournaments. “This program is not just Adults about putting out champions 1st place: Feng Shu (Strauss) but getting youth through 2nd place: BMZ and Tonika (Soundview, Marcus Garvey) school and helping them be- 3rd place: Janice Mikell (Marlboro) come the people they deserve Competitor: Lillian Collazo (Wyckoff) to be,” said founder of The Competitor: Nydia Munoz (Harborview Terrace) Theodore A. Atlas Foundation and boxing commentator Teddy Seniors Atlas. “The children who come 1st place: Adele Lee (South Beach) in here have to study, as well 2nd place: Wild Women (Manhattanville) and bring their report card in.” NYCHA Chairman John B. Rhea joined 2012 Olympian Marcus Browne at the 3rd place: The Sophisticated Satins The new gym is funded in opening of the Atlas NYPD Cops and Kids Boxing Gym at the Berry Houses (Grant, Holmes Towers, Marcus Garvey) part by New York State Assem- Community Center in Staten Island on May 17, 2013. Residents Huddle Up to Learn How to Be Referees By Vinson Cunningham s the 4th year of the ANYCHA/NFL Football Of- ficiating Academy comes to a close, the program continues to inspire the interest and am- bition of public housing residents all over the city. When Daishawn Knox, a resident of Farragut Houses in Brooklyn, Feng Zhu soaks up the applause after finishing his first place performance at first came across a flyer for the NYCHA Resident Talent Show on April 20, 2013. the Academy, he knew that he had to give it a shot. “I thought that it was something I’d love to get into,” said Mr. Knox. “I’ve always been interested in sports, especially football – everybody loves football.” Students of the NYCHA/NFL Football Officiating Academy learn about how to During the five-week measure for a first down during a field training session.Photo credit: Curtis Williams program, 45 participants between 17 and 30 years old – Participants also learn valu- Pop Warner leagues, and will including 23 NYCHA residents able life skills and character continue to receive information – worked closely with instruc- development tools – such as in- about development opportuni- tors from the NFL, college tegrity, confidence and decisive- ties offered by the NFL. and high school refereeing ness – that will serve them well The promise of a new career ranks to learn the necessary in their future careers as officials. is by far the most exciting part skills to become a profes- After the Academy’s graduation of the Academy for Mr. Knox. Bradley Rivera and Tonika Bacchus sing their hearts out – performing sional game official. “It’s much ceremony at the end of July, “I want to get straight into ref- as “BMZ and Tonika” – during the NYCHA Resident Talent Show on different than what you think every participant will receive ereeing,” he said. “I can’t wait April 20, 2013. you’re seeing on TV,” Mr. opportunities to officiate games to start using all of the things Knox said. “But I loved it – I’m with the Allegiance Youth Foot- I’ve learned over the past few Comments? Questions? E-mail [email protected]. up for any challenge.” ball League and other PSAL and weeks.” The Housing Authority Journal July/August 2013 9

NYCHA’s Annual Resident Art Show displayed the exceptional artistic talents of residents. The artwork was shown at the Rutgers Houses Community Center in Manhattan in June.

Lynn Wang, Pomonok Senior Center, Nicole Tennyson, Parkside Community Eastlyn Fox, Shelton Senior Center, senior, On the Boat Center, youth, Neighborhood senior, Sweet Pan

Deloris Bedford, Frederick Dewayne Covington, Douglass Senior Center, Boulevard Community senior, Pig Bank Center, youth, Apple and Bumble Bee Elsie Herse Monroe, Max Meltzer Lisa Zhang, Rutgers Community Tower Senior Center, senior, Center, youth, Statue of Liberty Nelson Mandela

Edith Burke, Bland Daphne Afzaal, Harbor Terrace, adult, Parrots Senior Center, senior, René Bonilla, Sue Ginsburg Senior Center, Sea Owl senior, El Lago 10 July/August 2013 The Housing Authority Journal

In case of an emergency, you can count on us.

If you use life-sustaining equipment or you know someone who does, it’s important to let us know. Con Edison keeps a record of these individuals so that we can contact them in case of an emergency. Even if you are not a Con Edison customer but live in our service area, you are eligible to be contacted in case of an emergency. To give us this information, complete and mail the accompanying form or call 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633).

To keep our records current, each year we send a letter asking you to recertify the equipment that you use.

✁

Life-Sustaining Equipment/Medical Hardship Survey

Name Equipment Information:

Address Apt Tank-type respirator (iron lung) City Zip Cuirass-type (chest) respirator Rocking bed respirator Phone Electrically operated respirator (used more than 12 hours a day) Alternate contact in case of emergency Apnea monitor (infant monitor) Hemodialysis equipment (kidney machine) Name of development Other, please specify: NYCHA office phone Frequency of use: Times per week ______Hours per day ______Is equipment used during sleeping hours? Yes No Doctor or Hospital: If yes, how often?______

Name Please mail this survey to: Address Apt Con Edison Life-Sustaining Equipment/Medical Hardship City Zip 30 Flatbush Avenue, Room 515 Phone Brooklyn, NY 11217 2013 Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. Ad: Arnell Ad: Inc. York, 2013 Consolidated Edison Company of New ©

