Vol. 37, No. 6 www.nyc.gov/nycha JUNE 2007 Instantaneous Hot Water Heaters Will Save Millions and Improve Service By Eileen Elliott

THE NEW YORK CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY (NYCHA) IS IMPLE- MENTING A $64 MILLION PROGRAM THAT WILL SAVE MILLIONS MORE IN THE LONG RUN, WHILE PROVIDING BETTER SERVICE TO RESIDENTS. The Hot Water Storage Tank Replace- ment Program, a collaboration between NYCHA and the New York Power Authority (NYPA), replaces conventional 1,500, 2,000 and 3,000 gallon hot water tanks with energy-saving instanta- neous hot water heaters. Rather than storing gallons of hot water for resident use, the new sys- tem heats water instantly, the minute a resident turns on the hot NYCHA Youth Chorus Premiere water faucet. This results in huge utility and cost savings and there at Tribeca Family Festival are other important benefits as well. GOING GREEN NYCHA Board Member Margarita López and Heat- “NYCHA’s Energy Department ing Plant Technician Raymond Horn with one of the new instanta- By Tischelle George and our hardworking partners neous hot water heaters at Baruch Houses. The new heaters will from the Power Authority are significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions while providing THE NEW YORK CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY (NYCHA) YOUTH CHORUS thrilled to bring this new technol- improved service. GAVE ITS PREMIERE PERFORMANCE AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE ogy to public housing buildings WORLD RENOWNED TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL LAST MONTH. The organizers across the City,” said Energy of the annual festival, which celebrates film, music and culture, invited Director Lloyd Kass. the Youth Chorus to entertain children and families at the Tribeca Family NYCHA’s Annual Spelling Bee As of last month, the new Festival in Lower Manhattan. It was a great success. heaters were installed in 205 The Family Festival Street Fair filmmaking center, and has buildings, and if all goes accord- was packed with throngs of partic- helped filmmakers to reach a ing to plan, by the time the current ipants who came out to enjoy broad audience. phase of the program is completed food, games, crafts and perfor- The NYCHA Youth Chorus was in 2008, the tanks will be installed mances on the warm, sunny Satur- created to provide an opportunity in a total of 560 buildings in 55 day afternoon. “A lot of people for young people who live in public developments. The total projected came over to see what was going housing to develop and showcase saving in energy costs alone is on when they heard us sing,” said their talents. At the same time, the nearly $7 million annually. NYCHA Youth Chorus Director program seeks to impart confi- But there’s more good news. Larry Matthew. “It was truly an dence, poise, discipline and self- Conventional hot water tanks honor to perform at the Tribeca esteem in participants. require an annual inspection and Family Festival.” The demanding performance cleaning. The tanks have to be The NYCHA Youth Chorus per- schedule brings the accomplish- drained and cooled, so that one of formed one 20 minute set that ments of NYCHA’s youth to many NYCHA’s Heating Plant Techni- included four positive and uplift- communities. This includes a cians can climb in and perform the ing songs. recent performance at the Dance necessary maintenance. This trans- Founded in 2002 by actor Theatre of Harlem’s Open House, lates into a disruption of hot water HOW DO YOU SPELL VICTORY? Just ask any one of these proud Robert De Niro and his partners in Harlem. service for approximately 12 hours. winners of NYCHA’s Second Annual Spelling Bee. In addition to tro- Jane Rosenthal and Craig More than 800 chorus mem- The new tanks require only phies, first-place winners also took home $500 savings bonds, cour- Hatkoff, the Tribeca Film Festival bers and thousands of other youth minimum maintenance, and tesy of Amerigroup Community Care. Left to right, back row, the was created to foster the eco- have participated since the Cho- because each system is “redun- winners are: Mecca Snipe, first place, 6th grade, Sumner Community nomic and cultural revitalization rus began. If you are between the dant” — meaning each heater has a Center, Brooklyn; Janea Fall, first place, 4th grade, St. Nicholas Com- of Lower Manhattan after the ages of 12 and 19 and want to back-up unit which can sup-port munity Center, Manhattan; Neseemah Coleman, first place, 5th September 11, 2001 attacks on find out more, please call (212) everybody’s hot water needs — res- grade, Boulevard Community Center, Brooklyn; and runners-up Pre- New York City’s World Trade 427-6648 or (212) 427-8603 for idents may never notice if a unit cious Williamson, 6th grade, Cypress Hills Community Center, Brook- Center. Over the past six years, an audition. Auditions are held at malfunctions. This means no dis- lyn and (front row) Tiyanna Evans, 5th grade, Ravenswood the festival has successfully pro- Taft Houses, located at 1385 Fifth ruption in service to residents. Community Center, Queens, and Eddie Jones, 4th grade, Ocean Bay moted New York City as a major Avenue, in Manhattan. (Continued on page 5) Community Center, Queens. PAGE 2 PAGE 4 PAGE 7 POSTAL WORKERS WILL KEEP CHIEF JAFFE WARNS NOTICE OF TOWN HALL AN EYE OUT FOR SENIORS AGAINST ILLEGAL FIREWORKS MEETINGS AND HEARING THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 2 JUNE 2007

