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Vol. 37, No. 11 www.nyc.gov/nycha NOVEMBER 2007 HUNDREDS OF SENIORS Rich Harvest at the 45th ATTEND 3RD Annual Garden Awards ANNUAL Ceremony in Brooklyn BENEFIT FAIR By Eileen Elliott EIGHTY -TWO -YEAR -OLD DOROTHY POINDEX - TER OF ST. N ICHOLAS HOUSES IN MAN - HATTAN CAME TO GET HER BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKED . Seventy-six- year-old Hattie Blaine of the Douglass Houses, also in Man - hattan, came to have her hear - ing tested; and 86-year-old Jean Cauch of Pelham Parkway in the Bronx came for one of the most popular services, to get her AFFORDABILITY The above rendering, submitted as part of the ini - Senior I.D. replaced. tial proposal by the Atlantic Development Group, depicts the mixed- The Housing income apartments to be built at Harborview Terrace at West 55th Authority’s (NYCHA’s) fastest Street in Manhattan, in a NYCHA/HPD collaboration. growing populatio n—seniors HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW? It’s hard work by NYCHA resi - age 62 or olde r—came by the dents that makes the beautiful gardens entered into the Garden NYCHA AND HPD COLLABORATE bus load to Riverbank State Park and Greening Program what they are. Above, Citywide Vegetable Win - ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN in Harlem on the morning of ner Marion Dolphus, who has won many times, joins NYCHA’s Board October 4th to take advantage and staff, along with a representative from Brooklyn Borough Pres - CHELSEA AND HUDSON YARDS of the Housing Authority’s Third ident Marty Markowitz’s office, Italia Guerrero, second from right. Annual Senior Benefit and MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING IS COMING TO MANHATTAN , THANKS TO A COL - By Eileen Elliott Entitlement Fair. LABORATION BETWEEN THE NEW YORK CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY They were met there by (NYCHA) AND THE CITY ’S DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING , P RESERVATION AND THE NEW YORK CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY (NYCHA) AND THE RESIDENTS approximately 32 service DEVELOPMENT (HPD). On September 26th, NYCHA Chairman Tino OF NYCHA’ S 343 PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS HAVE BEEN KEEPING Hernandez joined HPD Commissioner Shaun Donovan to announce that providers eager to share a NEW YORK CITY GREEN SINCE 1962. That’s the year NYCHA started the development teams have been chosen to build 400 units of affordable wealth of information on topics Citywide Resident Garden Competition. The concept was simple: pro - housing on NYCHA properties in West Chelsea and the HudsonYards on health-related and otherwise. vide the resources — soil, seeds and bulbs, gardening tips and technical Manhattan’s West Side. Artimus Construction will be the lead developer This year’s fair was especially support — and see who could grow the best gardens in the City. Now in its 45th year, the NYCHA Garden and Greening Program is stronger than of new affordable apartments at two sites within the Fulton and Elliott- (Continued on page 6) Chelsea Houses, and a joint venture composed of the Atlantic Develop - ever. Winners for each borough in the “Flower,” “Vegetable” and “Chil - ment Group and the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty will be the dren’s Theme” categories, along with Citywide winners, gathered developer of new mixed-income apartments near Harborview Terrace on together in the beautifully decorated Williamsburg Community Center the West Side of Manhattan. The new housing will bring the Housing in Brooklyn on September 27th to be recognized for the flowers, vegeta - Authority an estimated $20 million in revenue to help bles and fruits of their labor. preserve public housing. Community Operations Deputy example you set back in 1962,” the “By making underutilized prop - The third site serves as a parking General Manager Hugh Spence Chairman said. “Now everyone’s erty available, the Housing lot and basketball court for Har - thanked all of the gardeners and into greening.” The Chair con - Authority is continuing to con - borview Terrace. Replacement NYCHA staff at the start the pro - cluded, “You give beauty and we tribute to this unprecedented parking areas will be provided to gram. “It’s hard work,” he said. appreciate that.” period of affordable housing serve current residents of the “You put a lot of time in and I Also present were Vice-Chair - development initiated by Mayor complexes. know that many of you spend a lot man Earl Andrews, Jr. and Board Bloomberg,” said Chairman Her - “As the City’s population grows, of your own money to make these Member Margarita López, whom nandez. “The construction of these and the need for affordable hous - gardens as beautiful as they are.” the Mayor had recently appointed affordable units will enhance this ing increases, one thing that Mr. Spence also thanked the “Environmental Coordinator” to vibrant community while also cre - remains fixed is the supply of judges and the NYCHA Board, spearhead environmental initia - atively bringing NYCHA much- available land,” said HPD Com - without whose support, he said, tives at the Housing Authority. needed revenue, vital to the missioner Shaun Donovan. “This program would not be Seventy-six-year-old Marion preservation of public housing in “In an era where more New possible.” Dolphus of South Jamaica Houses New York City.” Yorkers are struggling to meet the Chairman Tino Hernandez in Queens wasn’t exactly sure how Two of the three sites where the rising cost of housing, we need to echoed Mr. Spence’s thanks and many times she’d won first place in construction will take place are take every opportunity we have to Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcott praise, telling the gardeners they the Citywide Vegetable category, currently parking lots for the Ful - make housing more affordable,” spoke at the Senior Benefit and are pioneers. “It looks like the but guessed that her win this year ton and Elliott-Chelsea complexes. (Continued on page 5) Entitlement Fair on October 4th. whole world is following the (Continued on page 5) PAGE 2 PAGE 3 PAGES 10 AND 11 NOVEMBER IS DIABETES NYCHA AWARDS SCHOLAR- SEE THIS YEAR’S CITYWIDE AWARENESS MONTH SHIPS TO CUNY STUDENTS GARDEN WINNERS THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 2 NOVEMBER 2007 MAYOR’S MESSAGE THE FACES OF NYCHA November Is National Diabetes Month Meet Chico Garcia, ‘The Messenger’ By Heidi Morales NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL DIA - NTONIO HICO ARCIA WAS BETES AWARENESS MONTH , A A “C ” G PATIENTLY WAITING OUTSIDE IN MONTH THAT IS ESPECIALLY SIG - FRONT OF ONE OF HIS MURALS AT NIFICANT FOR NEW YORKERS . Why? Because, unfortunately, a THE STRAUS PERFORMING ARTS report released by the City’s CENTER . He’s a pro at this. He’s Health Department shows that been interviewed so many times the diabetes epidemic is contin - that he no longer has to be per - uing to take a large and growing suaded to open up and tell his toll on New York City. Death story. His shy yet playful rates, debilitating complications, demeanor makes it easy to talk to and hospitalization costs con - him and he seems to keep his cre - tinue to soar. Some 500,000 New ative genius bottled up until he Yorker s— one out of eight finds the appro priate space to let adult s—have been diagnosed his thoughts and emotions run COMEDY AND TRAGEDY Chico Garcia got his start painting memo - with diabetes. Another 200,000 wil d—in his c ase it’s a white or rial walls on the Lower East Side. Here, he stands in front of a mural have diabetes but don’t yet know defaced wall. he painted of the dramatic masks at Straus Performing Arts Center it. The death rate from diabetes Antonio “Chico” Garcia is a for - on East 27th Street in Manhattan. rose by 71% between 1990 mer graffiti artist turned muralist. His work is dis played all over the and 2003. became a tradition in neighbor - eled around the world as an ambas - The report also exposes unacceptable disparities among neighbor - City, especially on the Lower East Side where he grew up and began hoods across the City. sador for this genre of art. He’s hoods and racial/ethnic groups. New Yorkers in East Harlem, Word got around and Chico was painted walls in Italy, Holland and Williamsburg, Bushwick and certain parts of the South Bronx are creating a name for himself. Numerous new spaper articles have being sought after from all over the Japan. Thanks to Chico, for more hospitalized for diabetes at ten times the rate of people living on the five boroughs and as far away as than a decade, memorial paintings Upper East Side. been written ab out him. He’s been profiled in Vogue ; he’s been refer - London where he created a memo - on the walls of abandoned build - Residents in the most affected areas also die from diabetes at seven rial wall in Piccadilly Circus com - ings, bodegas, empty lots and play - times the rate of New Yorkers in the least affected neighborhoods. enced in many books about urban culture and art; and his work has memorating the 20th anniversary grounds became solemn places for Among racial/ethnic groups, black New Yorkers have the highest of Jimi Hendrix’s death. He’s trav - death rate from diabetes, dying at three times the rate of white even appeared in big Hollywood (Continued on page 9) New Yorkers. flicks like “The Super” and “I Like To quote New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas R. It Like That.” He is called “The Frieden, “Tragically, [diabetes] is hurting our low-income communi - Messenger” on the streets of New ties much more than others. With good management, we can prevent York City. Here at NYCHA, since DIVORCE $250* devastating complications of diabetes, such as heart disease, blind - he’s one of our own, we just call * Plus Court Fees ness, leg amputations and kidney failure.” New Yorkers with diabetes him Chico. Discount for people receiving PA,SSI or SSD are now hospitalized at a rate nearly 80% higher than the Chico is a Community Associate • Spouses’ Signature Not Required! national rate. and “resident artist” for the New York City Housing Authority’s • Payment Plans Available! Department of Community Oper - Diabetes Management is Key We also offer People Search & Name Change ations. He is also a long-time pub - Many diabetes hospitalizations and deaths can be prevented by bet - lic housing resident. He grew up in Se Habla Español! (718)292-4235 ter management of the disease. People with diabetes can live long and Riis Houses and despite his 606 Melrose Ave 2nd Fl, Bronx, NY 10455 healthy lives if they carefully manage their blood sugar, blood pres - “celebrity” currently lives in www.1on1divorce.com sure and bad cholestero l— and quit smoking. To learn more, visit NYCHA’s Wald Houses. www.nyc.gov/health. Chico began working at NYCHA in 1979 as a seasonal Michael R. Bloomberg caretaker, all the while creating The Housing Authority masterpieces in his spare time. 73years of Public Housing “I’ve been working since then Journal in New York Ci ty doing outdoors, indoors, canvases, ceilings, kids’ rooms, backdrops.” In the late ’80s, Chico was the ESTABLISHED 1970 • CIRCULATION 200,000 first “aerosol artist” who created Published monthly by the New York City Housing Authority “memorial walls” on the Lower Department of Communications East Side to celebrate the lives of 250 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10007 Tel (212) 306-3322 • Fax (212) 577-1358 those who had passed, most due to nyc.gov/nycha street violence. He said the tragic death of a young girl touched him Michael R. Bloomberg ...... Mayor so deeply that he decided to paint a Tino Hernandez ...... Chairman memorial wall in her honor. Earl Andrews, Jr...... Vice -Chairman “A few days before [her death], Margarita López ...... Board Member Vilma Huertas ...... Secretary she approached me and said, Douglas Apple ...... General Manager ‘Chico can you do my bedroom Sheila Greene ...... Director, Department of Communications ceiling for me with clouds. I just Eileen Elliott ...... Editor want to wake up and feel like I’m Heidi Morales ...... Editor, Spanish Edition in heaven.’ That was two days Tischelle George ...... Online News Editor Allan Leicht ...... Staff Writer before she was killed. She was the Deborah Williams ...... Staff Writer first person [memorial] I painted.” Peter Mikoleski, Kevin Devoe ...... Photography Chico has also paid homage through spray paint to icons that If you are interested in placing an advertisement in the Journal , please call our marketing representatives in Marketing and Revenue Operations are beloved by the Latino commu - at (212) 306 -6616. The inclusion of any advertisement in this Journal nity of “Loisaida” like the Pope, does not constitute any endorsement by the Housing Authority of the salsa singer Celia Cruz and slain advertiser or its products or services or any other representation by the Tejano singer Selena. In no time at Housing Authority with respect to such products or services. all painting memorial walls THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2007 3

