NYCHA Celebrates Elliott-Chelsea Affordable Housing Opening by Zodet Negrón Close to Her Parents in NYCHA, but She Ew Construction in Manhattan’S Has Her Own Place

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Vol. 42 No. 4 www.nyc.gov/nycha May 2012 NYCHA Celebrates Elliott-Chelsea Affordable Housing Opening By Zodet Negrón close to her parents in NYCHA, but she ew construction in Manhattan’s has her own place. NChelsea neighborhood received “I am happy to be able to stay in the great cheers from those who attended same neighborhood and have great new a ribbon-cutting ceremony on AprilJourna 3. neighbors in a nice, quiet brand-new l NYCHA Chairman John B. Rhea was building that I can afford,” said Vargas, a joined by Mathew Wambua, Com- single mother of two. “When I found out missioner of the NYC Department of I had all the requirements to qualify for Housing Preservation and Development this apartment, I was thrilled.” (HPD), Marc Jahr, President of the New Ms. Vargas describes her new living York City Housing Development Cor- situation as a totally different experience Nydia Mata, a former resident of Fulton Houses, stands in her kitchen with her son, Aidyn Mieles, and poration (HDC), and representatives of from NYCHA, and she is thankful to get her niece, Olivia Rodriguez, at the new Elliott-Chelsea affordable housing complex. Artimus Construction and Citi Commu- the opportunity to be there. nity Capital for the formal ribbon-cutting Nydia Mata, also a former resident of worked hard for this and now I have my opment was funded through public and ceremony of the Elliott-Chelsea, which the Fulton Houses, shares those senti- independence.” private partnerships, and is located on has 168 units of affordable housing for ments and also is glad to call Elliott- To date, 19 former NYCHA residents land that previously was used as a park- low- to middle-income families, includ- Chelsea her new home.“I used to live have moved into the new development ing lot by NYCHA for Elliott and Chelsea ing former NYCHA residents. with my mom and my sister before, and and there are 11 more units for rent with Houses. Along with the new develop- For former NYCHA resident Discaury now I have my own space for me and NYCHA resident preference still avail- ment, there are 26 underground parking Vargas of the nearby Fulton Houses, my son,” said Ms. Mata, who does ad- able at press time. All other units have spaces available for rent at prevailing moving into the newly constructed ministrative work for a bottling company. been filled. NYCHA rates to residents of the neigh- development has been a wonderful “I am paying almost twice as much in The 22-story building is located at 401 boring developments. experience. She not only gets to remain rent, but it’s definitely worth it because I West 25th Street. The $65 million devel- continued on page 5  inside NYCHA’s New Computer Labs Have this issue a Unique Feature: Wheels By Tischelle George standing in his way – he wants to work divide for NYCHA residents – nthony Holiday, a 19-year-old on his resume and did not have access essentially computer labs on wheels. Aresident of Washington Houses, to the technology he needs to do so. The vans travel around the city, loves construction and is looking for That is until he discovered NYCHA’s stopping in areas that have limited a job that will allow him to help build Digital Van. or no access to broadband high- in his community. But something is Digital Vans bridge the technological speed Internet continued on page 2 

New Compactors for Washington Houses » read more on page 6

NYCHA’s Stars Shine at Annual Talent Show » read more on page 9

GREEN COMMITTEES GROW THEIR OWN: Promote Teamwork » read more on page 3

Starting Your Own Business: Need Help? » read more on page 7 NYCHA’s new Digital Van travels around the city to provide residents access to laptop computers, printers and wireless Internet. 2 May 2012 The Housing Authority Journal

NYCHA Residents’ Voices April 6, 2012 April 8, 2012 (sent via Twitter) (sent via Twitter) Board Meetings “115 Street @ NYCHA Johnson Houses “Spring time in Lé Projects @ otice hereby is given that the New York City Housing Au- Manhattan” NYCHA Johnson Houses Manhattan” Nthority’s Board Meetings take place every other Wednes- day at 10:00 a.m. in the Board Room on the 12th floor of 250 Broadway, New York, New York (unless otherwise noted). The remaining meetings for Calendar Year 2012 are as follows: May 9 July 18 September 12 November 7 May 23 August 1 September 27 November 21 June 6 August 15 October 10 December 5 June 20 August 29 October 24 December 19 July 5

