Vol. 32, No. 10 First Class U.S. Postage Paid — Permit No. 4119, , N.Y. 10007 October 2002 ANTI-GRAFFITI MURAL BIG DRUG BUST PAL-Miccio Center Reopens AWARDS CEREMONY AT CYPRESS In Red Hook, HILLS HOUSES

esidents of Cypress Hills Houses in Brooklyn can Rbreathe a little easier after Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly and Brooklyn District Attorney Charles J. Hynes an- nounced the arrests of 45 gang members at a press conference at One Police Plaza on September 25. A six month NYPD under- cover investigation during which THERE SHOULD BE PEACE ON EARTH This mural, entitled narcotics detectives made more “,” was one of the 12 winners of the Anti-Graffiti Mural than 100 purchases of illegal Contest. It was created by children from the Borinquen Plaza CC. drugs led to the arrests. Mr. Kelly said that five sepa- By Eileen Elliott rate drug gangs were involved, WORKING TOGETHER NYCHA Chairman Tino Hernandez (right) each operating in an assigned set he walls inside the gymnasium at the Rutgers Community Cen- joins PAL Chairman Robert M. Morgenthau at the PAL Miccio Center of buildings, with dealers selling ter in Lower were covered with graffiti on September Grand Opening. The background mural was unveiled at the ceremony. T19, 2002! But unlike the “tags” that can show up uninvited on drugs in the lobbies and halls and NYCHA buildings around the City, these colorful renderings were en- lookouts watching out for them. By Eileen Elliott couraged by the Housing Authority, and by the Operations Services He said the 45 suspects sold an es- he PAL Miccio Center at the corner of Smith and West Ninth Anti-Graffiti Unit in particular. This graffiti was created over a period timated $1.5 million in cocaine, Streets in Red Hook, Brooklyn, had its official Grand Opening of six weeks by seniors and children, ages 8 to 12, at 20 Community heroin and marijuana this year, Ceremony in the “gymnatorium” on a rainy September 26, 2002. Centers that are part of NYCHA’s Citywide Anti-Graffiti Program. This and that the gangs, “…had a T Visitors streamed through the sparkling lobby of the facility to celebrate graffiti did not deface anyone’s property, rather residents painted it onto stranglehold on the Cypress Hills the completion of over $3 million of renovations, paid for by the New canvases with the help of Harborview Art consultants, as expressions of complex.” These gangs are now York City Housing Authority, and the reimplementation of a full sched- their visions of a post 9/11 future. The single unifying theme of the mu- dismantled. ule of programs for area residents for the first time since the Center was rals was “Tomorrow's Vision Through Youthful Eyes.” The case was particularly im- closed for the renovation in 1995. portant, Mr. Kelly said, “because NYCHA staff, residents and and the Department of Operations we were able to show that the “Don’t call it a comeback,” a Resident Association Presidents many of the young artists gath- Services, which collaborated on leaders of these gangs colluded banner near the entrance read, Dorothy Shields and Carmen ered at Rutgers late in the after- the project. She also thanked Joy to sell narcotics.” Eight allegedly “we’ve been here for years.” To be Cruz, respectively, and Joseph A. noon of the 19th for the Anti- Suarez from Jerry Joy Music who high-level leaders face conspiracy sure, the Police Athletic League Miccio III, the grandson of slain Graffiti Mural Ceremony to view visited the children at the sites to charges that could land them life (PAL) has been serving Brook- Police Officer Joseph A. Miccio, the art and learn which 12 of the teach them about the importance sentences. lyn’s youth at the PAL Miccio for whom the Center was named. murals would be chosen for a of respecting private property and “It’s the greatest thing that’s Center since 1963. PAL also man- Center Director Natasha 2003 calendar. the positive effects of constructive ever happened at Cypress Hills,” ages the Miccio Day Care Center Campbell welcomed everyone to Operations Services Citywide creativity. said Resident Association Presi- across the street and a PAL Head the event, saying the new facility Anti-Graffiti Unit Coordinator “The goal of NYCHA’s Anti- dent Dwayne Faison a week after Start Center next door. addressed a serious need in the Jacqueline Gathers gave credit Graffiti Program is simple and the arrests. “I’m so glad the New Distinguished guests seated community. where it was due, first, to the De- straight forward,” Ms. Gathers York City Police Department did on the dais included Manhattan “It was not easy to convince partment of Community Operations District Attorney and PAL Chair- everyone that the Red Hook com- (Continued on page 5) what they did. It’s like a new day. People aren’t afraid to come out man Robert M. Morgenthau, PAL munity is worthy of such a beauti- anymore. I’ve seen some of our Executive Director John J. Ryan, ful building,” said Red Hook seniors who I haven’t seen since NYC Department of Youth and Houses East Resident Association Inside: summer,” he laughed. “And the Community Development Com- President Dorothy Shields. “We kids are out playing. That’s the missioner Jeanne B. Mullgrav, are all grateful and will strive to • Office of School Safety best thing.” and from NYCHA, Chairman work together. This is truly a won- and Planning ...... page 2 Cypress Hills Houses, located Tino Hernandez, General Manag- derful gift — a dream come true.” er Douglas Apple, Secretary PAL Executive Director John • Apartments Available For Seniors . . . . page 3 in the East New York section of Brooklyn, has 15 seven-story Frank Marín, and Department of Ryan was beaming as he thanked • New Computers For Brooklyn ...... page 4 buildings, which house an esti- Community Operations Deputy NYCHA, calling it a fabulous mated 3,526 residents. The devel- General Manger Hugh B. Spence. day. “It couldn’t have been done • 2002 Garden Competition Awards . . . . page 8 opment was completed in 1955. Also seated on the stage were Red without the Housing Authority Hook Houses East and West (Continued on page 2) DON’T FORGET TO VOTE —NOV. 5TH Page 2 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL October 2002