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE DEBORAH’S DIARY By Deborah Williams BOROUGH DIGEST Giving Thanks for Another Year The Bronx: Last month’s Journal Money for College — There’s no escaping the fact announced that Brooklyn was that college costs are rising and many students are ANOTHER YEAR IS NEARLY OVER the newest borough to join the finding themselves short of cash. But if you’re a AND THE NEW YORK CITY HOUS - Housing Authority’s Centralized New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) ING AUTHORITY (NYCHA) HAS Call Center (CCC) network. Now, resident there’s help on the way. In 2005, MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR . the last remaining borough, the NYCHA, in collaboration with the City Univer - NYCHA staff and residents have Bronx, is slated to go live by mid- sity of New York (CUNY), established a scholar - worked together to maintain the November. That means that ship program with donations made by production Housing Authority’s 343 public before the end of this year, all of companies that filmed motion pictures on NYCHA prop - housing developments through - NYCHA’s more than 400,000 erty. The NYCHA/CUNY Scholarship program awards $1000 schol - out the City in the best possible residents will be able to call a arships to qualifying NYCHA residents attending a CUNY college. condition for low- and moderate- single num (718) 707-7771, to “It’s a way to alleviate some of the financial burden associated with income New Yorkers; this is the schedule appointments for main - tuition costs,” said Chairman Tino Hernandez. In addition to the fund - core of NYCHA’s mission. We tenance visits and repairs. Lines ing from filming, additional generous donations have been made by have accomplished this despite the fact that funding from Washing - are open 24 hours a day, seven corporate, private and public sector donors. Teresa Mann, a former ton continues to fall far short of what is needed to cover NYCHA’s days a week, with Customer Ser - NYCHA employee, annually donates $1,800; JPMorgan Chase made operating expenses. vice Representatives ready to an inaugural donation of $1,000 in March 2007; and this year NYCHA We have also had some significant victories. As I mentioned in the help. Congratulations to made a commitment to donate $2,000 annually. September column, a broad coalition of supporters for public housing, NYCHA’s great staff for making On September 18, 2007 in the NYCHA Board Room, Chairman including elected officials, advocates and residents, came together to it happen. Tino Hernandez, Vice-Chairman Earl Andrews, Jr, Board Member send the message loud and clear that the State must share the responsi - Margarita López and CUNY Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs Gar - bility of ensuring NYCHA’s future. Governor Eliot Spitzer heard the Brooklyn: Coney Island Houses, rie Moore presented ten NYCHA residents with the $1,000 scholar - message and signed the Shelter Allowance bill into law, increasing the located at the birthplace of the ships. Kimberly Golden, a junior at York College majoring in business funds that NYCHA receives to cover rent for those residents on public famed American amusement administration and a resident of South Jamaica Houses, said that being assistance. Although this is by no means an answer to NYCHA’s finan - park, celebrated its 50th a recipient of the scholarship “is more than an accomplishment,” that it cial challenges, passage of the bill means up to $47 million in addi - Anniversary this year. In a procla - gives her a “sense of worth.” Kimberly said she wouldn’t have been tional funding for the Housing Authority once it is fully phased in. The mation presented to the devel - able to buy her books or attend the winter session had it not been for additional money will allow NYCHA to hire critical development- opment, Mayor Michael R. the scholarship. She also said that winning the scholarship put every - based staff who most directly affect the quality of life of residents. Bloomberg called the anniver - thing into perspective and made her struggle raising two boys, attend - Over the past year, NYCHA has continued to successfully implement sary “a testament to the quality ing college full-time, and working a full-time job all worthwhile. a number of “smart technology” initiatives to bring residents the best of NYCHA developments in all Kit Hing Lam, a resident of Lillian Wald Houses attending Hunter and most efficient service available. Foremost among our successes in parts of our City.” The original College, said she has never won anything before and considers it an this area has been the Centralized Call Center (CCC). As I’m sure most Coney Island Houses, completed honor to have been chosen as a scholarship winner. Kit doesn’t see of you know, the CCC allows residents to call a single telephone num - in 1957, had 534 apartments. herself as a trendsetter but said she hopes to start a trend for other ber: (718) 707-7771, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to schedule all Three additional buildings were Asian-American residents to apply not only for the NYCHA/CUNY maintenance repairs. NYCHA Customer Service Representatives sched - constructed in the early 1970s. Scholarship but other NYCHA opportunities. ule appointments at residents’ convenience, and follow up to make sure Today, over 3,400 New Yorkers To qualify, you must be a resident of NYCHA and a sophomore, the work was completed satisfactorily. Brooklyn came on board this make their homes at this sea - junior or senior attending a CUNY college with a Grade Point Average year, joining , Queens and Manhattan. Before the year is side development. of 3.0 or higher, majoring in broadcasting, business, dance, drama, fash - over, the CCC will also be fully operational in the Bronx. ion, film, fine or performing arts, journalism, literature, market - Other technologies that are improving service and saving money ing/merchandising, music, photography, public affairs, or public include the Computerized Heating Automated System (CHAS), which administration. So, if you need money for college, and can demonstrate allows development managers and staff to remotely monitor heating that need, do what these winners did — stop by your college financial systems so that problems can be averted. aid office and inquire about the NYCHA/CUNY Scholarship program. In 2006, I announced the “Plan To Preserve Public Housing,” which Visit NYCHA’s website at nyc.gov/nycha and click on Residents’ Cor - incorporates the accomplishments mentioned above. We have worked ner. hard to turn the various elements of the plan into reality. Though we CUNY Vice-Chancellor Garrie W. Moore congratulated the win - have been successful in some respects, we are still working on others. ners saying, “This scholarship is a token of recognition for your hard For example, NYCHA is currently working with the U.S. Department work and scholastic achievement.” of Housing and Urban Development to transition 8,400 units of public Congratulations to you all! Winning this scholarship means you housing into the Section 8 program to preserve the 21 City and State- built developments which do not receive a federal subsidy. In addition, NYCHA will continue its efforts to prevent further erosion of our finan - cial stability by pursing legislative action in Washington and Albany. Because this is the last issue of the NYCHA Journal this year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you, staff and resi - dents alike, for working together to make public housing in New York City what it is today. With your help, the Housing Authority will con - (left to right) Brooklyn Borough tinue its tradition of excellence into the New Year. Please accept my Deputy Director Marie best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving, as well as the rest of the Hershkowitz, Borough Director upcoming holidays. Marguerite Mann, Deputy General Manager Robert Tino Hernandez Podmore and Coney Island Houses Resident Association President Rosia Wyche with Mayoral proclamation com - Front Row (left to right): CUNY scholarship winners Kit Hing Lam of memorating the development’s Lillian Wald Houses, Vanessa Paula of Stanley Isaacs Houses, 50th anniversary. Johanna Sierra of Unity Plaza, Kimberly Golden of South Jamaica Houses and Racquel Redman of Bronxdale Houses. Back Row (left Manhattan: Thanks to a new to right): NYCHA Vice-Chairman Earl Andrews, Jr., scholarship winner pilot program made possible by Katherine Shimanovsky of Vladeck Houses, Board Member Mar - a collaboration between the U.S. garita López, Chairman Tino Hernandez, CUNY Vice-Chancellor Gar - Department of Housing and rie W. Moore and Director of Student Advocacy Roberta Nord. Other Urban Development (HUD), the winners this year, not shown here are: Joshua Buckins of Ocean Washington National Opera, the Bay Houses, Christine Camacho of St. Mary’s Park, Paul Ritten - New York City Opera and the house of Nostrand Houses and Jolisa Robinson of Queensbridge. (Continued on page 6) THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 4 NOVEMBER 2007 THE CHIEF’S CORNER THE NYCHA NOT WANTED LIST In this issue we continue our editorial policy of publishing the names of individuals who have been permanently excluded from our public HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS housing developments. This list is part of NYCHA’s effort to keep res - idents informed of the Housing Authority’s ongoing effort to improve With the holiday season upon us, most people are preoccupied the quality of life for all New Yorkers in public housing and to allow with the details of holiday planning and shopping. Unfortunately, for the peaceful and safe use of our facilities. Here follows a list of the safety precautions we normally take can be forgotten as the the people excluded after hearings were held on May 17 and June 7, excitement of the season causes us to let our guard down. The 14, 21, and 28, and July 5, 2006. Please note: These exclusions are NYPD wants this to be a safe holiday season for all, so we remind based on NYCHA’s Administrative Hearing Process and should you to follow these simple tips. Enjoy the City and the season! not be confused with the Trespass Notice Program under Mayor — Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Criminals Bloomberg’s Operation Safe Housing Initiative. often target people who are distracted. — Whether driving, walking or taking public transportation, plan the trip in advance. Know how to get to your destination by the most REMEMBER, direct and safest route. IF YOU SEE ANY OF THESE INDIVIDUALS ON — If possible, stay in designated waiting areas or in view of the sta - Housing Bureau Police Chief HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTY, PLEASE CALL tion booth clerk while awaiting your train. Never walk or stand Joanne Jaffe YOUR MANAGEMENT OFFICE OR NYCHA’S near the edge of the subway platform. SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT AT (212) 306-8595. — Travel on populated, well lit streets. If possible, travel with a friend. — When driving, keep your doors locked and the windows closed. Make sure the gas tank is full. Maintain your car in good working order to avoid breakdowns. Prohibited as of May 17, 2006 Edwin Rodriguez Case 2922/06 formerly associated with the — Always lock your car. Before getting into your car, check the back seat to make sure no one is hid - twenty-sixth floor of 3125 Park Avenue, ing there. Morrisania Air Rights Houses, the Bronx. — Avoid leaving valuables in your car. Whenever possible, place items out of sight in the trunk of your vehicle prior to reaching your destination. Never leave packages in the passenger compartment Colin Werts Case 3025/06 formerly associated with the third floor unattended. of 23-02 34th Street, Ravenswood Houses, Long Island City. — Plan your purchases in advance and carry only the amount of cash or number of credit cards nec - essary to make the purchase. If you must carry a large sum of money, divide the cash between your Darrell Rice Case 208/03 formerly associated with the third floor of 291 East 143rd Street, Patterson Houses, the Bronx. purse, pockets and wallet. Kawan Mack Case 3102/06 formerly associated with the fourth — Cancel credit cards you don’t use and keep a record of the account numbers for each credit card floor of 1570 East 102nd Street, Bayview Houses, you possess. This will facilitate reporting the theft or loss of the cards. Brooklyn. — Carry your purse close to your body. Place one end of the purse in the palm of your hand and the Prohibited as of June 7, 2006 other in the bend of your elbow. Never wrap the strap around your body. — If you are carrying a wallet, carry it in the breast pocket of your jacket or in your side pants pocket. Kwane Dower Case 3651/06 formerly associated with the Jamal Dower fourth floor of 3042 Avenue V, Nostrand Houses, The rear pants pocket is the easiest to pick. Brooklyn. — When in a restaurant, don’t leave your handbag over the back of your chair or on the floor. Sharif McMillian Case 6657/06 formerly associated with the — Don’t leave belongings unattended. Sharif McMillan fourth floor of 117 West 144th Street, — Don’t wait until you have reached your front door to look for your keys. Have them ready in your Frederick E. Samuel Houses, Manhattan. hand. If a stranger is standing near your door, it may be a good idea not to go in until the situation Michael Johnson Case 3693/06 formerly associated with the third floor feels safer. of 545 Dumont Avenue, Unity Plaza Houses, — Lock your front door immediately upon entering your home. Brooklyn. — If you live in an apartment building, don’t buzz in someone who rings your bell until you have veri - Anwar Amari Case 3483/06 formerly associated with the fourth fied who they are. This will help protect both you and your neighbors. floor of 360 Williams Avenue, Unity Plaza Houses, Brooklyn. — If you have elderly family members or neighbors, please remember to check in on them. — Remind children to be wary of strangers, including those on the Internet. Kervin Cameron Case 3736/06 formerly associated with the second floor of 521 East 146th Street, Betances Houses, — Be wary of con artists. Con artists use a number of ploys to trick you and steal your property. the Bronx. Some divert your attention while another picks your pocket; some pose as utility workers or as a trades person to gain access to the inside of your home, while others conduct scams that are Prohibited as of June 14, 2006 more elaborate involving several con artists. Darrell Lester Case 5316/03 formerly associated with the fourth floor of 264 West 10th Avenue, — Be wary of telephone and e-mail solicitations asking for personal information about your accounts, Elliott-Chelsea Houses, Manhattan. passwords or social security number. Gregory Parker Case 3849/06 formerly associated with the first floor — As a consumer you should avoid illegal vendors selling goods on the street. Purchase merchandise of 3-06 Astoria Boulevard, Astoria Houses, only from licensed vendors or reputable stores. Follow your instincts. Remember, “If it seems too Long Island City. good to be true, it probably is.” Kaheem Asep Case 10636/04 formerly associated with the seventh floor of 77 Hill Street, Stapleton Houses, PLEASE BE RESPONSIBLE, DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE! Staten Island. In case of emergency, dial 911 Anthony Davis Case 5721/02 formerly associated with the (Non-emergency, dial 311) Anthony Thompson eleventh floor of 1840 Lexington Avenue, Johnson Houses, Manhattan. Help us fight terrorism. Report suspicious activity to the Ishmel Morgan Case 3936/06 formerly associated with the first floor of 1805 Bruckner Boulevard, Bronxdale Houses, COUNTER TERRORISM HOTLINE: the Bronx. 