Any changes to the schedule above will be posted here and on NYCHA’s website at nyc.gov/nycha to the extent practicable at a reasonable time before the meeting. Photographs taken by Russell Barnes, Jr., Johnson Houses These meetings are open to the public. Pre-registration at least 45 minutes before the scheduled Board Meeting is Tell us what is on required by all speakers. Comments are limited to the items on Please limit written submissions Send a snail mail to: your mind! to 250 words. NYCHA Journal the Calendar. Speaking time will be limited to three minutes. Letters to the Editor Residents’ Voices accepts The Journal reserves the right The public comment period will conclude upon all speakers be- letters, photographs, poems, 250 Broadway, 12th floor to edit all content for length, New York, NY 10007 ing heard or at the expiration of 30 minutes allotted by law for drawings – anything that allows clarity, good taste, accuracy, etc. public comment, whichever occurs first. you to express yourself! Because of space limitations, we Send a Tweet on Twitter at twitter.com/NYCHA_Housing Copies of the Calendar are available on NYCHA’s website or Please include your full name, must limit all contributors to one letter per person per issue. can be picked up at the Office of the Corporate Secretary at 250 development name, address Post a message on Facebook at and phone number. We will There are many ways to share www.facebook.com/NYCHA Broadway, 12th floor, New York, New York, no earlier than 3:00 print only your name and your thoughts with us at the Send a fax to 212-577-1358 p.m. on the Friday before the upcoming Wednesday Board Meet- development on our pages; Journal: If you have any questions, ing. Copies of the Disposition are available on NYCHA’s website we need your address and phone number for verification Send an e-mail to please send them to [email protected] or can be picked up at the Office of the Corporate Secretary no purposes only. [email protected]. earlier than 3:00 p.m. on the Thursday after the Board Meeting. Any person requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to  continued from page 1 participate in the Board Meeting should contact the Office of the Corporate Secretary at (212) 306-6088 no later than five business NYCHA’s New Computer Labs Have a Unique Feature: Wheels days before the Board Meeting. For additional information, service. They include eight please visit NYCHA’s website or call (212) 306-6088. laptop computers, printers and wireless Internet access (WiFi), allowing residents to access Check out NYCHA’s Facebook page! the Internet to advance their ot a web-enabled smartphone? Now you can access NYCHA’s education and careers. The GFacebook page and bonus content in this issue by scanning WiFi allows people with their or taking a snapshot of the QR codes. The QR code for NYCHA’s own laptop computers to be Facebook page is on the right. outside the van and access the Step 1: Download a QR code scanner application Internet for free. The program from your phone’s marketplace (many of these was initiated and led by the “apps” are free to download). Step 2: Point your efforts of NYCHA’s Department phone’s camera at the QR image. of Information Technology, with the support of Citywide Programs. Operations in one van are funded by the federal 77 government’s Broadband years of Public Housing Technology Opportunities NYCHA in New York City Program, which seeks to ESTABLISHED 1970 • CIRCULATION 200,000 expand broadband access in Published monthly by the New York City Housing Authority communities across America. Department of Communications • 250 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10007 Tel (212) 306-3322 • Fax (212) 577-1358 • nyc.gov/nycha Although Mr. Holiday Michael R. Bloomberg �� Mayor noticed the Digital Van in his John B. Rhea ��Chairman neighborhood before, it was Emily Youssouf….Journa ��l Vice-Chair Margarita López �� Board Member not until he attended a job Washington Houses resident Anthony Holiday receives help with his resume in Victor A. Gonzalez �� Board Member information session hosted by NYCHA’s new Digital Van from Rosaida Rodriguez, an instructor from City College Vilma Huertas ��Corporate Secretary of New York, one of NYCHA’s partners. Atefeh Riazi ��Acting General Manager NYCHA’s Office of Resident Lynn Godfrey ��Chief Communications Officer Sheila Stainback ��Communications Officer Economic Empowerment and “But now that I’m here it’s cool at home but not a printer. This Eric Deutsch ��Editor Sustainability (REES), when he inside and out! I will be able to is really helpful to me,” he said. Zodet Negrón �� Editor, Spanish Edition Peter Mikoleski, Leticia Barboza ��Photographers realized all that the van has touch up my resume and make To find out which Gabriel DeVries ��Senior Writer Heidi Morales, Brent Grier �� Staff Writers to offer. “When I first saw it in it look good.” developments the NYCHA If you are interested in placing an advertisement in the Journal, please call our the neighborhood it looked And the timing could not Digital Van is scheduled to visit, marketing representatives in the Office of Business and Revenue Development cool, but I didn’t know what have been better for Mr. call 212-306-8090 or e-mail at (212) 306‑6614. The inclusion of any advertisement in this Journal does not constitute any endorsement by the Housing Authority of the advertiser or its to think,” Mr. Holiday said. Holiday. “I have Internet access [email protected]. products or services or any other representation by the Housing Authority with respect to such products or services. Comments? Questions? E-mail [email protected]. The Housing Authority Journal May 2012 3 Message from the Chairman This April 23 marked three years since As we pass the third anniversary mark, I’m happy to announce that NYCHA has NYCHA formally received funding through successfully expended every dollar of our ARRA funding. On the surface this may the American Reinvestment and Recovery not sound like an accomplishment, but in the case of ARRA funding, the reality Act, also known as ARRA or the “Stimulus is more complicated. To ensure that our entire ARRA grant went directly into our Bill.” As part of that landmark national leg- developments, projects had to be identified quickly, meet specific criteria laid out in islation, NYCHA was given the largest single the bill, be “shovel-ready” and directly address your most pressing needs. Work had ARRA grant made to a public housing to be coordinated and executed expertly and efficiently to ensure maximum impact authority in the country, allowing us to im- within a strict set of time constraints. NYCHA employees from every corner of the mediately get to work bringing building and agency worked hard to complete this work that improves the quality of your homes. service improvements to NYCHA residents In addition to safety and security improvements, here are just some of the things in every borough. we accomplished with ARRA funding: ARRA presented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – and NYCHA capitalized. • We performed rehabilitation work at 218 developments, to the benefit of From the first announcement of the stimulus award, NYCHA staff rose to the more than 136,000 families. occasion, consistently completing work ahead of schedule and meeting deadlines • We replaced roofs in 205 buildings at 43 developments, and fixed brickwork outlined in the bill in order to get every stimulus dollar we were entitled to. In fact, and masonry in 244 buildings at 38 developments. the very first ARRA project completed by any New York City agency was an infra- • We replaced 188 elevator cars in 18 developments. structure improvement at Monroe Houses in the Bronx, for which NYCHA received • 12,000 families received new energy-efficient ovens, and 55,000 families a citation from President Obama. received new energy-efficient refrigerators. Three years later, ARRA has had a huge positive impact on NYCHA developments Of course ARRA funding, while generous, was not unlimited. We didn’t get to and the residents we serve. From new elevators, refrigerators and heating systems, to everything we would have liked to, and we all know there is much work left to be repaired roofs and brickwork, to investments in building security, ARRA dollars have done. That’s why Plan NYCHA is so important – it describes how we are going to made NYCHA stronger, safer and more sustainable for you and your families. build on the foundation ARRA established and make public housing even stronger For example, at Samuel Houses in Manhattan, we installed new doors and in the years to come. I hope you too will lend your strength to the fight to preserve locks to building entrances, new lighting in lobbies and intercoms on the outside of public housing, and help ensure that NYCHA’s best days are still ahead. entrances. “Security was a major issue here and it became much more secure with the removal of the old doors and the installation of the new level of security here,” Diane Blackwell, President of the Samuel Houses Resident Association, told us. We also replaced alleyway gates at Samuel Houses. Ms. Blackwell told us that “previously people would go into the alleys or the back of the buildings. This move To see photos of work NYCHA has completed with ARRA funding, deterred a lot of illegal activity.” please see page 10. Resident Green Committee Leaders Convene at First Sustainability Conference By Zodet Negrón ore than two was particularly helpful for Mdozen Resident the year-old group. “It was Green Committee (RGC) excellent,” said Ms. Melnik of members from 20 NYCHA the Sustainability Conference. developments came “We received very useful together for the first information on how to do Resident Green Committee outreach and apply for grants.” Sustainability Conference on Many RGC leaders found March 29 to share ideas on they have similar experiences. how to build RGCs, reach “Meeting everyone and out to the community and learning what they have done secure financial resources. and what they are doing [with As part of its their RGCs] was great,” said environmental sustainability Cheryl Minor, Captain of the initiative, NYCHA established Frederick E. Samuels Houses a resident engagement (Manhattan) RGC. “It makes strategy to create awareness you realize that you are not by in the developments by yourself. We all just need to creating and mobilizing come together and work toward volunteer-based RGCs – a more sustainable future.” groups of concerned NYCHA There are approximately residents committed to 30 RGCs throughout the Astoria Houses residents Kaman Fong (left) and Almeda Rodman (right), participate in NYCHA’s first Resident Green reduce carbon emissions, five boroughs. Since the Committees Sustainability Conference on March 29, 2012. reverse the effects of climate initiative began in 2009, RGCs change and preserve public have organized clean-up NYCHA’s Green Agenda is Member and Environmental Co- of NYC Service currently housing. For Mila Melnik, days, planted gardens and to educate and empower its ordinator Margarita López. “We assigned to NYCHA. Eight Captain of the Amsterdam trees and raised resident residents to lead greener lives are counting on you to create a Green City Force members, Houses (Manhattan) RGC, awareness about recycling and in their homes. “The Green bigger, stronger green commu- all NYCHA residents learning techniques on composting, as well as energy Agenda is about what you and nity in each development.” between the ages of 18-24, how to approach and get and water conservation. I can do to preserve public The event was organized were on hand to provide more people involved An important part of housing,” said NYCHA Board by the Civic Corps members volunteer assistance. 4 May 2012 The Housing Authority Journal