Message From The Mayor PAL-Miccio (Cont’d. from page 1) Department of Education’s New Office of School Safety and Planning staff,” he said, thanking in partic- ular Chairman Hernandez, Mr. am pleased to announce the creation of a new office designed to Spence, Department of Design make our schools safer — the Office of School Safety and Plan- and Capital Improvement Direc- ning. This office will work collaboratively with the New York I tor David Burney and Deputy City Police Department (NYPD) Director Effie Tsitiridis, and and the Mayor's Criminal Jus- Brooklyn Borough Community tice Coordinator to implement Operations Director Mary Starks. a comprehensive, new school NYCHA Chairman Tino Her- safety plan. This will provide nandez called the PAL Miccio support to all schools on the Center “the achievement of a vital effective, coordinated use of and truly productive partnership disciplinary tools, truancy pre- between NYCHA and PAL, vention programs and school which reaches back 40 years.” He safety resources. also congratulated the many peo- First and foremost, students ple involved, saying that Detec- and teachers coming into our tive Miccio, his sons and grand- schools must have a safe and or- sons, a number of whom became derly environment. Children New York City police officers and cannot learn and teachers cannot firefighters, “are truly a family of teach if they are scared or intimidated, and although New York City heroes.” has made real progress in addressing issues of crime and safety in The highlight of the ceremony recent years, there is still more that can be done. This collaboration was when Joseph A. Miccio III, will ensure that principals, teachers, and school safety personnel in told his grandfather’s story. When every school are working together effectively. This level of intera- Joseph A. Miccio returned from gency collaboration will serve to demonstrate the power of the new World War I in 1941, he was a school governance structure. hero. He had a medal, a Purple One component of the plan is SchoolSafe, a data driven strate- Heart, but he was unable to walk. gy, whereby the Office of School Safety and Planning will work to Though the doctors told him he identify those schools with the worst criminal incident rates and im- would never walk again, Micco plement comprehensive action plans. The plans will draw on new didn’t let that get in the way of his and existing resources such as programs for truancy, attendance, and dream of becoming a police offi- discipline. SchoolSafe will focus on the 10% of schools with the cer. Not only did he achieve that highest incident rates. These schools account for over one-third of dream, he also realized his greater reported school-based crime, with criminal incident rates exceeding dream of becoming a detective. the average by 150% in the middle and high schools. Students from He was shot while on duty in these schools also score lower in key academic performance areas. Brooklyn on December 7, 1942, Graduation rates are 30% below average and the number of students and died the next day. who meet minimum academic standards is 16% below average. Mr. Miccio III was himself a A joint committee comprising representatives of the Department Housing Bureau patrolman in the of Education, the NYPD, and the Criminal Justice Coordinator’s of- Red Hook developments before WELCOME BACK (top photo) Young residents, mostly from the fice will monitor these schools and measure the effectiveness of new he became a firefighter. The mes- Red Hook Houses East and West, sport their PAL Miccio paper hats as procedures and initiatives by analyzing incident rates, perceptions sage he said he got from his they enter the Center for the Grand Opening Ceremony. (bottom pho- of safety, and other key indicators. grandfather was, “Never give up. to) Joseph A. Miccio III said the message he received from his grand- The new safety plan also includes three other pro-active compo- You can achieve your dream.” father, the Center’s namesake, was, “Never give up.” nents aimed at enhancing the teaching and learning environment in A quick tour of the gleaming schools throughout the City. First, the Office of School Safety and three floor facility revealed game Planning will monitor and immediately respond to schools that rooms, class rooms (each with a The Housing Authority show signs of escalating incident rates. Second, the Office will pro- different theme), a library, a com- 68years mote safety in all schools by working with community-based orga- of puter lab that will hold 20 com- In New York City nizations and appropriate City agencies to develop truancy preven- Journal puters, a performing arts studio tion programs, after-school activities, and other initiatives that in- complete with mirrors and a barre volve students in school governance, such as youth courts. Finally, for dancers, a full service cafete- ESTABLISHED 1970 • CIRCULATION 200,000 the Office will develop a continuum of immediate and graduated re- ria that will hold ethnic cooking Published monthly by the New York City Housing Authority sponses for individual students engaged in