MAYOR’S MESSAGE THE FACES OF PUBLIC HOUSING New Program Trains Letter Carriers to Spot From Public Housing to the Halls of Justice Distress Among the Elderly or Disabled By Heidi Morales different kinds of rallies so that know you should really think she understands that individuals about being a prosecutor.’” As a NEW YORK CITY’S NEW CARRIER LILLIAN “LEE” LLAMBELIS IS CON- can make a difference. prosecutor, Ms. Llambelis ex- ALERT PROGRAM TRAINS UNITED SIDERED ONE OF THE MOST PROMI- Beginnings in Public Service plained, she would have “the abil- STATES POSTAL SERVICE LETTER NENT LAWYERS IN NEW YORK ity to assess a case and dismiss it CARRIERS TO IDENTIFY SIGNS OF STATE. She’s been called a tireless Ms. Llambelis earned her Bache- if you don’t think it’s something DISTRESS AMONG SENIORS AND advocate for “under-represented” lor of Science in Foreign Service that should go further. You also PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND communities, a determined fighter from Georgetown University but have the ability to seek alternative QUICKLY CONNECT THEM WITH against injustice and a “champion once she graduated she decided to sentencing — send a kid not to jail SOCIAL SERVICES THROUGH THE of civil rights.” She is also a for- work in another field — journalism. but to a program where they can be CITY’S DEPARTMENT FOR THE mer resident of the Mott Haven Ms. Llambelis worked for ABC’s rehabilitated,” she added. AGING. The program, which Houses in the South Bronx. Sunday morning talk show, “This After ten years as a prosecutor triggers the use of 311 or 911 Week with David Brinkley” as a for the Manhattan District Attor- when signs of distress are iden- production assistant. “It was really ney’s Office, Ms. Llambelis’ career tified, provides seniors and peo- funny; you would see me on televi- continued “blossoming” at the ple with disabilities with a sion, over his shoulder, so, I would New York Botanical Garden as special identification sticker or call my mother when the show was Director of Intergovernmental magnet to be placed inside their going on and say, ‘Mami you see Relations. She later worked as mailbox. Letter carriers will me; I’m wearing the pink.’” General Counsel for the Bronx now be trained on the Carrier Ms. Llambelis later won a Pub- Borough President Adolfo Carrion. Alert protocol, using an instructional video created by the United lic Policy Fellowship from the Just seven months ago while States Postal Service. Coro Foundation, which took her working as Legal Director for the Nobody knows our neighborhoods better than the letter carriers to San Francisco where she floated Puerto Rican Legal Defense and who visit the homes of seniors and people with disabilities every day. through a series of graduate intern- Education Fund — a not-for-profit The Carrier Alert Program will allow us to stay connected with our ships in media, government, and organization that advocates for and elderly, homebound and disabled New Yorkers. Letter carriers, who in not-for-profit organizations. She protects the rights and civil liber- many cases are the first people to recognize signs of distress, will then moved back to the Big Apple ties of Latinos and other minori- now be empowered to act at the first signs of trouble. Through the and began working as a spokesper- use of 311, we can revive this common sense program and make it “Public housing at that point in son for City Hall. Three years later, more accessible to New Yorkers. time [1960s and 1970s] was really perhaps following her true calling, Though the idea of a carrier alert program was conceived in New the stable housing of the commu- Ms. Llambelis found herself back York City in the mid-1970s, the National Carrier Alert Program was nity. Literally there were blocks at Georgetown pursuing the legal created in 1982 under President Ronald Reagan. Long dormant in and blocks of burnt down build- education that has enabled her to New York City, it began as a cooperative community service program ings, so, public housing in a very make such positive changes in our to monitor the well-being of elderly and disabled mail patrons. As real sense was where you could society both through major impact one of the few — and some days only — points of human contact for actually have decent affordable legislation (e.g., civil rights, home-bound patrons, letter carriers are particularly attuned to signs of housing,” Ms. Llambelis said in a enforcement of labor laws, dis- a possible accident or illness. recent