The NYCHA Not Wanted List FDNY’s Top Seven Fire Safety Rules Below is a partial list of names of individuals who have A Message from the Fire Department been excluded permanently from NYCHA’s public housing developments. This list keeps residents informed of the of New York City Authority’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for New Yorkers in public housing and to allow for the peaceful 1. Never use an extension cord with homes with an and safe use of its facilities. The full list can be viewed at appliances that have large currents, inoperable smoke on.nyc.gov/nychanotwanted. The following are the such as a space heater, air conditioner alarm or no smoke people, with their former addresses, excluded as of or refrigerator. alarm present. The December 28, 2011, and January 11, 18 and 25, 2012. Extension cords can cause home fires by majority of the deaths are children overheating due to overloading the outlet. and older adults. Prohibited as of December 28, 2011 Jose Figueroa Lincoln Houses, 2120 Madison Ave., Apt. 5H, 2. Never smoke while lying down, especially if 5. Plan and practice a fire escape plan. Manhattan drowsy, medicated or have been drinking. Do not attempt to fight the fire yourself. Maurice Garcia Marble Hill Houses, 5480 Broadway, Apt. 7F, Completely douse cigarette butts with Get out and CLOSE THE DOOR. Bronx water before discarding. Call 911 from a safe location. Anthony Hicks Astoria Houses, 4-21 Astoria Blvd., Apt. 4A, Bronx Smokers are seven times more likely than Smoke and fire kills! You may have less Bruce Lawrence West Brighton I Houses, 240 Broadway, Apt. 5C, nonsmokers to have a fire in their home. than three minutes to get to safety. Staten Island Johnny Obas Washington/Lexington Houses, 183 E 98th St., 3. Stay in the kitchen while cooking, 6. Store matches and lighters out of reach Apt. 8H, Manhattan and wear short or tight fitting sleeves. and sight of children. Provide close, Ramel Parker Polo Grounds Towers, 2949 Eighth Ave., Apt. 5J, Unattended cooking accounts for one-third of continuous supervision of children. Manhattan home fires. Toddler fire deaths are most often due to children playing with matches Angel Silva Hope Gardens Houses, 180 Palmetto St., Apt. 2C, Brooklyn 4. Installing and maintaining a smoke alarm or utility lighters. will reduce your chances of dying in a William Ward Harlem River Houses, 2850 8th Ave., Apt. 15B, fire in half. Install alarms in bedrooms 7. Never leave burning candles unattended. Manhattan for extra protection. Half of the people killed by candle fires in the Prohibited as of January 11, 2012 Seventy percent of fire deaths occur in home were younger than 20 years of age. Frank Cumming LaGuardia Houses, 340 Cherry Street, Apt. 14B, Manhattan Gregory Forbes McKinley Houses, 730 East 163rd St., Apt. 7B, Be Prepared in an Emergency Bronx ew York City has created an emergency preparedness Maria Gomez Forest Houses, 1000 Trinity Avenue, Apt. 5H, Bronx Nguide designed for people with special needs – Ready Danny Jones Eastchester Gardens Houses, 3010 Yates Avenue, New York: My Emergency Plan. The guide is a large format, Apt. 4C, Bronx interactive workbook that helps users create personalized emer- READY NEW YORK James Jones Eastchester Gardens Houses, 3010 Yates Avenue, gency plans. MY Apt. 4C, Bronx My Emergency Plan helps in establishing a support network, EMERGENCY capturing important health information, evacuation planning Charles Smith Forest Houses, 1000 Trinity Avenue, Apt. 5H, PLAN Bronx and gathering emergency supplies. The guide recognizes that everyone’s needs in an emergency are unique and no one Prohibited as of January 18, 2012 should plan for an emergency alone. The workbook supports Aaron Daily Soundview Houses, 1725 Randall Avenue, Apt. 4C, people planning together – with family, friends, caregivers or Bronx service providers. Versions of the guide – in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Tyrone Green Seth Low Houses, 131 Belmont Avenue, Apt. 8C, Brooklyn Korean, Italian and Haitian Creole – can be found at Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor http://bit.ly/oemplan 311 Office of Emergency Management , or call for a copy. The website also Department for the Aging Dashawn James Marlboro Houses, 2249 Stillwell Avenue, Apt. Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities offers the guide in an audio format. 3H, Brooklyn Mark Mercado Castle Hill Houses, 575 Castle Hill Avenue, Apt. 1G, Bronx