misconduct, so that the classes for the community, and Department of Public and Community Relations schools, police and juvenile justice system can send a consistent and the piece de résistance — a huge 250 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10007 unified message to deter future misbehavior and criminal conduct. Tel. (212) 306-3322 • Fax (212) 577-1358 gate in the gymnasium that Over the past two years criminal incidents in New York City’s Michael R. Bloomberg ...... Mayor opens up to create an amphithe- public schools have dropped by 16%. In the future, the Office of Tino Hernandez...... Chairman ater for indoor/outdoor perfor- School Safety and Planning will work to make crime in our schools Earl Andrews, Jr...... Board Member mances. Other highlights of the drop even more, so that New York City Housing Authority residents JoAnna Aniello...... Board Member Opening Ceremony included a Frank Marín ...... Secretary and all New Yorkers who attend public schools receive the educa- dance performance depicting the Douglas Apple...... General Manager tions they deserve. Sheila Greene ...... Director of Public and Community Relations events of September 11, and a Ruth Noemí Colón ...... Editor, Spanish Edition Michael R. Bloomberg welcome poem recited by chil- Howard Marder...... Public Information Officer dren from the Day Care Center. Eileen Elliott ...... Editor Over 300 children and teens Allan Leicht ...... Staff Writer Deborah Williams ...... Staff Writer are expected to participate in the Carlos M. Casanovas ...... Translator FREE JOB TRAINING 25 programs offered at the Center Peter Mikoleski, Kevin Devoe...... Photography every afternoon and Saturday. If you are interested in placing an advertisement in the Journal, For Survivors of Domestic Violence Hours are 2:30 PM to 9:30 PM, please call our marketing representatives in the Department of Monday through Friday and 10 AM JOBS in building maintenance & construction Economic and Business Initiatives at (718) 250-5907. The inclusion to 6 PM on Saturday. of any advertisement in this Journal does not constitute any Call Project Superwomen endorsement by the Housing Authority of the advertiser or its prod- ucts or services or any other representation by the Housing Author- 212-591-0313 ity with respect to such products or services. October 2002 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL Page 3 APARTMENTS Message From The Chairman AVAILABLE Deborah’s Diary October Is Domestic Violence IN NYCHA Awareness Month SENIOR By Deborah Williams ctober is Domestic Vio- BUILDINGS lence Awareness Month Obut the New York City ew York City Hous- Champions — During the summer months NYCHA held its An- Housing Authority (NYCHA) is ing Authority (NY- nual Summer Games sponsored by the Department of Community committed every day to putting CHA) residents Operations. Many NYCHA Community Centers throughout the an end to domestic violence and N five boroughs competed in sports such as basketball, softball, and who are 62 years old or helping victims in every way track and field. But there was only one that emerged victorious and possible. Each year since 1997 older and live in mixed claimed the Citywide Championship in all the sporting events — NYCHA has held a conference generation developments and that was the Sedgwick Community Center. In the Basketball primarily for its Management, should know that NYCHA Citywide Event 2002 for ages 11 and under, all trial games were Community Operations and currently has apartments held at the Melrose Classic Center in the Bronx. Sedgwick defeat- Social Services staff to keep available in a number of ed the Classic Center finalists and became the Bronx Champs. them abreast of domestic vio- Sedgwick went on to defeat Manhattan Borough Champs in the lence issues and trends. This senior developments. These developments are specifi- semi-finals and advanced to the finals. They defeated the Brooklyn year, in addition to our annual Borough Champs and became the winners of the Citywide Cham- conference for staff and our day- cally for seniors and are pionship 2002. Congratulations to Shaquille Strokes, Phillipe Dorr, to-day programming, NYCHA brought domestic violence confer- located in all five boroughs. Manny Smith, Jerrelle Joyce, Akil Andrews, Denzelle Sanders, ences out to the boroughs. These conferences, entitled, “Domestic If you are interested, simply Demitrius Montez, William Davis, Malik Dayvon, Dylan Davis, Violence/A Community Response” were created for residents, contact your Housing As- Marina Melendez, and Antonio Rosa. The Softball Bronx Borough rather than staff, to help familiarize the community at large with sistant and say you want to Championship games were held in Brooklyn at Kingston Park. domestic violence and its complexities, and to provide information request a transfer to a senior Sedgwick was able to slide into home base and become the Bronx on available local resources. Borough Champions 2002, with a 4-win and 2-loss record. Way to The half-day conferences were held during the week of October development. Your Hous- go Ashley Davis, Shanquel Thomas, William Davis, Ignacio Ro- 7th and most were attended by over 100 participants, including Res- ing Assistant will let you driquez, David Camacho, Demitrius Montez, Angel Pagan Jr., Ju- ident Association Presidents and Council of Presidents (COP) know which of NYCHA’s lian Rodriguez, Jasmine Blackman, J-Quan Johnson, Raymond Chairs. All conferences included a panel discussion with partici- 42 senior developments Calleja, Travis Maple, Shaquille Stokes, Jayson Smart, and Chris- pants from a variety of community service providers, Safe