CLIENT: conEdison JOB#: 04789 PUBLICATION: NYCHA Journal AD: CC AE: NM STUDIO#: TMC MACHINE: Timothy Cozzi PREV OP: PREV MACHINE: Timothy Cozzi BLEED: - TRIM: 10.25 x 13 SAFETY: - DATE: 7/16/13 - 4:23 PM CREATED: 5/13/13 - 1:01 PM FILE NAME: 04789_CON_10p2x13_En_ m1c.indd FONTS: Minion Pro Regular, Zapf Dingbats Regular, Helvetica Neue 55 Roman, Helvetica Neue Regular, Helvetica Neue 77 Bold Condensed, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica Neue 57 Condensed, Helvetica Neue 67 Medium Condensed, Helvetica Regular, Helvetica Neue 75 Bold, Helvetica Neue 45 Light, Helvetica Neue 65 Medium, Times Regular GUTTER: - IMAGES: cnEdsn_Vrt_SmPlg_K.eps, cnEdsn_Stk_LgPlg_K.eps COLORS: Black, Paper DOC PATH: Creative:Work:C:con_Edison:04789_CON_PRINT_LSE_ad:Cmpnt1:04789_CON_10p2x13_En_m1c.indd LINE SCREEN: 85 SCALE: 100% The Housing Authority Journal July/August 2013 11

NYCHA Residents and Staff Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries

Williamsburg Houses Brownsville Houses Taft Houses Celebrates Celebrates 75th Celebrates 65th 50th Anniversary Anniversary Anniversary Many Taft Houses residents joined Residents including Resident Members of the Smith Houses Resident Association, NYCHA Board Member Victor Gonzalez Association President Laura Morgan, Vice President including President Betty Jones, Lisha Mosby, and NYCHA staff to celebrate, including Resident Lula Williams, Treasurer Lena Rice, Financial Sonia Rosa, Maria Torres and Theresa Womble Association President Annie Davis, Vice President Secretary Loris Green, Recording Secretary joined NYCHA Board Member Victor Gonzalez and Delores Lowe, Secretary Joyce Brown, Sergeant-at- Lillian Wynn, Corresponding Secretary Christine NYCHA staff to mark the occasion. Arms Bertha Brisbane, Chaplain Margaret Judge, McFadden, and Sergeant-At-Arms Livonia Rhodes Jonathan Semiday and Rita Wright. joined NYCHA Board Member Victor Gonzalez and NYCHA staff to commemorate the anniversary.

Bronx, Staten Island “East Side Reunited” Street Fair Caretakers Honored ore than 300 people came out on June 22 to celebrate Mthe East Harlem community taking back their neighbor- for Excellence hood. In April, 63 members of gangs at Johnson, Lehman By Howard Silver Village and Taft Houses in Manhattan were arrested for numer- esidents at Parkside Consolidation in the ous charges going back to at least 2009. Residents of the three RBronx have an award-winning NYCHA em- developments spent the day enjoying food and games, as well ployee keeping their development tidy. Rosario as reuniting into one community. Attendees of the “East Side “Rosie” DeJesus, a Caretaker J, was named as Reunited” Street Fair included NYCHA Board member Victor the 2012 John DeCarlo Memorial Award winner. Gonzalez, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr. and The annual award is given to a Caretaker for ser- Resident Association Presidents Ethel Velez (Johnson), Patricia vice to residents, dedication to job duties, quality Burns (Lehman Village) and Annie Davis (Taft). of conduct and time and attendance. “I feel proud to have my work recognized in this way,” said Ms. DeJesus. “I, my coworkers, and supervisors all work hard for the residents.” There also were three runners-up – Luis Ceron, Caretaker X at Highbridge Gardens, in the Bronx; Charles Hertzog, Caretaker J at Richmond Ter- race, in Staten Island; and Diosdado (“Dino”) Ri- vera, Caretaker X at Adams Houses, in the Bronx. “We at NYCHA are a community in the truest A plaque commemorating Ms. DeJesus’ sense of the word,” said NYCHA Board Member award will be placed at Parkside Consolidated. and resident Victor Gonzalez. “That’s why we work The award is named after John DeCarlo, a so passionately on behalf of the residents and NYCHA Caretaker who lost his life while per- families who depend on us.” forming his job in 1997. NYCHA Girls Win ‘Pulitzer’ Prizes

YCHA hosted an awards dinner for the NYCHA and the Girl Scout Council of Greater NWrite Girls program participants in June, New York, and is funded by New York Commu- giving the youths ‘Pulitzer’ Prizes for their nity Trust. Write Girls’ goal is to make reading literacy achievements. More than 130 girls took and writing fun. It focuses on helping girls learn part this year, who enjoyed a fun night at the to recognize their special talents, become part Williamsburg Community Center in Brooklyn to of a team and solve problems and put what celebrate completing the program. they learn into action to improve their commu- Write Girls is a literacy program exclusively nities and the world. The program also engag- for girls in grades 4-6 in the Brooklyn neigh- es parents and caregivers in their daughters’ borhoods of Bedford Stuyvesant, Brownsville education to bolster reading, language and and East New York. It is a joint effort between writing skills. Photo credit: Nicole Johnson 12 July/August 2013 The Housing Authority Journal