Prohibited as of January 25, 2012 Attention Youth: Emil Anderson King Towers Houses, 20 West 115th Street, Apt. 3B, Manhattan Work at NYCHA This Summer! Derrick Hagood Pomonok Houses, 65-26 Parsons Blvd., Apt. 2D, YCHA is seeking youths between the also is a limited number of administrative Queens Nages of 14 and 24 for the 2012 Summer positions at NYCHA’s central office locations Charles Mangum Jefferson Houses, 2215 1st Avenue, Apt. 9C, Youth Employment Program (SYEP). The SYEP and approved external worksites. Interested Manhattan is sponsored by the Department of Youth and youth can apply on-line or download an Christian Midgette Cooper Park Houses, 20 Debevoise Avenue, Community Development (DYCD), and will run application from the DYCD website at Apt. 5F, Brooklyn from July 5 through August 17. Participants will www.nyc.gov/dycd. SYEP applications Henry Purvis Tompkins Houses, 919 Myrtle Avenue, Apt. 7G, work 25 hours a week, Monday through Friday. also are available at NYCHA Development Brooklyn NYCHA residency is not required to apply for Management Offices. Completed applications Angel Suren Brevoort Houses, 274 Ralph Avenue, Apt. 5B, the program. may be returned to any NYCHA Development Brooklyn NYCHA’s SYEP participants gain valuable Management Office. employment experience working in For more information about SYEP, visit William Webster Roosevelt Houses, 383 Pulaski Street, Apt. 8D, Brooklyn Community Centers as Counselors-in-Training, DYCD’s website or contact NYCHA’s Human or on NYCHA development grounds. There Resources Help Desk at 212-306-8000. The Housing Authority Journal May 2012 5