Horizon have apartments available. tian Pagon. In NYCHA's final event, the Track and Field Citywide staff, NYCHA staff, and in some cases a representative from the Senior developments 2002 game, which took place at Van Cortlandt Park and the finals District Attorney’s office. In addition, the conferences included a were held at Riverbank State Park. Showing their agility, the Sedg- dramatic presentation by a troupe called Plays for Living, entitled can provide unique benefits wick Center again proclaimed victory as they ran across the finish “Rules of Thumb,” which illustrated the family dynamics within a to elderly residents. Many line and into the title of Citywide Champions 2002. Congratula- violent household. The purpose of the dramatic presentation was to of these developments have tions to Ashley Davis, Shanquel Thomas, Jose Andino, Shaquille show clearly what domestic violence is, how it is experienced by the Senior Centers which serve Stokes, Raquel Andu-Num, Daniel Ocasio, Akil Andrews, Michael victims, how it affects all members of a household and how it cre- meals as well as offer recre- Williams, William Davis, Quincyu Acheampong, Elizabeth Ross, ates a cycle of violence in future generations. ational activities and pro- Anthony Battles, Jayson Smart, Jamal Polk, Nathaniel Robinson, I was honored to be able to attend the conference held at Jacob Jakeal Johnson, and Rae Rivera. Riis Settlement House in Queens on October 10. It was truly an in- grams. In addition, Senior credible resource and I hope that all residents who are in need of the Resident Advisors and Ser- Divas —Well, I guess the name says it all. Sharisse Rucker, age information provided there were able to attend. As has been men- vice Coordinators provide a 10, Sharkira Maxwell, age 11, Natasha Jenkins, age 10, and tioned previously in the NYCHA Journal, I am a social worker by number of services such as Jermanda Thomas, age 9—these young ladies are the “Ingersol training, and so this issue is one that is of particular interest to me. counseling, monitoring res- Dance Troupe” and are known to everyone as the “Divas with As a social worker with a focus in family therapy, I saw first-hand idents through home visits Attitude.” They have been dancing for a year now and the rewards the effects of domestic violence, and am keenly aware of the com- and running errands. Senior have been plentiful. Organized by Teicha Merritt, Community plications and misunderstandings associated with it. Coordinator and Yolanda Taylor, Housing Assistant, the divas have NYCHA has worked with Safe Horizon/NYPD Housing Bureau volunteer Floor Captains performed three times at the Apollo on Amateur Night, coming in since 1987 to serve families who report incidents of domestic vio- also assist and monitor their at first, second and third place. Which, by the way, qualifies them lence, through The Domestic Violence Intervention, Education and neighbors. for the Amateur Night finals to be held on December 23, 2002 at Prevention Program (DVIEP). By teaming up social service The Congregate Housing 7:00 PM. Now we know why the young ladies are called “Divas providers and police officers, Safe Horizon and the NYPD reach Services Program at the with Attitude.” Not only are they great dancers but they choreograph victims at the moment of crisis to reduce further incidents of do- Saratoga Square Senior their own moves. Well young ladies, I’d like to congratulate you on mestic violence. The DVIEP trains counselors and Domestic Vio- all of your successes so far and I look forward to hearing more about lence prevention officers who talk to the victims, make referrals for Development in Brooklyn Divas with Attitude. (I like that name!) Anyway, I want all the read- ongoing services, and provide advocacy and outreach. The program is a one-of-a-kind program ers of “Deborah's Diary” and Ingersol residents to turn their televi- also works with NYCHA’s Emergency Transfer Program to confi- that offers a continuum of sions to Channel 4 at 7:00 PM on December 23, 2002, and watch dentially relocate victims of domestic violence. support services for the eli- “Divas with Attitude” perform with attitude, live at the Apollo. No discussion of domestic violence would be complete without gible frail elderly and non- mentioning the Mayor’s Office To Combat Domestic Violence, Deborah’s Diary is a column that is for you, the residents of NY- which serves as an invaluable resource to domestic violence victims elderly disabled who need comprehensive assisted ser- CHA, to share significant events in your lives with your neighbors. throughout the city. As always, I plan to tell you about those individuals who are the Domestic violence afflicts families from all walks of life. NY- vices. These include two "talk of the town," but I need your help in getting that news. So, CHA is working to make a difference by providing you, our resi- meals a day, case manage- remember the Diary! If you have news, share it with me and I will dents, with the information you need to meet this difficult challenge. ment, housekeeping, home share it with my readers. Drop me a few lines c/o The NYCHA If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, care, personal care, escort Journal/250 Broadway/12th Floor/NY, NY, 10007 or by fax at please call the Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-621-HOPE or services, shopping services, 212-577-1358. Or, hey, make it personal! Give me a call at 1-800-810-7444 TDD or the Crime Victims Hotline at (212) 577- medical screenings, and 212-306-4752. I can’t 100% guarantee it, but I’ll do my best to see 7777. Callers will receive immediate assistance including crisis that your good news makes it into this column. counseling, safety planning and referrals. transportation, recreational Keep an eye open for the November Journal, which will cover and educational programs. NYCHA’s annual domestic violence conference, to be held on If you are interested in October 29. The topic this year will be “Holding Offenders Saratoga Square or other Visit NYCHA’s Web site at: Accountable.” senior developments, con- Tino Hernandez www.nyc.gov/nycha tact your Housing Assistant. Page 4 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL October 2002