1-888-NYC-SAFE (1-888-692-7233) Prohibited as of June 21, 2006 Laquantes Bluett Case 3979/06 formerly associated with the first floor of 434 East 105th Street, East River Houses, Manhattan. Medicare Part D Open Enrollment Period Reminder Gary Dickens Case 4058/06 formerly associated with the sixth floor of 2140 Seward Avenue, Castle Hill Houses, Seniors with Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Benefit) can switch their Prescription Drug Plans the Bronx. from November 15th until December 31st. If you choose to switch, it is recommended that you do so Geraldo Decarmen Case 4028/06 formerly associated with the before December 8th to ensure that you will receive the prescriptions you need on January 1st. Seniors second floor of 120 Humboldt Street, Borinquen not enrolled in Medicare Part D may enroll during this annual “Open Enrollment Period.” For more Plaza, Brooklyn. information and answers to questions on Medicare, call 1-800-633-4227. This service is available Rafael Roman Case 4063/06 formerly associated with the 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Say “Agent” to speak to a live person. Byron Nevels fourth floor of 1726 Richmond Road, Berry Houses, Staten Island. If you were unable to attend our Senior Benefit & Entitlement Fair on October 4th, Robert Basora Case 4087/06 formerly associated with the tenth floor you may request a copy of the Program Brochure containing contact information on of 375 Blake Avenue, Van Dyke Houses, Brooklyn. all participating agencies. Call the following number at any time: (212) 306-8443. (Continued on page 7) THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2007 5 Notice of HUD Inspections Mayor Appoints Margarita López AFFORDABLE HOUSING Dear Residents: as NYC Housing Authority’s (Continued from page 1) The United States Department of Housing and Environmental Coordinator Urban Development (HUD) will be conducting a physical inspection of NYCHA Federal developments MAYOR MICHAEL R. B LOOMBERG JOINED NEW YORK CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY (NYCHA) C HAIRMAN TINO HERNANDEZ ON SEPTEMBER within the next few weeks (State and City develop - 24 TH TO ANNOUNCE THE APPOINTMENT OF NYCHA B OARD MEMBER ments will not be included). The system that HUD MARGARITA LÓPEZ AS THE HOUSING AUTHORITY ’S ENVIRONMENTAL developed for these inspections is called the Public COORDINATOR . Housing Assessment System (PHAS). As part of this In her expanded role, Commis - achieving our efforts to reduce process, a certain number of residents’ apartments sioner López will guide NYCHA in greenhouse gas emissions,” said will be inspected. setting aggressive goals to reduce Mayor Bloomberg. “With her ded - greenhouse gas emissions while ication and intelligence, I can think You can assist us by reviewing saving energy and providing more of no better person than Margarita the following items: efficient service. These new initia - to lead NYCHA in this important tives will further advance Pla NYC , effort.” the City’s strategy to reduce green - Commissioner López will lead a Electricity house gas emissions and make New NYCHA team that will develop — Your circuit breaker or fuse panel should not have York a greener, healthier, safer city and implement a series of environ - any missing breakers or fuses. (You should not see by the year 2030. mental programs aimed at making “With 2,653 residential build - NYCHA a leader in green initia - any of the wiring or parts inside the breaker or fuse Rendering by Artimus Construc - panel.) ings across the City, the Housing tives for public housing agencies Authority can play a vital role in across the country. tion included in the initial pro - — All light switches and outlets should operate properly posal of the apartments slated and have cover plates over them. to be built at Elliott-Chelsea — In apartments with Call for Aide units, switches and Houses in Chelsea. pull cords should operate properly with pull cord Annual Garden Awards (Continued from page 1) hanging down. said Council Speaker Christine C. — Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) outlets should test brought the number to 10 or 11. “I am so blessed and happy,” said Ms. Quinn. “With the majority of these properly when pushing the Test button. Dolphus before the start of the ceremony. “Everybody comes from all units remaining permanently over to look at my garden.” Among the vegetables in this fantastic urban Smoke Detectors/Carbon Monoxide Detectors affordable, we will help more peo - oasis are okra, sweet potatoes, eggplant, lima beans, string beans, and ple climb the economic ladder for — Detectors should be installed. There should not be cabbage. decades to come.“ The Council empty brackets with missing detectors. Benny Diaz of Patterson Houses in the Bronx, together with his broth - speaker thanked Chairman Her - — Detectors should test properly (beep) when the Test ers-in-law, Jorge Rivera and Juan Lozada, tied for first place in the City - nandez for his ongoing dedication button is pressed. wide Flower category with their Rain Forest Garden. Mr. Diaz said he to the modernization and preserva - and his brothers-in-law took the garden over after his mother became ill. tion of public housing. Stove/Oven And how did they feel when they found out they’d tied for first place? The winning proposal from — Check each burner. Each burner should light individ - “Oh my God, we were delighted,” Mr. Diaz said. “My mother lived for Atlantic Development Group, LLC ually by turning the knob. The oven should work. that garden so we created it for her. We put a lot of effort into it; a lot of and Metropolitan Council on Jew - love.” ish Poverty (Met Council) will Refrigerator After accepting the trophy, Mr. Diaz dedicated the garden to his mother provide a total of 259 units in two — The refrigerator door should close all the way. Door and expressed his thanks to the Housing Authority and the grounds crew buildings for the Harborview Ter - gaskets should not be cracked or broken. Lights at his development. “They gave us whatever we needed,” he said. “We race site, including a 113-unit love you!” should work. building for seniors with income For a complete list of all of the garden winners, as well as photos of the up to 80% AMI ($39,700 for one Doors winning Citywide gardens, turn to pages 10 and 11 of this Journal . person and $45,350 for a two-per - — Bathrooms, Bedrooms and Closet s– Doors should son household); and a 146-unit close and latch properly. Door knobs and latches mixed-income building containing 48 units for households with should be in good working order. Doors should be incomes between 80% and 165% free of holes or damage. of AMI ($56,700 to $117,000 for a Windows family of four) and 98 units to be rented at market rates. Met Coun - — Windows should work properly, staying up when cil will be involved in marketing opened. Window glass should not be cracked or broken. and managing of the senior build - Faucets ing as well as providing supportive services for senior residents. — Faucets and their parts should not leak when either All of the units at the Fulton on or off. You should have rubber stoppers for the Houses and Elliott-Chelsea com - sinks and tub. plex will be permanently afford - able to families of four earning Exterminator between $56,700 and $117,000 or — You should not have any type of infestation condition. to single households earning between $39,700 and $81,900. If any of the above items are not in good order, contact This new housing will be the your Management Office if you live in the Bronx or a product of an ongoing collabora - NYCHA development managed by a private management tion between NYCHA and HPD, company. If you live in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens or where underutilized NYCHA sites are being identified for the expan - Staten Island, call the Call Center at (718) 707-7771 to sion of affordable housing in the schedule an appointment to have those items repaired. City. This initiative plays a key role Thank you in advance for your continued cooperation. in the Mayor’s $7.5 billion New Housing Marketplace Plan, which CITYWIDE FLOWER WINNERS Juan Lozada (left) and Benny Diaz will provide housing for 500,000 (right) pose with their trophy surrounded by NYCHA Board and staff. New Yorkers over ten years. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 6 NOVEMBER 2007 BENEFIT FAIR BOROUGH DIGEST Succoth Celebration in Brooklyn (Continued from page 1) (Continued from page 3) notable because of the number NEW YORK CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY of health screenings available on New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) C HAIRMAN TINO HERNAN - the spot for diseases such as: (NYCHA), 70 young NYCHA resi - DEZ JOINED ELECTED OFFICIALS , STAFF , high blood pressure, diabetes, dents enjoyed a live simulcast of AND RESIDENTS OF WILLIAMS PLAZA , glaucoma, Hepatitis C and the Washington National Opera’s INDEPENDENCE TOWERS AND TAYLOR - prostate and foot problems. performance of Giacomo Puc - WYTHE HOUSES IN THE WILLIAMS - There were even free flu shots. cini’s “La Bohème” on Sunday, BURG SECTION OF BROOKLYN ON “The theme for today’s fair is September 23rd, at the Rutgers OCTOBER 1ST FOR THE ANNUAL SUC - ‘Taking Charge Of Your Health,’ Community Center on Manhat - COTH HOLIDAY CELEBRATION . Also tan’s Lower East Side. The pro - said NYCHA’s Resident Support known as Feast of the Taberna - gram was designed to spark an Services Director Richard cles, or Feast of the Booths, interest in careers in opera and Greene, speaking to the 1,200 Succoth commemorates the the arts for young public housing seniors gathered in the enor - years the Jewish people spent residents. Residents also mous outdoor skating rink at the in the desert on their way to attended workshops before and start of the program. “Today, Canaan, the Promised Land, after the simulcast, led by teach - we’re going to work with you to now Israel. ing artists from the New York try to accomplish this task.” Mr. The succah is an open air City Opera. The workshop before Greene thanked the NYCHA structure with a roof of the simulcast focused on the Board for their support, as well branches and leaves. Its use is love story and the workshop as a long list of sponsors whose set down in the Hebrew Bible, after the simulcast focused on contributions covered the entire “You shall dwell in booths seven internship and apprenticeship FESTIVAL OF BOOTHS Chairman Tino Hernandez (Center) with cost of the fair. days, that your generation shall opportunities offered by opera Williams Plaza Resident Association President Michael Babad (right) “What a great crowd,” said know I made the children of companies. The opera was per - and Taylor-Wythe Resident Association President Sheldon Klein. NYCHA Chairman Tino Hernan - Israel to dwell in booths when I formed in Italian with English Below, explaining the meaning of the ritual citron fruit and the palm, dez. “One third of our house - brought them out of the land subtitles. myrtle and willow branches. holds are headed by seniors. We of Egypt.” think it’s important to provide NYCHA Chairman Tino Her - well as emphasizing the values you with services.” Queens: The “Stop the Violence” nandez extended his greetings of the holiday. Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcott basketball tournament started to the crowd gathered together Speakers included Assembly brought greetings from Mayor up again the last weekend in in a succah at Williams Plaza. Member Joseph R. Lentol, a rep - Michael R. Bloomberg and vowed September at the Hammel “The sense of community here resentative for State Senator that the City would preserve and Houses Community Center in serves as a model not only for Martin Connor, and Congress expand senior services. the Rockaways. Sixteen teams NYCHA communities, but for Member Edolphus Towns. The Deputy Mayor was followed from Queens and four from communities everywhere,” the “We broke bread, ate, by Department for the Aging Brooklyn, with a total of 240 Chairman said. explained the meaning of Suc - Commissioner Edwin Méndez- youngsters aged 8 to 14, are Many speakers talked about coth,” said Williams Plaza Resi - Santiago, whom the Chairman competing. This collaboration the strong sense of community dent Association President introduced as a “tremendous with the NYPD requires each and cooperation between resi - Michael Babad, who hosted the leader.” DFTA operates over team to participate in a work - dents in the area and the devel - event. “It was a very pleasant, 100 senior centers on NYCHA shop on gangs, drugs, and vio - opments’ management staff, as very relaxing atmosphere.” property, and collaborates with lence prevention. The 100th the Authority on senior housing Precinct monitors the tourna - initiatives. ment and a Youth Officer con - Other speakers included City ducts the workshops. The Council Member Robert Jackson, tournament will run until the Dr. Nilsa Gutierrez from the Cen - beginning of December. ters for Medicare and Medicaid, and President & CEO of North River Community Environmental Review Board Ann Rocker. But it was Rachael Gordon, from the New York State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preserva - tion, who best expressed the objective of the fair, with a quote from Abraham Lincoln: “In the end it’s not the years in your life that count, it’s the life in your years.”