 continued from page 1 NYCHA Celebrates Elliott-Chelsea NOTICE Affordable Housing Opening Each new unit features hard- Information on upcoming avail- wood floors, central cooling and abilities in affordable housing New York City Housing Authority Draft heating, stainless steel applianc- developments can be found on es, video intercoms and granite the HPD website at www.nyc. Agency Annual Plan for FY 2013 countertops. All residents, gov/hpd and the HDC website Availability of the Draft Agency Annual Plan for Public Inspection regardless of income, have ac- at www.nychdc.com. cess to onsite parking, laundry To see more photos from the The public is advised that the Draft Agency Annual Plan for FY 2013 will be available for public facilities and a green rooftop Elliott-Chelsea opening, point inspection at NYCHA’s principal office, located at 250 Broadway, New York, NY, starting May 17, 2012 terrace that features modern your smart- between the hours of 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please call (212) 306-8202 to make an appointment to furniture and planters. Residents phone’s review the Draft Agency Annual Plan for FY 2013 and supporting documents. applied for housing through an camera open lottery system to ensure here. The Draft Agency Annual Plan for FY 2013 will also be available at the following locations: fair and equitable distribution of housing to eligible applicants. • On NYCHA’s webpage, which is located on http://www.nyc.gov/nycha • At the Management Office of each NYCHA public housing development during regular business hours. • At the Community Centers/Borough Offices listed below during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.:

Campos Plaza Community Center Sotomayor Houses Community Center Atlantic Terminal Community Center 611 East 13th Street 1000 Rosedale Avenue 501 Carlton Avenue, New York, New York Bronx, New York Brooklyn, New York

King Towers Community Center Hammel Community Center Breukelen Community Center, 2 West 115th Street 81-14 Rockaway Beach Blvd 715 East 105th Street, New York, New York Rockaway, New York Brooklyn, New York

St. Mary’s Park Community Center Queens Community Operations West Brighton Community Center 595 Trinity Ave Borough Office 230 Broadway Bronx, New York 70-30 Parsons Blvd Staten Island, New York Flushing , New York

Public Comment The public is invited to attend any of the five scheduled Round Table Discussions at which the public may raise questions regarding the Draft Annual Plan for FY 2013. These Round Table Discussions will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the dates and locations shown below. Please call (212) 306-3800 to RSVP for the Round Table Discussions or send an email [email protected].

Nydia Mata hangs out with her son, Aidyn Mieles, in his bedroom, along with her Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Thursday, June 14, 2012 Thursday, June 7, 2012 niece Olivia Rodriguez at the new Elliott-Chelsea affordable housing complex. Brooklyn @ Staten Island @ Manhattan @ NYC College Stapleton Johnson of Technology Community Center Community Center 285 Jay Street 230 Broad Street, 1829 Lexington Avenue,

B rooklyn Brooklyn, NY 11201 Staten Island, NY 10304 New York, NY 10029 Citibank Adds More M anhattan I sland S taten Financial Institutions Tuesday, June 12, 2012 Tuesday, June 18, 2012 Queens @ Bronx @ Where Residents Electrical Industry Center Classic (Melrose)

67-35 Parsons Boulevard B ron x Center Qu eens Can Pay Rent at Jewel Ave 286 East 156th Street, Flushing, NY 11365 Bronx, NY 10451 everal new Citibank locations around the city now offer The public is also invited to comment on the Draft Annual Agency Plan for FY 2013 at a public SNYCHA residents the opportunity to pay their rent in cash. hearing to be held on July 25, 2012 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at: In addition, Citibank will provide residents with information regarding financial services and products that are available Manhattan Center Studios to them. 311 West 34th Street • Bronx – 491 Baychester Ave. New York, New York 10001 • Brooklyn – 1388 Pennsylvania Ave. • Queens – 113-01 Beach Channel Dr. Each location listed above is both handicapped accessible and can be reached using public • Staten Island – 577 Bay St. transportation. For transportation information go to http://tripplanner.mta.info or call the There now are 35 bank locations throughout the city that MTA/NYC Transit Travel Information Line (718) 330-1234. take cash rent payments. Residents who prefer to pay their Written comments regarding the Draft Annual Agency Plan for FY 2013 are encouraged. rent in cash are encouraged to use these locations, as they are submissions must be received via United States Postal mail or fax no later To be considered, safe and secure. The fee for each transaction is $1.75, which than July 25, 2012 (212) 306-7905 . Faxed submissions will be accepted at . is cheaper than authorized payment centers, such as check Comments may be sent to the following address: cashing companies, that accept NYCHA cash rent payments. NEW YORK CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY To see the full list of banks and authorized payment Public Housing Agency Plan Comments centers that take NYCHA rental payments, go to the Church Street Station “Residents’ Corner” section of NYCHA’s website at P.O. Box 3422 www.nyc.gov/nycha. New York, New York 10008-3422 Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor John B. Rhea, Chairman Comments? Questions? E-mail [email protected]. 6 May 2012 The Housing Authority Journal