interview. According to Ms. crimination) and in the lives of Participation in the program is voluntary and and seniors and peo- Llambelis it was more than bricks everyday citizens who just want an ple with disabilities are encouraged to sign up. Eligible Carrier Alert and mortar that made Mott Haven equal shot at the American dream. applicants must have an external mailbox or an apartment building and the surrounding area a home. “I actually went to law school to mail bank where a USPS letter carrier deposits mail. To participate in “I have warm feelings about grow- be a defense attorney and when I the program, seniors and people with disabilities should call 311 or ing up in the community. It’s defi- was graduating a friend of mine download a registration kit available online at www.nyc.gov. Upon nitely the community that pulled me aside and said, ‘You (Continued on page 11) completion of the application, participants will receive a sticker or a nurtured me.” magnet for the interior of their mailbox. Participants must cover the Ms. Llambelis’ parents migrated sticker if they are to be away from the home for an extended period of from Puerto Rico in the 1950s, like time for a vacation or hospital stay. many, in search of the American The Housing Authority dream. Her father worked as a 73years Earlier this year, the United States Postal Service produced a train- of Public Housing ing video for each of the City’s post office branches to introduce let- freight elevator operator and her Journal in New York City ter carriers to the program. The video, in conjunction with other mother worked in the sweat shops training material, teaches the carriers the signs and symptoms of of the garment district. They ESTABLISHED 1970 • CIRCULATION 200,000 potential distress. For example, signs of distress in an apartment taught her and her older sister not building could include an overabundance of mail. Letter carriers who only the importance of an educa- Published monthly by the New York City Housing Authority suspect a problem with the carrier alert participant will contact their tion but to always give back to Department of Communications supervisors who will contact the Department for the Aging (DFTA) their community. “They stressed to 250 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10007 Tel (212) 306-3322 • Fax (212) 577-1358 via 311. DFTA will then telephone the emergency contact person my sister and me the need to study nyc.gov/nycha identified by the participant. Letter carriers are instructed to call 911 hard, dream big, to always be a Michael R. Bloomberg...... Mayor in the event of an emergency. voice against injustice and to make it our business to open doors for Tino Hernandez...... Chairman The Carrier Alert Program builds on the City’s efforts to address Earl Andrews, Jr...... Vice-Chairman the needs of socially isolated seniors and people with disabilities. others. My sister has an MBA in Margarita López ...... Board Member The Carrier Alert Program and other initiatives demonstrate the hospital management and I am a Vilma Huertas...... Secretary City’s commitment to helping older New Yorkers live a healthy and lawyer. We were both first genera- Douglas Apple...... General Manager tion to graduate from high school, Sheila Greene...... Director, Department of Communications engaged lifestyle. Peter Moses...... Assistant Director college and professional school Eileen Elliott ...... Editor Michael R. Bloomberg and there definitely was the sense Heidi Morales...... Editor, Spanish Edition that you could do anything you Tischelle George ...... Online News Editor Allan Leicht ...... Staff Writer wanted to do as long as you stayed Deborah Williams ...... Staff Writer in school and did all the right Peter Mikoleski, Kevin Devoe...... Photography things,” she said. Ms. Llambelis said she also If you are interested in placing an advertisement in the Journal, please call our marketing representatives in Marketing and Revenue Operations grew up in an activist church — Visit NYCHA’s Web Site: at (212) 306-6616. The inclusion of any advertisement in this Journal St. Jerome’s Parish. She remi- does not constitute any endorsement by the Housing Authority of the nyc.gov/nycha nisced about taking part in advertiser or its products or services or any other representation by the demonstrations and said she looks Housing Authority with respect to such products or services. forward to taking her daughter to THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL JUNE 2007 3