Staten Island: On October 2nd, Council Member James Oddo held a press conference at Berry Houses to announce that his office has secured $1.6 million for the installation of small scale Closed Circuit TVs (CCTVs) at Berry and South Beach Houses. Wiring is currently being done at Berry Houses for installation of cameras in the lobbies, eleva - tors and building entrances. The first phase of camera installation will be completed this month. A senior has her blood pressure Work at South Beach Houses taken at the Benefit Fair. will begin in December. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2007 7

NOT WANTED NEW YORK THE NYCHA LIST (Continued from page 4) CITY HOUSING Danny Molban Case 5746/06 formerly associated with the AUTHORITY eighth floor of 735 East 163rd Street, Forest Houses, the Bronx. Board Meeting Glen Bowman, Sr. Case 4132/06 formerly associated with the Schedule Anthony Rodriguez twelfth floor of 1125 University Avenue, Highbridge Gardens Houses, the Bronx. Notice is hereby given that the New York City Prohibited as of June 28, 2006 Housing Authority’s Jermel Broadhurst Case 232/03 formerly associated with the seventh Board Meetings take floor of 50 Debevoise Avenue, Cooper Park Houses, Brooklyn. place every other James Felton Case 4259/06 formerly associated with the Wednesday at twelfth floor of 1145 University Avenue, 10:00 A.M. in the Highbridge Gardens, the Bronx. Board Room on the Victor Rivera Case 4418/06 formerly associated with the 12th Floor of eleventh floor of 423 Baltic Street, Gowanus Houses, 250 Broadway, New York, Brooklyn. NY. The remaining Prohibited as of July 5, 2006 schedule for Calendar Kevin Fisher Case 4305/06 formerly associated with the ninth floor Year 2007 is as follows, of 405 East 105th Street, Wilson Houses, Manhattan. unless otherwise noted: Davina Johnson Case 4309/06 formerly associated with the second November 14, 2007 floor of 70 Lenox Avenue, King Towers, Manhattan. Ali Fray Case 4337/06 formerly associated with the third floor November 28, 2007 of 241 Hoyt Street, Gowanus Houses, Brooklyn. December 12, 2007 Jaquan Vaughn Case 4435/06 formerly associated with the tenth floor of 505 East 120th Street, Wagner Houses, Manhattan. December 26, 2007 Javier Landin Case 4493/06 formerly associated with the twelfth PARKING SPACES Jose Landin floor of 293 Eighth Avenue, Polo Grounds Towers, Any changes to the Manhattan. AVAILABLE ON NYCHA above mentioned sched - Tyrone Castes Case 4302/06 formerly associated with the third floor ule will be posted on the Walter Johnson of 4030 Laconia Avenue, Edenwald Houses, PROPERTY. CONTACT NYCHA website at Jamel Castes the Bronx. nyc.gov/nycha and in Walter Cates DEVELOPMENT the NYCHA Journal to Rashwan Sharp Case 4644/06 formerly associated with the tenth floor the extent practicable of 162 Troy Avenue, Albany Houses, Brooklyn. MANAGEMENT OFFICE at a reasonable time Desmond Edwards Case 4647/06 formerly associated with the sixth floor before the meeting. of 1372 Washington Avenue, Morris Houses, FOR DETAILS. the Bronx. 33274_0 T R M