New Computers The Chief’s Corner The NYCHA “Not Wanted” List and Training n this issue we continue our editorial policy of publishing the Programs For Have A Happy names of individuals who have been permanently excluded from Farragut and And Safe Iour public housing developments. Listing the proscribed persons is part of the effort to keep residents informed of NYCHA’s ongoing Atlantic Terminal Halloween efforts to improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers in public By Deborah Williams alloween can be a fun housing and to allow for the peaceful and safe use of our facilities. time for children and Here follows a list of the people excluded after hearings were held hursday, September 5, was Hadults. The safety of all on May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and June 6, 2001. REMEMBER, IF YOU the first day of the school individuals participating in the SEE ANY OF THESE PERSONS ON HOUSING AUTHORITY Tyear. While young Farragut holiday festivities is paramount. PROPERTY, PLEASE CALL YOUR MANAGEMENT OF- Houses residents received their This year the NYPD Housing FICE OR THE POLICE! THIS LIST IS PROVIDED TO ALL first day of instruction at the Bureau encourages all to be alert POLICE SERVICE AREAS. neighboring schools, the Farragut and careful. Here are some tips Prohibited as of May 2, 2001 Houses Resident Association re- to use as guidelines and to share Housing Bureau Police David Peterson Case 1516/01 formerly associated with the ceived its first set of instructions with your children: Chief Douglas Zeigler third floor of 340 Alexander Avenue, Mott in computer technology from the Haven Houses, the Bronx. State University of New York’s • Parents should escort their children and their children’s friends Advanced Technology Training Rasheem Wilkens Case 1512/01 formerly associated with the while trick-or-treating. and Information Networking Pro- fourteenth floor of 159-20 Harlem River • Children should never go into buildings, houses, elevators or cars gram (ATTAIN), at the Farragut Drive, Rangel Houses, Manhattan. alone while trick-or-treating. Community Center. • Children should not eat any treats until they are inspected by a re- Richard Aiken Case 1541/01 formerly associated with the Assemblyman Roger L. Green sponsible adult. fifth floor of 735 East 165th Street, Forest has secured $1 million in educa- • Children should only go trick-or-treating in their own neighbor- Houses, the Bronx. tional funding, of which $500,000 hoods to the residences of people they know, and stay close to home. Pablo Lopez Case 1542/01 formerly associated with the will go to the Farragut Houses • Children should wear brightly colored clothing or carry a flashlight first floor of 1757 Story Avenue, Monroe Community Center and $500,000 at night. Houses, the Bronx. to the Atlantic Terminal Commu- • Masks should not block vision or breathing. William Weston Case 1558/01 formerly associated with the nity Center, both in Brooklyn. • Children should stay off of the streets, walk only on sidewalks, fourteenth floor of 2949 West 28th Street, Both sites will receive nearly 20 cross streets at the corner and wait for the light. Surfside Gardens, Brooklyn. computer stations, high speed Internet lines and certified com- Amin Allen Case 1553/01 formerly associated with the HAVE FUN! STAY SAFE! puters. second floor of 872 Rosedale Avenue, AND RESPECT OTHER PEOPLE’S PROPERTY! “The New York City Housing Monroe Houses, the Bronx. Authority is pleased to partner Prohibited as of May 9, 2001 with Assemblyman Roger L. Calvin Pulliam Case 1568/01 formerly associated with the Green and SUNY to make these twelfth floor of 849 Flushing Avenue, computer resources available to Bushwick/Hylan Houses, Brooklyn. NYCHA residents,” said NYCHA Chairman Tino Hernandez. Joseph Brevard Case 1589/01 formerly associated with the ATTAIN works to bring tech- fourteenth floor of 200 West 143rd Street, nology to areas in the city where Drew Hamilton Houses, New York. it is not readily available and to PUBLIC HOUSING DRUG Prohibited as of May 16, 2001 increase the academic and employ- ELIMINATION PROGRAM SURVEY Anthony Barnes Case 1759/01 formerly associated with the ability skills in those underserved seventh floor of 108-41 159th Street, South areas. Jamaica Houses, Jamaica, New York. ATTAIN will also provide The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) is conducting a study for the U.S. Department of Aswan Moreira Case 1767/01 formerly associated with the training for the residents of Far- sixth floor of 40-10 10th Street, ragut Houses and Atlantic Termi- Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to learn Queensbridge North Houses, Queens. nal. The training classes at Far- how residents feel about crime and safety in their ragut Houses, which will be avail- neighborhoods. Your participation will help to im- Elizai Rachumi Case 4543/01 formerly associated with the able for children, teens and adults, third floor of 1925 Harrison Avenue, are expected to begin in approxi- prove programs that promote safety in your com- University