DEBORAH’S DIARY By Deborah Williams CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE BOROUGH DIGEST Congratulations to All Graduates! The Bronx: College Tour a Success— With hundreds of Approximately 50 NYCHA colleges and universities to choose from, select- seniors from Pelham Houses ing the right one can be a daunting task. To help I WANT TO CONGRATULATE ALL attended the “NORC Humor make the decision easier, this spring, 27 youth NEW YORK CITY HOUSING Day” this spring at the Sue from a variety of New York City Housing AUTHORITY (NYCHA) RESIDENTS Ginsberg Center. Through a Authority (NYCHA) developments in the Bronx, WHO ARE GRADUATING THIS partnership with the City’s and one in Manhattan, took a trip to Georgia to visit SPRING. Some residents have Department For the Aging some campuses. Colleges and universities visited included: More- already graduated from colleges (DFTA), the United Hospital house College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, Morris and universities across the coun- Fund and local community ser- Brown College, Emory University, Georgia Technical College, try and have reached the highest vice providers, NYCHA’s NORC Georgia State University, and The Art Institute of Atlanta, Georgia. levels of education. This is an programs provide comprehen- Participants also visited the World of Coca-Cola, the Martin Luther extraordinary accomplishment, sive supportive services for King Jr. Center and the theme park, Six Flags Over Georgia. which should never be taken for seniors so that they can “age in To qualify for the tour, residents had to write a 1,000 word essay, granted. NYCHA’s college grad- place.” (NORC stands for Natu- and attend 10 workshops (with a parent accompanying at three of uates and their families are to be rally Occurring Retirement Com- the workshops). “The workshops are a very important component highly commended and admired munity.) It was an afternoon of of the college tour because the participants received information on for setting a shining example. We light refreshments, live music, financial aid, completing financial aid and admission applications, wish you great success in all dancing, and lots of jokes, all in information on scholarships, public speaking and group dynamics,” your future endeavors. honor of the elected officials said Bronx Borough Community Operations Program Director Likewise, NYCHA’s high who helped DFTA obtain funding Mario Hamblin. school graduates are excellent role models. In some ways, high school to keep the program going. The Each participant brought their graduation marks an even more crucial achievement than college electeds themselves couldn’t high school transcript, SAT because the temptations and distractions are even greater for young make it, but representatives scores, Grade Point Average and teenagers. In high school, it is all too easy to take a path of least resis- from the offices of City Council letters of recommendation with tance, to avoid the classes that get more demanding in the upper Member James Vacca, Con- them, so they could take advan- grades, the harder tests, the longer hours of study. There is a lot of gress Member Joseph Crowley, tage of a very special perk. diversion out there, outside the classroom, outside the study hall, to and Borough President Adolfo They were able to apply to the lure us away from schoolwork. It takes real motivation to stick with it. Carrion, Jr. were among the colleges in the tour without pay- It takes intelligence and a good environment, good friends and men- guests. Pelham is one of ten ing an application fee. tors, but it also takes a lot of will power. You have applied yourselves NORC sites. The program at Pel- This year’s tour proved to be and this year’s high school graduates should wear their caps and ham serves an estimated 800 especially beneficial for high gowns with pride. Whichever direction you go from here, whether to seniors aged 62 or over. school senior Egypt Buie of higher education or into the world of work, take that pride and will Brooklyn: Sackwern Houses, who was power with you. accepted on the spot at Morris NYCHA Resident Association And to the young people who are graduating from the elementary Brown College. “You can’t do EGYPT BUIE leaders representing over grades, for those of you reading this, look around, look up at your anything with just a high school diploma. You need a college edu- 72,000 residents in 49 devel- role models, at your brothers and sisters, your cousins and neighbors cation,” said Egypt, who wants to become a guidance counselor or opments of the tenth Con- who are graduating from high school and college. They are deserving a therapist. Since the college tour, Egypt has also been accepted gressional District came to of your admiration. They are the people you want to try to be like. to seven additional colleges here in New York, and has received Applebee’s Restaurant on Ful- It’s fine to be entertained by idols on the screen or on CDs and DVDs, acceptance letters from two out-of-state colleges. ton Street in Brooklyn this or to cheer the great feats of the champions on the athletic fields and “My mother wants me to weigh all my options and not select a spring for a luncheon hosted courts, but keep in mind the everyday heroes, your friends and fami- school that all my friends are planning to attend. She is very active in by Congress Member Edol- lies, and the high school and college graduates. They are heroes who the college selection process. She is what I call a ‘pusher’ because phus Towns. The luncheon are nearest you. You have also learned and achieved a great deal in she pushes me to go to school and to do the right thing. But ulti- was also attended by NYCHA your first years of education and we at NYCHA join in celebrating mately, the decision on which Chairman Tino Hernandez who your wonderful work. college to attend will have a lot thanked the Congress Mem- Finally, to the parents and families of all the graduates, our warm to do with the financial aid and ber for his strong support of congratulations on jobs well done. None of the above achievements the school’s tuition cost.” public housing and thanked could have been possible without the support and encouragement you “I participated in this tour the residents for their lobbying have given your graduates. You have every reason to share in their because it allowed me to see the efforts in both Albany and accomplishments. Congratulations! entire school. Before the tour the Washington. The Chairman only way I saw a college was on Tino Hernandez told the residents that NYCHA T.V. or in a brochure and that’s was in the process of making not the same as actually being a tremendous investment in on the campus,” said Egypt’s the community, with nearly cousin, high school junior Dione $600 million in modernization Jalen Buie. Both Dione and projects planned, in progress, Egypt agreed that participating or completed. in the College tour was the best DIONE JALEN BUIE Manhattan: thing they have done. The digital divide is narrowing The trip was organized by the for seniors who live in the Department of Community Operations’ Bronx Borough Office in Fred Samuels development in collaboration with the Bronx North and Bronx South Council of Harlem. Thanks to the vision of Presidents districts, led by Gerri Lamb and Joanne Smitherman, Resident Association President respectively. Additional funding was provided by City Council Carnetta Clark (who is also Member Anabel Palma. president of the local chapter of the AARP, or the American Association for Retired Per- sons), and funding from Older New York City Police Department Adults Technology Services (OATS) and City Council Mem- Toll-Free Terrorism Hotline ber Inez Dickens, Fred Samuels Reports May Be Made To: has a new computer lab. All seven rehabilitated computers 1-888-NYC-SAFE 1-888-692-7233 (Continued on page 4) THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 4 JUNE 2007