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CHICO GARCIA, ‘THE MESSENGER’ (Continued from page 2) prayers, vigils and congregation for walls for families and communi - communities everywhere. ties that have lost a loved one and By 1991 Chico’s name was well look to Chico to immortalize their known in what many would con - spirit with aerosol images. sider a tight “underground” art He has taken part in countless world but he wanted to take his neighborhood beautification pro - skills to the next level and in the jects, including an inviting mural process acquire the all-around in front of “La Bodega de la recognition that he now enjoys. Familia,” a non-profit organization, (You really can’t walk ten steps in and last month he lended an artistic “Loisaida” without people stop - hand to give the Manhattan School ping to hug him, shake his hand or for Career Development in the Children under the age of 19 call out his name from across the East Village a much needed color - street.) Chico decided to leave ful and imaginative face-lift. Truly, NYCHA to travel and dedicate his work seems to be displayed in himself full-time to his art. every nook and cranny of the Lower East Side. The Rise of ‘The Messenger’ On average it costs Chico any - Adults ages 19–64 Chico remembers being seven where from $100 to $300 in mate - years old and scratching up the rials to create one of his walls in his house. “During math masterpieces. “It takes me any - class I would sketch the teacher, where from six to eight hours [to how she talked, how she moved. paint a mural]. If I really want to That’s really when I realized there impress you then I take about two was something ‘wrong’ with me,” days,” he said. he said in between chuckles. “I had Chico strives to convey anti-drug to pursue it.” and anti-violence messages in his Chico proudly stated that he murals, which he foots the bill for; 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) taught himself how to draw and but he’s sought after for commer - or 1-800-505-5678 for New York Medicaid CHOICE paint. “I would go home and cial work too. From time to time sketch how I felt, especially if we business owners hire him to create Proof of age, income and address necessary to enroll. had family problems. I would look big, colorful murals or advertise - at magazines and try to learn how ments in front of their establish - of an obstacle for Chico. It’s got - mind he puts it through my hands to the next level; some of these to do shadows to bring a picture ments. Hey, everyone’s got to eat, ten harder for him to find a “can - and I’m able to create it.” kids are getting arrested every day. alive. I trained my own hands.” It right? But although tough eco - vas” to work on. He says at times Chico said he came back to They need someone they can look was in the seventh grade when a nomic times have pushed Chico to he has to pay the landlords to put NYCHA because he wanted to up to, somebody to show them the former teacher asked him to create create “commercial art,” he tries to up his work. continue to give back. “There are way and work with them.” his very first mura l— a picture of stay away from that type of work. “I don’t do this to get recog - a lot of kids out there that can ben - In the meantime, the 44-year-old the Wright brothers and several “[The walls] are for the commu - nized. I do it to bring a message efit from my work.” Chico dreams Chico will be preparing for a show airplanes on the walls of P.S. 134’s nity. It’s like a message wall.” out, to leave a message in the com - of one day teaching youth on a reg - in January 2008 where he will dis - auditorium. Who knows, it might The influx of trendy businesses munity. This talent that I have is ular basis. “I want to have a pro - play his artwork and celebrate his still be there! like boutiques and bars, higher what God gave me. I’m not a gram where I can teach kids how 30 year career. “I’m a true artist. I Overall, Chico has painted about earning residents and market rate musician or a computer expert, all to do murals so we can go around believe in what I do and I love 8,000 murals in his lifetime, apartment complexes on the Lower I know is how to use my hands and the neighborhoods and beautify what I do. I do it all for the love of including over 1,000 memorial East Side have created something my eyes. Whatever God puts in my the City. I want to take these kids art and my community.” THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 10 NOVEMBER 2007 2007 GARDEN & GREENING COMPETITION AWARDS CITYWIDE WINNERS: FLOWER: Rain Forest Garden, Patterson Houses, Bronx FLOWER: 911 Memorial Garden, Vladeck Houses, Manhattan VEGETABLE: Garden of Venus, South Jamaica Houses, Queens CHILDREN’S/THEME: Grannie Bloomers Garden, Astoria Houses, Queens