Avenue Consolidated Houses, mately three months. Hours will munity and improve services for residents. the Bronx. be Monday to Friday from 9:00 Prohibited as of May 23, 2001 AM to 9:45 PM. The duration of The Housing Authority is mailing questionnaires to Jerone Moore Case 1854/01 formerly associated with the the program will vary depending a small number of resident households chosen at on the individual’s training needs third floor of 240 Broadway, West Brighton random. If your household has received a question- Houses, Staten Island. and training program choice. Participants will train them- naire, an adult who has lived at the address for at Jeffrey Blue Case 1901/01 formerly associated with the selves on one of any number least one year should complete it. It will take less thirteenth floor of 162 Troy Avenue, Albany of computer programs in topics Houses, Brooklyn. than five minutes to complete. The answers will ranging from child care, cosme- give NYCHA and HUD accurate information about tology, and entrepreneurship, to Prohibited as of May 30, 2001 what residents think. Alexis Simmons Case 1922/01 formerly associated with the becoming an emergency medical sixteenth floor of 1505 , technician or a nursing assistant. Clinton Houses, Manhattan. A staff member from ATTAIN Answers will be kept completely confidential and will be available at all times to Weldon Walker Case 1923/01 formerly associated with sixth will be summarized in a report of residents’ views. provide assistance. Once partici- If you have any questions about the survey, floor of 1455 Harrod Avenue, Bronx River pants have completed the training Houses, the Bronx. programs, they will receive refer- please call the Research and Policy Develop- Luis Rodriguez Case 1947/01 formerly associated with the rals to the nearest Educational ment Department at (212) 306-3701. thirteenth floor of 700 Morris Avenue, Opportunity Center (EOC) where Melrose Houses, the Bronx. they can receive assistance in The New York City Housing Authority thanks you in obtaining a General Equivalency Prohibited as of June 6, 2001 advance for your cooperation in assisting us with Diploma (GED), join Adult Basic Hommy Martinez Case 5010/01 formerly associated with the Education classes, or receive Col- this important initiative. fifth floor of 84-16 Rockaway Beach, lege SAT coaching and college Hammel Houses, Queens. (Continued on page 8) October 2002 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL Page 5 Anti-Graffiti Smith Houses Remembers 9/11 (Continued from page 1) said, “to reduce both the occurrence and resulting costs of graffiti and vandalism within NY- CHA developments.” The event began with a video created by Jerry Joy Music in which the children expressed their hopes for the future. Though they used different words, nearly every child had the same wish — for peace in the world. The theme of peace dominated the murals with depictions of the sun, flowers and trees, birds and other animals, and NYCHA’s towering skyscrapers serving as a backdrop. The honor of reading off the CANDLELIGHT VIGIL Nikki Azure, Smith Houses RA President winning names was reserved for (center) commemorates 9/11, with residents at the development. NYCHA Chairman Tino Hernan- dez. “This is like the Academy By Allan Leicht Awards,” he quipped, addressing n September 11, 2002, like the City, the nation, and much of the the rising level of excitement in world, the residents of Alfred E. Smith Houses on the Lower the room. Each name he read was OEast Side of Manhattan, gathered to honor the memory of those greeted by cheers from the crowd, who lost their lives, commemorate the heroism of those who fought to as the Harborview consultants for save them, and to comfort those who still grieve. For their remembrance those centers came to the front of the residents and staff of Smith chose a busy, nearby sidewalk on the room to accept their awards. which, one year before, late afternoon shadows of the World Trade Cen- (See box at right for the names of ter Towers would fall. the winning murals.) NYCHA communities in all Superintendent Charles Alogna. It Brooklyn Anti-Graffiti Unit five boroughs observed this day, was a miniature of the central Supervisor Jerry Burk drove the but there was special meaning for observance taking place at the message home when he told the Smith Houses because it was the same moment a few blocks away young artists at the ceremony, sit- NYCHA development closest to at Ground Zero. In the words of ting cross-legged on a mat in WORKS IN PROGRESS (Top photo) Children from the Clinton the disaster. Residents from the Luis Soler, Director of Manhattan the front of the room, “When you Houses Community Center in Manhattan worked with Harborview development quickly felt the Community Operations, “Gather- write on the walls of your NY- Consultants Virginia Bitzer (shown here) and Mimi Martinez to create physical effects of the destruction ing such as this help to make the CHA development, it isn’t consid- their vision of a perfect world. Clinton Houses Community Center Di- as thousands streamed past them, world a better place.” ered art. It’s considered a crime.” rector Deborah Clark is in the background. (Above) One young artist escaping to safety. Many took Luis E. Reyes represented NYCHA's Anti-Graffiti Unit proudly displays her vision of herself as “Queen of the World.” The refuge at Smith Houses, where City Council Member Alan J. has been working since 1994 to Clinton Houses Community Center Mural, entitled, “If I Were King Or they found solace and solidarity Gerson, who was attending a fire- improve the quality of life for Queen of the World” was chosen to