THE CHIEF’S CORNER THE NYCHA NOT WANTED LIST BOROUGH DIGEST In this issue we continue our editorial policy of publishing the names of (Continued from page 3) Have A Happy and individuals who have been permanently excluded from our public in the lab have Internet access. Safe Fourth of July! housing developments. This list is part of NYCHA’s effort to keep The computers were donated by NYCHA’s Asset Manage- residents informed of the Housing Authority’s ongoing effort to Next month we will come ment department. Ms. Clark improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers in public housing and to together to celebrate our nation's said it took a total of about 18 allow for the peaceful and safe use of our facilities. Here follows a list independence. The NYPD Hous- months of work to make the lab of the people excluded after hearings were held on February 15, and 22, ing Bureau encourages all resi- a reality. It all paid off this and March 1, and 8, 2006. Please note:These exclusions are based on dents to fully enjoy the festivities spring with a ribbon-cutting cer- NYCHA’s Administrative Hearing Process and should not be and celebrations associated with emony for the new lab. Staff confused with the Trespass Notice Program under Mayor our national birthday. from OATS are conducting two Bloomberg’s Operation Safe Housing Initiative. However, it is also important to classes, each of which meets recognize the danger posed to our twice a week for ten weeks, to REMEMBER, communities through the unsafe teach seniors computer and IF YOU SEE ANY OF THESE INDIVIDUALS ON handling of illegal fireworks. Internet basics. “We had our HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTY, PLEASE CALL Unfortunately, every year at first class the very same day as YOUR MANAGEMENT OFFICE OR NYCHA’S this time a number of individuals the ribbon-cutting,” said Ms. SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT AT (212) 306-8595. who play with fireworks are Housing Bureau Police Clark proudly. injured, many seriously so. Chief Joanne Jaffe Prohibited as of February 15, 2006 Queens: Injuries include severe burns, mation leading to the arrest and Tyrone Eley Case 225/06 formerly associated with the second Community leaders gathered permanent disfigurement, and conviction of persons possessing floor of 106 Kramer Street, South Beach Houses, together at the Astoria Houses even the loss of eyes, fingers and or distributing fireworks. Staten Island. Community Center to celebrate hands. Often those injured are As always, we rely on our the opening of a new computer young people. A presentation strong partnership with the res- Prohibited as of February 22, 2006 lab with five new computers. entitled, “4th of July Fireworks idents of the New York City Guy Savall Case 210 formerly associated with the third floor Months of work went into trans- Safety Initiative,” will be shown Housing Authority to help us of West 230th Street, Marble Hill Houses, Bronx. forming what had been a stor- at community meetings. In addi- fight crime, address quality of Shamar Robinson Case 9043/05 formerly associated with the first age closet into the lab. The tion, you may contact the local life concerns and enhance pub- Darryl Leget floor of 82-03 Hammel Boulevard, Hammel room was wired for high-speed Police Service Area for informa- lic safety. Your assistance in this Houses, Queens. Internet access and beautiful tion and details. matter can help save a child Glenn Williams Case 705/06 formerly associated with the fourth murals were painted on the If you are aware of any infor- from being seriously injured floor of 41-12 Vernon Boulevard, Queensbridge walls by students from the East mation regarding the sale, deliv- this holiday. South Houses, Queens. River Development Alliance ery, or storage of illegal Have a HAPPY and SAFE Michael Ortega Case 760/06 formerly associated with the fourth (ERDA) college prep program. explosives or fireworks, I urge Fourth of July. floor of 1891 Schieffelin Place, Baychester The lab was renovated with pro- you to call 311. A reward of up Houses, the Bronx. ceeds from a $28,000 City to $1000 is available for infor- Chief Joanne Jaffe Rashul Warren Case 790/06 formerly associated with the sixth Council grant that was secured floor of 482 Sheffield Avenue, Long Island by Council Member Peter Val- Baptist Houses, Brooklyn. lone, Jr. last year, for ERDA to Michael Case 9018/04 formerly associated with the fifth continue its work of providing Robinson floor of 140 Columbia Street, Baruch Houses, NYCHA residents with the Manhattan. resources to achieve economic Tony Miller Case 8074/05 formerly associated with the third mobility and self-sufficiency. floor of 15870 East 102nd Street, Bayview NYCHA, Homework Helpers —a Houses, Brooklyn. non-profit which sets up fully Angel Millan Case 5260/05 formerly associated with the equipped computer labs in com- Jose Millan second floor of 1762 Story Avenue, Monroe munity centers — and ERDA Houses, the Bronx. also partnered to provide new Charles Powe Case 894/06 formerly associated with the fourth computers and a renovated lab floor of 602 Park Avenue, Marcy Houses, for the Woodside Houses Com- Brooklyn. munity Center. Prohibited as of March 1, 2006 Staten Island: Adam Gilchrist Case 824/06 formerly associated with the sixth Getting healthy will be easier floor of 295 Osborne Street, Brownsville Houses, than ever for residents of Sta- Brooklyn. pleton Houses, Berry Houses Glen Jones Case 111/06 formerly associated with the first and the surrounding communi- floor of 815 East 167th Street, Union Avenue ties, who are invited to attend Consolidated Houses, the Bronx. health fairs on the develop- Ricardo Torres Case 828/06 formerly associated with the ments’ grounds on June 9th Yomaira Torres sixteenth floor of 200 West 143rd Street, Drew- (Continued on page 5) Hamilton Houses, Manhattan. Hector Montijo Case 880/06 formerly associated with the sixth floor of 1851 Third Avenue, Washington/ Lexington Houses, Manhattan. David McKay Case 897/06 formerly associated with the twenty-sixth floor of 240 West 65th Street, Amsterdam Houses, Manhattan. Prohibited as of March 8, 2006 Tyshawn Davis Case 1023/06 formerly associated with the first Vera Davis floor of 333 Georgia Avenue, Unity Plaza, Brooklyn. Alton Case 1104/06 formerly associated with the CALL 311 FOR ALL Gardner, III seventh floor of 1810 Watson Avenue, Bronxdale Houses, the Bronx. NON-EMERGENCY City Council Member Peter Vallone, Jr. with young residents CITY SERVICES at the new computer lab. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL JUNE 2007 5