BRONX FLOWER GARDEN WINNERS: 2nd Prize: Sunshine Vegetable Garden, Wyckoff Gardens 1st Prize: In Memory of Pipon Garden, Union Ave. Consolidation 3rd Prize: The Cabbage Patch Garden, Walt Whitman Houses 2nd Prize: Love & Peace Garden #1, Boston Secor Houses 3rd Prize: Rodriguez & McKay’s Sunrise Garden, Patterson Houses WEST BROOKLYN CHILDREN’S/THEME GARDEN WINNERS: 1st Prize: Butterfly Garden, Sumner Houses BRONX VEGETABLE GARDEN WINNERS: 1st Prize: Union Avenue Vegetable Garden, EAST BROOKLYN FLOWER GARDEN WINNERS: Union Avenue Consolidation 1st Prize: Puerto Rican Dreams Garden, Hope Gardens 2nd Prize: 402 Union Garden Consolidation, 2nd Prize: Mayda’s Children’s Garden of Peace, Boulevard Houses Union Avenue Consolidation 3rd Prize: Lea’s Garden Bello Amanecer, Hope Gardens Honorable Mention: Circle of Life Garden, Boulevard Houses BRONX CHILDREN’S/THEME GARDEN WINNERS: Honorable Mention: Unique One’s Garden, Saratoga Square 1st Prize: Liberty Garden, Throggs Neck Houses 2nd Prize: Nana’s Tranquility Garden, Union Avenue Consolidation EAST BROOKLYN VEGETABLE GARDEN WINNERS: 3rd Prize: Garden of Paradise, Bronx River Houses 1st Prize: The Mini Plantation, Louis H. Pink Houses Honorable Mention: Butterfly Garden, Parkside Community Center 2nd Prize: Green Thumb Garden, Louis H. Pink Houses 3rd Prize: Bountiful Garden, Tilden Houses MANHATTAN FLOWER GARDEN WINNERS: Honorable Mention: T.S. Swinton’s Garden, Hope Gardens 1st Prize: Garden of Unity, Straus Houses 2nd Prize: Heavenly Scent Serenity Garden, Isaacs Houses EAST BROOKLYN CHILDREN’S/THEME WINNERS: 3rd Prize: Tenant’s Garden, Wald Houses 1st Prize: Rosas y Tulipanes de la Milagrosa, Hope Gardens