NYCHA Installing New State- Show You Love of-the-Industry Compactors Where You Live – at Washington Houses Save Energy By Zodet Negrón s NYCHA makes way for what would be the best security reasons; and evergreen s NYCHA Aa new 450-seat charter location for the new compactor, trees and flowering trees will Acontinues its school and 89 units of affordable NYCHA determined that the be planted to provide an efforts to improve the housing to be built by Harlem current barbecue area on the additional buffer, defraying energy efficiency of RBI at Washington Houses in south side of East 102nd street potential noise and odors. its developments and Manhattan, it also is improving between 230 East 102nd Street NYCHA residents took reduce its operating waste management by installing and 220 East 102nd Street best a tour with residents from costs, Green City new state-of-the-industry meets the needs for the new Washington Houses on Force is spearheading compactors that will create a compactor. Every viable site March 26 to Linden Houses in the Chelsea-Elliott cleaner environment for all. for the new compactor yard Brooklyn to look at compactors Green Challenge, a “Compacting waste saves on the Washington Houses similar to what will be installed friendly competition money, improves safety and campus was analyzed, based at Washington Houses, and among Chelsea security, improves aesthetics on space, underground utilities they were impressed at how Houses, Chelsea and increases usable space,” and proximity to residential clean and relatively noiseless Addition and Elliott said Ceasare Gentile, buildings. they were. The residents were Houses in Manhattan. Coordinator of NYCHA’s Waste A brand new barbecue given a demonstration of Green City Force Corps Members, who are young Management Unit. “The area will be constructed in a how the pre-crusher works, NYCHA residents enrolled in a green jobs training program, new compactors we will be more centrally located area crushing eight tons of bulk are going door-to-door to install compact fluorescent lamp installing at the Washington on the same block and the items instead of the current (CFL) light bulbs, which use up to 75% less energy and last Houses are more energy- parking lot will be replaced. three tons, and they saw how longer than regular light bulbs. The bulbs will be provided efficient, quieter and better for NYCHA presented this plan to the garbage is compacted and at no cost to residents. The Corps Members developed the the environment.” residents in June 2011. deodorized. theme for the Challenge, “Love Where You Live.” They will The site of the new charter With advancements in To see more photos from share tips with residents on what they can do to save energy school and affordable housing compactor models, the size of the tour and water, aligned with NYCHA’s Green Agenda goals, and currently is a sanitation yard the new sanitation yard will be of Linden help their development to achieve the greatest electricity that processes garbage from smaller, with three compactors Houses, consumption savings. NYCHA’s Energy Department will Washington Houses, and a instead of six; NYCHA will build point your track the developments’ electricity consumption during the parking lot. After two years of fences with slats to surround smartphone’s initiative. The development that reduces their consumption planning, analysis and studying the yard for sanitation and camera here. the most will be recognized at a ceremony this summer. This initiative, developed by Green City Force in partnership with NYCHA’s Green Agenda, received support from Google and Alcoa Foundation. Residents of any development with questions can contact Green City Force at 718-923-1400 ext. 279, or go to their website at www.greencityforce.org.

A NYCHA staff member shows how garbage is compacted and deodorized by the compactors at Linden Houses in Brooklyn. Washington Houses (Manhattan) residents were being shown how the process works, because similar compactors will be installed at their development.

Comments? Questions? E-mail [email protected]. The Housing Authority Journal May 2012 7

Bed Bugs – Get Out of Our Homes! In recent years, public health agencies across the country have been overwhelmed by complaints about bed bugs. Here are some important tips that can help defeat them. Bed bug adult Carpet beetle (fed & unfed) Top 10 Bed Bug Tips Contact Center (CCC) at hampers, so clean them when trained to treat bed bugs. 1. Make sure you really have 718-707-7771. you do the laundry. Please call the CCC to bed bugs, not fleas or ticks 4. Clean up the clutter. 8. Don’t pass your bed bugs schedule an appointment or other insects. A cluttered home provides on to others. if you think you have If you think you have bed more places for bed bugs to Bed bugs are good hitchhik- bed bugs. bugs, compare what they hide and makes locating and ers. If you throw out a mat- look like to the drawings on treating them harder. tress or furniture that has bed For more information about this page, or go to the City 5. Keep mattresses covered. bugs in it, wrap it in plastic stopping bed bugs safely, go Department of Health and When you buy a new mat- and contact NYCHA so that to on.nyc.gov/HZQaFD on Mental Hygiene’s website at tress, make sure it is sealed in no one else takes it. NYCHA’s website, which on.nyc.gov/bbugsdoh to plastic. Use special bed bug 9. Reduce the number of includes the brochure Spider beetle Cockroach nymph see photos. covers on your mattress and bed bugs to reduce bites. Preventing and Getting Rid (juvenile) 2. Don’t panic! box springs to make it harder Carefully vacuum rugs, floors, of Bed Bugs Safely. Don’t throw out all of your for bed bugs to get to you upholstered furniture, bed things because most of them while you sleep. frames, under beds, around can be treated and saved. 6. Avoid second-hand furniture. bed legs and all cracks and 3. Don’t immediately reach Never bring bed frames, mat- crevices around the room. for the spray can. tresses, box springs or uphol- Change the bag after each Egg First Stage Second Stage Third Stage Fourth Stage Fifth Stage Adult Using the wrong pesticide or stered furniture found on the use and place it in a tightly Nymph Nymph Nymph Nymph Nymph using it incorrectly to treat for street into your home. sealed plastic bag and in an bed bugs can make you sick, 7. Regularly wash with hot outside garbage bin. may not solve the problem water and heat-dry your 10. Contact NYCHA’s Customer and could make it worse by bed sheets, blankets, bed- Contact Center (CCC) at causing the bed bugs to hide spreads and any clothing 718-707-7771. where the pesticide won’t that touches the floor. NYCHA has experienced, reach them. Please contact Bed bugs and their eggs can responsible pest control NYCHA’s Customer hide in laundry containers/ professionals on staff that are Want to Run Your Own Business? That Dream Can Become Reality