BOROUGH DIGEST Hot Water Heaters (Continued from page 4) (Continued from page 1) house gases like carbon dioxide, or and June 23rd, respectively. The new instantaneous hot water CO2, caused by industry, agricul- City Council funds are paying heaters also maintain water tem- ture and transportation, are attrib- for the fairs, which will be perature at a steady 120 degrees, uted as the main cause of global hosted by the developments’ protecting residents from possible warning. The 53 million pound Resident Associations. Resi- scalding by overheated water. reduction is the equivalent of dents can be tested for high “It’s a different way of provid- 5,202 passenger cars not being dri- blood pressure and diabetes, ing hot water,” said Energy Opera- ven for one year or the contribu- enroll in the HealthPlus low- tions Chief Frank Romano on a tion of 20,000 acres of pine forest cost health care program, and recent visit to Baruch Houses on to the atmosphere! even sign up for direct deposit. Manhattan’s Lower East Side to “This is a grand slam for see the new tanks in action. “We NYCHA,” said Board Member have these operating at Atlantic Margarita López enthusiastically Terminal [in Brooklyn], in 30- on the trip to Baruch. “The instan- story buildings.” taneous hot water heaters are sav- For a The instantaneous hot water ing the Housing Authority money heaters also contribute to a better and energy, giving residents bet- Free Online environment. NYPA estimates that ter service, and helping the envi- once all of NYCHA’s new tanks ronment. People should know that Subscription are installed, there will be a carbon NYCHA is making this contribu- dioxide reduction of more than 53 tion to a better City.” to the million pounds per year! Green- NYCHA Journal Staten Island Community Operations Click on has nine Community Centers available to rent for your special events. E-Mail Please contact the Staten Island Updates Borough Office at 718-815-0140. at nyc.gov 10.25"