MANHATTAN VEGETABLE GARDEN WINNERS: QUEENS FLOWER GARDEN WINNERS: 1st Prize: Troche’s Garden, Wald Houses 1st Prize: Garden of Zodiac, South Jamaica Houses 2nd Prize: Polo Grounds Senior Center Garden, 2nd Prize: Georgia Breaker’s Tabernacle Flower Garden, Polo Grounds Senior Center South Jamaica Houses 3rd Prize: Flower Garden of Love & Peace, South Jamaica Houses MANHATTAN CHILDREN’S/THEME GARDEN WINNERS: Honorable Mention: Happy Acres Garden, Conlon-Lihfe Towers 1st Prize: Tenant Garden, Wald Houses QUEENS VEGETABLE GARDEN WINNERS: SOUTH BROOKLYN FLOWER GARDEN WINNERS: 1st Prize: Hawaiian Kitchen Garden, South Jamaica Houses 1st Prize: Renew Your Spirit Garden, Sheepshead-Nostrand Houses 2nd Prize: Garden of Joy, South Jamaica Houses 2nd Prize: Shining Light Garden, Sheepshead-Nostrand Houses 3rd Prize: I Did It! Garden, South Jamaica Houses 3rd Prize: Beach Front Garden #1, Coney Island Houses Honorable Mention: Garden of Eat’n, South Jamaica Houses