YCHA residents like in March and April. The NSara Ortiz who dream of Women’s Initiative is a non- starting their own businesses, profit that assists women or just have a great idea for a who aspire to run their own new product or service, are in business. Participants who are luck. Prospective entrepreneurs ready to begin the work of Residents attend a workshop for the My Business Action Plan program on April 12, 2012. recently had the opportunity building their businesses will to attend My Business Action have access to the Women training classes for women Plan, a free workshop to guide Initiative’s 11-week business in partnership with NYCHA,” aspiring small-business owners management course, Simple said Erica Hunt of Women’s through a self-assessment of Steps to Business Success. Initiative. “With most new jobs their business ideas and help Tracey Brooks, a resident of coming from small businesses, them to develop next steps to Webster Houses in the Bronx, this partnership helps women launching their businesses. plans to take the course. “I and trains them so that “They teach you how to enjoyed the personality of the they can get on the path of be an entrepreneur, which is presenters,” she said. “I can economic self-sufficiency using what I’ve wanted to do for use the information to build my their resilience, can-do spirit the longest time,” said Ms. business, and I’ll learn a skill I and creativity.” Ortiz, a resident of Frederick can apply to whatever I want “The session was very Douglass Houses in Manhattan in the future.” good,” said Ilma Joyner, who hopes to start a three-in- This initiative is the the Resident Association one Laundromat/dry cleaner/ latest example of NYCHA’s President at O’Dwyer Houses restaurant. “The step-by-step commitment to using the in Brooklyn. “The course approach in the session was power of partnerships to could benefit so many of the very helpful.” connect NYCHA residents to residents at my development The sessions were economic opportunity and who want to start their own operated by the Women’s support them in reaching their businesses.” Initiative, a partner of economic goals. For more information on NYCHA’s Office of Resident “Women’s Initiative for Self this and other REES initiatives, Economic Empowerment Employment is delighted to call the REES Hotline at and Sustainability (REES), have launched our first business (718) 289-8100. 8 May 2012 The Housing Authority Journal

Get Checked! Colonoscopies Save Lives!

Everyone older than 50 should get a colonoscopy, which is a test that can detect colon cancer and other conditions. Colon cancer is the second deadliest form of cancer. How- ever, 90% of people who discover it at an early stage can be cured. You should get a colonoscopy every 5-10 years. Discuss this with your doctor. Colon cancer is treatable and beatable. Colonoscopies are available at little or no cost and they are covered by Medicare. Call your doctor, or call 311 to find a screening location near you.