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Approval OK WC Date Account Person NYCHA Journal Account Super Art Director Copywriter CLOSING HIPH-FCHP-34391 C. D. Copy DATE C. D. Art Production Trim: 10.25" w x 6.5" h Traffic 4/25/07 Mac Artist Quality Control 4/c Studio Supervisor Proofreader INSERTION Graphics DATE Newspaper Client 01 AE: Approval This advertisement Prepared by 34391 to Release ______6/01/07 Hill|Holliday 622 THIRD AVENUE, NEW YORK, NY 10017 212.905.7000 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 6 JUNE 2007 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL JUNE 2007 7

NOTICE New York City Housing Authority Draft Agency Annual Plan for FY 2008

In accordance with Section 5A of the Housing Act of 1937 as amended, the New York City Housing Authority (“NYCHA”) has developed a Draft Agency Annual Plan for FY 2008.

Availability of the Draft Agency Annual Plan for Public Inspection The public is advised that the Draft Agency Annual Plan for FY 2008 will be available for public inspection at NYCHA’s principal office, located at 250 Broadway, 12th Floor, Reception Area, New York, NY, from May 21, 2007 through August 1, 2007, between the hours of 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Draft Agency Annual Plan for FY 2008 will also be available at the following locations:

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/site listed below during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.:

Campos Plaza Community Center Fort Independence Community Atlantic Terminal Community 611 East 13th Street Center Center New York, New York 3350 Bailey Avenue 501 Carlton Avenue Bronx, New York Brooklyn, New York King Towers Community Center 2 West 115th Street Bland Community Center Breukelen Community Center th New York, New York 133-36 Roosevelt Avenue 715 East 105 Street Flushing, New York Brooklyn, New York Classic Center at Melrose 286 East 156th Street Ocean Bay/Bayside Staten Island Community Bronx, New York Community Center Operations 57-10 Beach Channel Drive Borough Office Far Rockaway, New York 140 Richmond Terrace Staten Island, New York

Public Comment The public is invited to attend any of the five scheduled Town Hall meetings at which the public may raise questions regarding the Draft Annual Plan for FY 2008. These meetings will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the dates and locations shown below:

Tuesday, June 5, 2007 Wednesday, June 6, 2007 Staten Island Brooklyn IS 49 Dreyfus Intermediate School New York College of Technology 101 Warren Street at Gordon Street Klitgord Auditorium Staten Island, New York 285 Jay Street at Tillary Street Brooklyn, New York

Tuesday, June 12, 2007 Monday, June 18, 2007 Thursday, June 21, 2007 Queens Manhattan Bronx Elechester Industrial Center Fashion Institute of Technology Classic Center at Melrose 67-35 Parsons Blvd at Jewel Ave Haft Auditorium 286 E. 156 at Morris Avenue Flushing, New York 7th Avenue & 27th Street Bronx, New York New York, New York

The public is also invited to comment on the Draft Annual Agency Plan for FY 2008 at a public hearing to be held on Wednesday, August 1, 2007 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Manhattan Center Grand Ballroom 311 West 34th Street New York, New York

Each location listed above is both handicapped accessible and can be reached using public transportation. Written comments regarding the Draft Annual Agency Plan for FY 2008 are encouraged. To be considered, submissions must be received via United States Postal mail no later than August 1, 2007. Faxed submissions will not be accepted. Comments may be sent to the following address:

New York City Housing Authority Public Housing Agency Plan Comments Church Street Station P.O. Box 3422 New York, New York 10008-3422 Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor Tino Hernandez, Chairman  REMINDER MAYOR MEETS CONLON RESIDENT Never let anyone claiming to be a New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) employee, or a representative from any public or private entity into your apartment without first seeing photo identification.