SOUTH BROOKLYN VEGETABLE GARDEN WINNERS: QUEENS CHILDREN’S/THEME GARDEN WINNERS: 1st Prize: Bayview Vegetable Garden, Bayview Houses 1st Prize: Garden by the Sea 1, Ocean Bay Apartments 2nd Prize: Green House Garden, Marlboro Houses 3rd Prize: Minnie’s Vegetable Garden, Marlboro Houses STATEN ISLAND FLOWER GARDEN WINNERS: Honorable Mention: Barbara & Minnie’s Vegetable Garden, 1st Prize: Green Thumb #1 Garden, Mariner’s Harbor Marlboro Houses 2nd Prize: A Gift of Beauty Garden, New Lane Shores 3rd Prize: The Garden of Happiness, New Lane Shores SOUTH BROOKLYN CHILDREN’S/THEME GARDEN WINNERS: Honorable Mention: Venus, Isis, & Taurus’ Garden, 1st Prize: Beauty at the Bay Garden, Sheepshead-Nostrand Houses Berry Houses 2nd Prize: Flowers of Faith Garden, Sheepshead-Nostrand Houses 3rd Prize: Sugar Plum Garden, Red Hook East Houses STATEN ISLAND VEGETABLE GARDEN WINNERS: 1st Prize: Dina’s Garden, Berry Houses WEST BROOKLYN FLOWER GARDEN WINNERS: 2nd Prize: Charlie’s Place Garden, New Lane Shores 1st Prize: Sweet Success Gardeners, Louis Armstrong Houses 3rd Prize: Little Italy Garden, Berry Houses 2nd Prize: Gowanus’ Garden, Gowanus Houses Honorable Mention: Veggie Heaven Garden, New Lane Shores 3rd Prize: Sunshine Garden, 572-574 Warren Street/Wyckoff Gardens Honorable Mention: Naya & Kelis’ Garden, Gowanus Houses STATEN ISLAND CHILDREN’S/THEME GARDEN WINNERS: 1st Prize: Children’s Place 218 Garden, Stapleton Houses WEST BROOKLYN VEGETABLE GARDEN WINNERS: 2nd Prize: Our Secret Garden, Stapleton Community Center 1st Prize: Bengie’s Vegetable Garden, Sumner Houses THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2007 11

Citywide Flower Winner

9/11 Memorial Garden

Vladeck Houses, Manhattan

Citywide Flower Winner

Rain Forest Garden

Patterson Houses, the Bronx

Citywide Vegetable Winner

Garden of Venus

South Jamaica Houses, Queens Citywide Children’s Theme Winner

Grannie Bloomers Garden

Astoria Houses, Queens