You can reduce your risk of colon cancer: • Stop smoking • Maintain a healthy weight • Exercise regularly • Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and other foods rich in fiber • Get a colonoscopy Keeping Her Roots Get Screened for By Heidi Morales This is the latest in a series of Journal profiles long-time English-speaking residents and new Glaucoma of NYCHA’s resident gardeners as part of the non-English-speaking residents who have Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes gradual vision celebration of the 50th year of the Authority’s been moving into New Lane Shores. “We loss. Some people lose up to 40% of their vision before Garden and Greening Program. communicate via the garden. They’ll stop and discovering that they have Glaucoma. Catching Glaucoma express their appreciation for the garden,” she in its early stages can help slow or prevent further vision arbara Ward likes to speak of an old Staten said. “It’s a good icebreaker.” loss. Medicare covers 80% of the cost of annual Glaucoma BIsland. “I remember when there actually Mrs. Ward attended this year’s 10th annual screenings. Call your doctor or health plan to schedule were farms in Staten Island,” said the New NYCHA Grows with its Gardeners Conference, your screening. Lane Shores resident. which also had a special focus on the 50th Despite its transformation from farming town anniversary of NYCHA’s Garden and Greening Groups that have a higher risk for Glaucoma include: to a small metropolis, Staten Island has enabled Program. She praised NYCHA’s gardening • Older Adults Mrs. Ward to keep her farming roots alive by staff for their unwavering support of her and • People with a family history of Glaucoma planting vegetables, plants and flowers next to her gardens, and for sharing their gardening • People with Diabetes and other medical conditions her building for the past six years. “I started a expertise, which has allowed her to learn Remember, get regular eye exams, control your weight small garden in the back of the building with more about different types of flowers, dealing and blood pressure and protect your eyes. some vegetables,” she said. with pests and general maintenance. “The Now her gardens cover the front and back conference was very informative,” she said. “I of the buildings three seasons a year. “I like always go to the gardening awards dinner. We to see things all year round – bulbs in the like to support each other.” spring, summer flowers and fall gardens – ever- Many people believe gardening benefits West Nile Virus changing gardens,” Mrs. Ward said. “I’ve gotten the physical and emotional health of seniors Mosquito Treatment positive input from residents. They leave me – a sort of therapy for the body and soul. potted plants and I plant them in my garden.” “Being a senior resident, it’s a reason to get The New York City Housing Authority will be treating all of the A mother of three and grandmother of six, up and get out,” Mrs. Ward said. “It keeps me catch basins located on Housing Authority developments to reduce the mosquito population in an effort to minimize the Mrs. Ward described nurturing her flowers moving.” Mrs. Ward encourages all NYCHA transmission of the West Nile Virus. These applications will with the same love and care as if they were her residents to become involved and create a take place between June and September of 2012. One offspring. “It’s like waiting for your children. garden of their own at their developments. or more of the following pesticides will be used: You’re planting them; you’re feeding them and “It’s our home; it’s beautifying our home,” she Vectolex CG, EPA Reg. No. 73049-20, Toxicity Category – “Caution” watering them,” she said. “Of course, when said. “I love to see the color. I think it does the Summit B.t.i. Briquets, EPA Reg. No. 6218-47, Toxicity Category – “Caution” you fail you’re disappointed.” residents well and the buildings well. You can’t Altosid XR, EPA Reg. No. 2724-421, Toxicity Category – “Caution” But Mrs. Ward’s gardens are a big hit. say anything bad about flowers.” Contact names and numbers for this application are: They have helped to build a bridge between NYC Housing Authority: Ray Gamble, Administrator, 718-707-5306 available from 9 am – 5 pm Jamal Rashid, Technical Resource Advisor, 718-707-5808 available from 8 am – 4 pm NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation, Region 2, Bureau of Pesticide Management – 718-482-4994 National Pesticide Telecommunications Network – 1-800-858-PEST Inquiries concerning symptoms of pesticide poisoning should be directed to the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222 Comments? Questions? E-mail [email protected]. The Housing Authority Journal May 2012 9 Residents Sing and Dance Their Way into the Spotlight at Annual Talent Show YCHA’s 42nd Annual Talent Show was held on April 21 at the Red Hook East Miccio Community Center in Brooklyn. NThe competition showcases the singing and dancing talents of NYCHA residents. To see more photos of the NYCHA Talent Show, point your smartphone’s camera here. Below is a list of all winners and competitors.

Children 1st place: Somethin’ Untouchable (Webster) 2nd place: Melonie Sosa (Pelham) 3rd place: Modesty Devine (Rutgers) Competitor: Isaac Yeboah (Gun Hill)

Teens 1st place: PXI (Taft) 2nd place: A.S.K. (Throggs Neck) 3rd place: Pride and Legacy (Williamsburg) Competitor: Davante Ronnie Marks, Marcus Garvey Essence (Campos) PXI, Taft

Adults 1st place: Tonya Minto (Campos) 2nd place: Christine Rivera (Pomonok) 3rd place: Tina Smith (Hammel)

Seniors 1st place: George Greene (Grant) 2nd place: Ronnie Marks (Marcus Garvey) 3rd place: James Dickson (Drew Hamilton)

Tonya Minto, Campos Melonie Sosa, Pelham

Tina Smith, Hammel Somethin’ Untouchable, Webster George Greene, Grant 10 May 2012 The Housing Authority Journal

Federal Stimulus Work at NYCHA

As outlined in NYCHA Chairman John B. Rhea’s message this issue on page 3, NYCHA has made many accomplishments using federal stimulus funding over the past three years. Here are some of the different ways NYCHA has utilized the funding.

Exterior brick work at Armstrong Houses in Brooklyn

Exterior brick work at Marble Hill Houses in the Bronx

Elevator upgrades at Chelsea-Elliott Houses in Manhattan Interior refurbishing at Whitman-Ingersoll Houses in Brooklyn Roof repairs at Rutgers Houses Research Study in Manhattan

The Albert Einstein College of Medicine IS NOW RECRUITING FOR A RESEARCH STUDY OF TREATMENT FOR COCAINE DEPENDENCE

We are looking for individuals aged 18-65, who are addicted to cocaine and have used opioids (such as heroin, codeine, oxycontin, vicodin) in the past year, and would like no-cost treatment.

¾ This study is 8 weeks long; in-clinic visits three times per week ¾ Participation is voluntary and of no cost to you ¾ Compensation will be provided for your time and travel costs.

Please call Andrea or Matthew For more information. (347) 493-8555

New energy-efficient ovens and refrigera- Roof repairs at Whitman- tors at Castle Hill Houses in the Bronx Ingersoll Houses in Brooklyn Comments? Questions? E-mail [email protected].