Your Mailman And Your Safety When your mailman sees that your mail Mayor Bloomberg invited 86-year-old Solange Elize (above) of Conlon LIHFE Towers in Queens, to City Hall for a brief meeting about one is not being picked up, a phone call is month after the senior was mugged in what have become known as made to the emergency contact person you choose. Call 311 to sign the “granny attacks.” Rose Morat, who is 101 years old, was mugged approximately half-an-hour before Ms. Elize. Joining Ms. up for this free safety program. Ask for the “Carrier Alert Program.” Elize and Ms. Morat were NYPD Commissioner Raymond Kelly and Department for the Aging Commissioner Edwin Mendez Santiago. Completed in 1973, Conlon LIHFE is home to over 200 seniors. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 8 JUNE 2007 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL JUNE 2007 9 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 10 JUNE 2007 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL JUNE 2007 11 Health Matters... Citywide Drum Festival At Bronx River Houses The West Nile Virus Now that the warmer weather is here it’s important to do every- thing you can to protect yourself and your loved ones from the West Nile Virus (WNV). The information in this column, from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s (DOHMH’s) website, tells you what you need to know to stay safe, and help the City in its efforts to minimize outbreak. What It Is West Nile is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lin- ing of the brain and spinal cord). How It Is Spread It is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. A mos- quito becomes infected when it bites a bird that carries the virus. Young drummers at NYCHA’s First Citywide Drum Festival, DrumFest 2007, held in the Bronx. You or your child cannot get West Nile Virus from a person who has the disease. It is not spread by person-to-person contact such By Deborah Williams “I was so glad that the Drum- musicians will come out of these as touching, kissing, or caring for someone who is infected. ming Workshop came to the Bland workshops because they bring out THE NEXT TITO PUENTE OR ELVIN Community Center,” Ms. Rosario skills that the children probably Report Dead Bird Sightings JONES MAY BE RIGHT IN YOUR VERY said. “I wanted Chloe to be in a didn’t know they had, as well as DOHMH encourages New York City residents to report all dead OWN NEW YORK CITY HOUSING program that would help round her build self-esteem.” bird sightings within NYC, especially crows and blue jays. This will AUTHORITY (NYCHA) DEVELOP- out culturally.” The Queens resi- For more information, please assist the City in its efforts to monitor possible WNV activity. You MENT! More than 100 young dent continued, “I expect a lot of call: (212) 306-3479. can report dead birds by calling 311 or filling out the appropriate NYCHA residents performed at the form at the DOHMH’s web site: nyc.gov/health/wnv first citywide DrumFest 2007, held How to Avoid West Nile Virus in the courtyard of the Bronx River Public Housing To the Halls of Justice Community Center on a sunny but During the mosquito season (June through October): brisk spring day. The festival show- (Continued from page 2) Protect yourself cased the talents cultivated by If outside at dusk or dawn, when mosquitoes are the most NYCHA’s Drumming Workshops ties, Ms. Llambelis helped win a active: held at 11 Community Centers. case for Latino workers in “Music is universal and a great Mamaroneck who were being sys- • Cover up. Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks. connector,” said Community Coor- tematically discriminated against. • Use an insect repellent with DEET. Always follow product dinator and Mistress of Cere- “I represented day laborers label directions. monies Susan Unger, in her when I worked at PRLDEF and I Protect your home opening remarks. Ms. Unger com- have never found a more fulfilling • Get rid of standing water, where mosquitoes can breed. mented that when NYCHA’s Per- case. It really is incredible to know forming Arts Unit began offering that the case that you’ve tried and • Clean pet water bowls and bird baths frequently. the Drumming Workshops in 2003, hopefully you’ve won also has • Use screens. Make sure screens on your windows. Fix or “The participants practiced on red national implications,” she said. replace broken screens. buckets because they didn’t have Ms. Llambelis added that she Who Is at Risk? any drums. Since then, the program was proud of the triumph but noth- has acquired timbales, bongos, ing beats the heart-warming thank- Ms. Llambelis has won numerous • Anyone can be infected with WNV, though most people will congas, guiros, blast blocks, mara- you’s she personally received from awards including the New York have no symptoms or only a mild illness. cas, snare drums, and whole drum the laborers. County Lawyers Association Public • People infected with WNV who are over 50 (especially those or trap sets.” “It takes a tremendous amount of Service Award and El Diario/La 65 and older) and people who are immunocompromised All of those instruments were courage to be a poor person, to be Prensa’s Women’s History Month have the highest risk of severe disease. put to good use as the festival fea- someone who is not sophisticated Leadership and Community Service To minimize threat of the WNV, the New York City Housing tured drum lines composed of res- in the law, to go into a federal court Award among others. In April she Authority will be treating all of the catch basins located in idents from Bland, Astoria and and tell a judge that you have been was featured in the Spanish daily NYCHA developments with larvicide. Woodside Houses in Queens, wronged, that you are essentially newspaper El Diario/ La Prensa as African/Latin Drumming by resi- being a spokesperson for your an “Outstanding Woman of 2007” dents from the Bronx River Com- (Mujer Destacada del 2007) for her West Nile Virus Mosquito Treatment munity Center in the Bronx, personal and professional accom- African Storytelling (with accom- plishments but mostly for her com- The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) will be treating all of paniment) by residents from the mitment to the Hispanic and other the catch basins located in NYCHA developments to reduce the Davidson and Classic Community under-represented communities. mosquito population and minimize the transmission of the West Nile Centers in the Bronx, African “I get these awards and they are Virus. These applications will take place between June and October of Drumming by residents from the more for my parents, it’s their hard 2007. The larvicides being used are: Sumner Houses Community Cen- work that made it possible.” • Vectolex CG, EPA Reg. No. 73049-20, ter in Brooklyn, and the DeHostos Ms. Llambelis was recently Toxicity Category-“Caution” and St. Nicholas Houses Commu- named Director of Intergovern- • Bactimos Briquets, EPA Reg. No. 6218-47, nity Centers in Manhattan, and mental Affairs for the Office of Toxicity Category-“Caution” African/Latin Dance by residents New York State Attorney General Contact names and numbers for these applications are: from the King Towers, Wagner Andrew M. Cuomo where she • NYC Housing Authority: Jamal Rashid, Coordinator- Houses and Lehman Houses continues to use her legal experi- 718-707-5808, available from 8:30 am-4:30 pm; Community Centers in Manhattan. ence to help New Yorkers in need. • Luis Ponce, Deputy Director - 718-707-5323, available Rat-ta-tat-tat was the beat that Ms. Llambelis’ advice to young from 9 am-5 pm; drew the residents out into the community because you don’t want people: “Work hard and don’t let • NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation, Region 2, courtyard filled with spectators, your children to go through what those who say you can’t get in your Bureau of Pesticide Management-718-482-4994, family and friends. Among them you’ve gone through. Our clients way. Seek out mentors, join groups National Pesticide Telecommunications Network-1-800-858-PEST was Bianca Rosario, of Bland were incredibly hardworking, that focus on your areas of interest, Inquiries concerning symptoms of pesticide poisoning should be Houses, who could barely contain decent, committed individuals and seek out internships, and make sure directed to the Poison Control Center-1-800-222-1222. her joy as she watched her daugh- I have a tremendous amount of that when you have an opportunity ter, Chloe, play the snare drum. respect for them,” she said. to do so, you open doors for others.”