be included in a 2003 calendar. — police officers, firefighters, fighters’ memorial service. Mr. Housing Authority residents. It is emergency personnel, and New Reyes’ presence was most appro- a joint effort on the part of law en- WINNING Yorkers who had become refugees priate, as he had grown up at forcement, development man- in their own town. Smith Houses, where his father, agers and most importantly resi- ANTI-GRAFFITI MURALS Nicoletta Azure, President of Elias, now 104, still lives. “We dents. The program now includes 300 NYCHA buildings in 67 de- the Smith Houses Resident Asso- moved in in 1952,” recalled Mr. Borinquen Plaza — “New York City” ciation and Chair of the Manhat- Reyes. “It was brand new, the cab- velopments. Seniors from three tan South Council of Presidents, inets were still on the floor.” He developments in the program also Redhook West Senior Center — “The Garden” created murals. Those develop- commented that any one of the said he remembers Smith as “a Pink Houses — “Diversity City” people at the gathering could have happy place to grow up, an incu- ments are Pomonok Houses in died in the disaster. “We’re only bator for success,” and that it was Queens, Red Hook Houses West Marble Hill — “Wings of Hope” in Brooklyn and Soundview here day by day,” she said, “so a most fitting place to mark the Hammel Houses — “United We Stand” take care of each other.” After her “sad day and share the sorrow.” Houses in Staten Island. brief greeting Ms. Azure turned Reverend Darrisaw also re- The contest was judged by Castle Hill Houses — “Kids Voice” Vice Chairman Earl Andrews, Jr., the proceedings over to Reverend membered a personal reaction on St. Mary’s Houses — “Our New Community” Edmon Darrisaw, Pastor of the the morning after the attack. “I Board Member JoAnna Aniello, Glorious Temple Church in woke up on September 12 and I Secretary Frank Marín and Com- VanDyke Houses — “Unity Mural” munity Operations Deputy Gener- Brooklyn and longstanding care- wanted to find my way down to South Jamaica Houses — “Ground in Harmony” taker at Smith Houses, where he that recruiting office and go and al Manager Hugh B. Spence. has also been a resident since fight for my children, your chil- “It was really a labor of love,” West Brighton Houses — “Our Community — 1964. dren. But I realized I was not a said Harborview consultant Max- The Bridge to Tomorrow” ine Razor who worked with resi- Reverend Darrisaw brought young man. I was in a different Todt Hill Houses — “Eye Love New York” with him Rose Barbar and Minis- army now and I could fight a dif- dents of VanDyke and Tilden ter Dolores Huff — Ms. Barbar ferent fight, reminding people that Houses. Clinton Houses — “If I Were King or Queen for song, Ms. Huff to read Psalms. earth has no sorrow that heaven Community Operations City- of the World” “Walk with Me” and the 37th cannot heal.” wide Programs Director Denise Psalm framed Reverend Darri- It had been a year of healing. Lara thanked the judges and all saw’s opening reflection, a call Then at 10:29 AM, with candles others involved, including Opera- for comfort for the families of in the wind, and tears, the resi- tions Services Deputy General NYCHA Celebrates those who perished. dents and staff of Smith Houses, Manager Robert Podmore, Opera- Development Manager Margo stood for two minutes of silence tions Services Director Robin Hispanic Heritage Madden thanked the residents in the clatter of a vibrant neigh- Jackson, and Harborview Arts for working so well together borhood in the toughest city in the Coordinators Wylie Lucero and Leticia Barboza. October 15 through to create the ceremony, as did world. November 15 Page 6 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL October 2002 October 2002 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL Page 7 2002 Garden Competition Awards Ceremony Citywide First-Place Winners By Eileen Elliott here couldn’t have been a more perfect place for the 40th Annu- FLOWER GARDEN al Garden Program Awards Ceremony than The Palm House of the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. Beneath a glass domed ceiling, “RENEW YOUR SPIRIT” SHEEPSHEAD-NOSTRAND HOUSES, T surrounded by potted palms wrapped in tiny twinkling lights, and with background music by the NYCHA Symphony Orchestra Jazz Quintet, gardeners from the five boroughs reaped the appreciation of NYCHA’s staff for all of their hard work over the past year. Community Operations Citywide Programs Director Denise Lara in- troduced “the longest standing Garden Program employee,” Kathleen Thomas, to give a brief history of the program. “The Garden Program was created in the 1960s,” she said, “with a vision of how beautiful NY- CHA grounds could be.” Initially just Flower Gardens were judged, then in 1974 Vegetable Gardens were added as a category, and in 1995, Children’s Theme Gardens. Ms. Thomas called the gardens, “evidence of the pride that public housing residents take in their homes.” There were slightly less gardens this year because of the drought. A total of 462 gardens registered in the competition, including 234 Flower Gardens, 185 Children’s Theme Gardens, and 185 Vegetable Gardens. Chairman Tino Hernandez read a proclamation from Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg calling September 25, 2002, “NYCHA Garden Awards Day.” He then proceeded to present the awards to the many winners. Clouds started moving in as people lined up for a buffet lunch at the conclusion of the ceremony, but that probably didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. It’s a good guess that the New Yorkers at this event were more keenly aware than most of how much we need the rain.

VEGETABLE GARDEN GARDEN OF VENUS, SOUTH JAMAICA HOUSES, QUEENS The Winners

SOUTH BROOKLYN – FLOWER GARDEN WINNERS 1st Prize: Flower’s “R” Us, Sheepshead-Nostrand Houses 2nd Prize: Hayes’ Garden of Love, Red Hook East Houses 3rd Prize: Beach Front Garden #1, Houses SOUTH BROOKLYN – VEGETABLE GARDEN WINNERS 1st Prize: Puerto Rico Garden, Breukelen Houses 2nd Prize” Fajardo Garden, Breukelen Houses 3rd Prize: Green Thumb Garden, Marlboro Houses SOUTH BROOKLYN – CHILDREN’S THEME GARDEN WINNERS 1st Prize: “Flower’s of Faith, Sheepshead-Nostrand Houses 2nd Prize: “Beauty at the Bay” Sheepshead-Nostrand Houses 3rd Prize: Sugar Plum Garden, Red Hook East WEST BROOKLYN – FLOWER GARDEN WINNERS 1st Prize: Peace of Mind Garden (Baker), Gowanus Houses 2nd Prize: Gowanus’ Garden, Gowanus Houses 3rd Prize: Sweet Success Gardeners, Louis Armstrong Houses EAST BROOKLYN – FLOWER GARDEN WINNERS 1st Prize: Rosa and Carmen’s Garden, Hope Gardens 2nd Prize: 345 Dumont Garden, Brownsville Houses 3rd Prize: Garden of Faith, Brownsville Houses EAST BROOKLYN – VEGETABLE GARDEN WINNERS 1st Prize: The Garden of Eden, Hope Gardens CHILDREN’S THEME GARDEN 2nd Prize: Bountiful Garden, Tilden Houses 3rd Prize: Green Thumb Vegetable Garden, Pink Houses DAWN’S PLACE (DEDICATED TO THE CHILDREN OF 9/11), LINDEN HOUSES, EAST BROOKLYN Honorable Mention: Faith, Hope & Charity Garden, Brownsville Houses

EAST BROOKLYN – CHILDREN’S THEME GARDEN WINNERS 1st Prize: Making Choices Garden, Brownsville Houses 2nd Prize: Garden of Hope #1, Howard Houses

STATEN ISLAND – FLOWER GARDEN WINNERS 1st Prize: In Honor Garden, Berry Houses 2nd Prize: WTC 9/11 Memorial Garden, Todt Hill Houses 3rd Prize: Garden of Luv, Mariner’s Harbor Houses Honorable Mention: 145 Cassidy Place Garden, Cassidy-Lafayette Houses

STATEN ISLAND – VEGETABLE GARDEN WINNERS 1st Prize: Nature’s Wonder Garden, Mariner’s Harbor Houses 2nd Prize: Dina, Berry Houses 3rd Prize: Green Thumb Garden, Mariner’s Harbor Houses Honorable Mention: Vegetable Garden, Cassidy-Lafayette Houses

STATEN ISLAND – CHILDREN’S THEME GARDEN WINNERS 1st Prize: A Little Sunshine Garden, Mariner’s Harbor Houses

Continued on page 8 Page 8 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL October 2002 Computers SPEAK OUT AGAINST FRAUD for Farragut Garden Winners AND CORRUPTION! (Continued from page 7) If you or anyone in your family is aware of any (Continued from page 4) fraud or corruption committed against the New preparedness training. QUEENS – FLOWER GARDEN WINNERS 1st Prize: Garden of Zodiac, South Jamaica Houses York City Housing Authority (“NYCHA”) by any With the ATTAIN program 2nd Prize: Garden of Grace, South Jamaica Houses NYCHA employee, contractor, vendor, or resident, residents will be able to track their 3rd Prize: Tabernacle Flower Garden, South Jamaica Houses we urge you to call the NYCHA Inspector General performance, get detailed results on test scores and have access to QUEENS – VEGETABLE GARDEN WINNERS (“IG”) at 212-306-3355 or their progress reports. 1st Prize: Down to Earth Vegetable Garden, South Jamaica Houses the Department of Investigation (“DOI”) at Residents at Farragut Houses 2nd Prize: Garden of Eat’n, South Jamaica Houses 212-3-NYC-DOI or 212-825-5959. are excited about the new pro- 3rd Prize: My Kitchen Garden, South Jamaica Houses gram and said they hope it will provide the educational founda- QUEENS – CHILDREN’S THEME GARDEN WINNERS 1st Prize: Catherine’s “Down By The Bay” tion and training that the commu- Children’s Flower Garden, Beach 41st Street Houses nity needs. “At last you have 2nd Prize: Heaven On Earth Garden, Woodside Houses made my dream come true,” said Farragut Community Center Di- MANHATTAN – FLOWER GARDEN WINNERS rector George Price, as he clasped 1st Prize: Holliday’s Cuisine, Amsterdam Houses his hands together with joy. Ac- 2nd Prize: Balm’s of Gidion Garden, St. Nicholas Houses cording to Mr. Vijay Macwan, 3rd Prize: A Touch of Class Garden, Wagner Houses Director of the University Center for Academic and Workforce MANHATTAN – VEGETABLE GARDEN WINNERS 1st Prize: Troche’s Garden, Wald Houses Development at SUNY, “Every- one in the community can create a MANHATTAN – CHILDREN’S THEME GARDEN WINNERS dream with training.” 1st Prize: El Coqui Children’s Garden, Campos Plaza Residents of Atlantic Terminal should contact their Community BRONX – FLOWER GARDEN WINNERS Center at (718) 783-7329 for com- 1st Prize: Rain Forest Garden, Patterson Houses plete details about the ATTAIN 2nd Prize: Road to Damascus, McKinley Houses program at their development. 3rd Prize: Blue Shade Garden, Bronxdale Houses Honorable Mention: Rodriguez & McKay’s Sunrise Garden, Patterson Houses

BRONX – VEGETABLE GARDEN WINNERS 1st Prize: Mamita’s Neighborhood Vegetable Garden, Union Avenue Consolidation 2nd Prize: Union Avenue Garden, Union Avenue Consolidation 3rd Prize: Botanical Garden, Union Avenue Consolidation

To Report Dangerous BRONX – CHILDREN’S THEME GARDEN WINNERS 1st Prize: Tiny Toon Rainbow Flower Garden, Call the Dog Hotline: Union Avenue Consolidation 2nd Prize: The Mickey’s Garden, Throggs Neck Houses 1 (888) 895-3647 3rd Prize: Herbs & Woodland Garden, Bronxdale Houses Honorable Mention: Pennye’s Reading Garden, Bronxdale Houses