First-Class U.S. Postage Paid , NY Permit No. 4119

Vol. 38, No. 1 www.nyc.gov/nycha DECEMBER 2007/JANUARY 2008 Stipend for State Developments’ Tenant Patrol Volunteers By Eileen Elliott

THANKS TO A $1.5 MILLION STATE ALLOCATION SECURED BY ASSEMBLY SPEAKER SHELDON SILVER AND ASSEMBLY HOUSING COMMITTEE CHAIR VITO LOPEZ, RESIDENTS OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S (NYCHA’S) 15 STATE- CONSTRUCTED DEVELOPMENTS ARE NOW ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A MONTHLY STIPEND OF $45 FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE TENANT PATROL PROGRAM, OR VOLUNTEERING AT SENIOR AND COMMUNITY CENTERS FOR A MINIMUM OF TEN HOURS EACH MONTH. On December 4th, NYCHA Governor Eliot Spitzer. The new Chairman Tino Hernandez joined Shelter Allowance Law raises Speaker Silver and Assemblyman the subsidy NYCHA receives for Lopez, State Senator Martin residents on public assistance so Connor, Assemblyman Brian that it is equal to that received by Kavanagh, Housing Bureau private landlords. Police Chief Joanne Jaffe and “The goal of the program is resident leaders and tenant very simple,” said Speaker LEADING THE WAY (left to right) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) patrol supervisors from the Silver, “to keep residents safe. Secretary Alphonso Jackson, NYCHA Chairman Tino Hernandez, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and 15 developments at Rutgers While law enforcement in the former President Bill Clinton at the Eastchester Community Center in the Bronx announce a Houses on ’s Lower City has done a remarkable job partnership between NYCHA, the Clinton Climate Initiative and HUD that will allow NYCHA to East Side to announce the reducing crime, the police can’t become a leader in “green” initiatives among housing authorities nationwide. “Public Housing Community be in all places at all times. Improvement Program.” New York is blessed with many “NYCHA is grateful to Speaker civic-minded citizens. We need Former President Clinton’s Climate Silver and Assemblyman Lopez those citizens who care about for this $1.5 million allocation,” their communities to step up said Chairman Hernandez. “It and join us to make the City an Initiative Partners with the Housing is an excellent incentive for even better place to live.” NYCHA residents to get involved “This program will serve as Authority for a Greener Future in their communities.” reinforcement to the people who The Chairman went on to thank are already there out of the By Eileen Elliott the Speaker and Assemblyman goodness of their hearts, as well THE NEW YORK CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY (NYCHA) IS LEADING THE WAYFOR PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITIES NATIONWIDE WHEN for their work getting the Shelter as stimulate more volunteerism,” IT COMES TO MAKING CHANGES THAT WILL HELP THE ENVIRONMENT. FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON JOINED MAYOR Allowance Bill signed into law by said Assemblyman Lopez. MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG, NEW YORK CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY (NYCHA) CHAIRMAN TINO HERNANDEZ, U.S. DEPARTMENT (Continued on page 6) OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD) SECRETARY ALPHONSO JACKSON AND CONGRESSMAN ELIOT ENGEL AT THE EASTCHESTER COMMUNITY CENTER IN THE BRONX ON THE AFTERNOON OF DECEMBER 7TH TO ANNOUNCE A NEW PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE CITY, NYCHA, THE CLINTON CLIMATE INITIATIVE AND HUD THAT WILL ALLOW NYCHA TO BECOME MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT, AND REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS BY BUYING ENERGY-EFFICIENT TECHNOLOGIES AT LOWER PRICES. Standing at a podium in impact of these measures will about some of the initiatives at the gymnasium, the former result in cleaner, healthier air for NYCHA. “We’ve been able to president spoke passionately the residents living in public hous- replace aging hot water tanks about the impact cities have on ing,” added Mayor Bloomberg. and boilers and install energy- global warming, praising the Thanking all partners, Chairman efficient light bulbs in hundreds Mayor for his PlaNYC 2030, Hernandez emphasized the of building across the City,” he which aims to reduce greenhouse unique position NYCHA is in, as said. “Now we must step it up. gas emissions substantially in the largest public housing We are not just retrofitting New York City by the year 2030. authority in North America and buildings for today, we are writing “The Mayor found out that in the largest landlord in New York new blueprints for tomorrow.” this city 80% of emissions City. “The size of NYCHA’s Mayor Bloomberg joined are from buildings; 20% from housing stock, 2,600 buildings, Chairman Hernandez in October transportation. We’re trying to makes it imperative that we do all to name Board Member work with NYCHA, the largest we can to reduce the carbon foot- Margarita López as the Housing housing authority in America, print. This new initiative will help Authority’s Environmental Coor- to reduce greenhouse gas preserve public housing for future dinator to spearhead “green” COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT (left to right) State Senator Martin emissions in a way you can ‘just generations and also help NYCHA initiatives at NYCHA. See the Connor, Assemblyman Vito Lopez, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver say yes’ to,” Mr. Clinton said. play a big role in the Mayor’s Mayor’s Column on page 2 and and NYCHA Chairman Tino Hernandez at the Rutgers Houses “These energy-saving measures PlaNYC sustainability goals.” the “RelightNY” story on page 6 Community Center on the after announcing the will help the Authority save HUD Secretary Alphonso for more. availability of stipends for residents of State-built developments who money, and the environmental Jackson spoke specifically participate in the tenant patrol program. PAGE 2 PAGE 6 PAGE 9 NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING HUD INSPECTIONS... BOARD MEETING CALENDAR ON THE LOWER EAST SIDE ARE YOU READY? SCHEDULE FOR 2008 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 2 DECEMBER 2007/JANUARY 2008 MAYOR’S MESSAGE Groundbreaking Ceremony for New New Collaboration Allows NYCHA to Lower East Side Affordable Housing Become More Energy Efficient and Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions THE NEW YORK CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY (NYCHA) WAS JOINED BYTHE NEW YORK CITY DEPART- HAPPY NEW YEAR! I’M SURE THAT MENTOF HOUSING PRESERVATION MOST OF YOU HAVE READ THE AND DEVELOPMENT (HPD), THE ARTICLE ON THE FRONT PAGE OF NEW YORK CITY HOUSING DEVEL- THIS JOURNAL ABOUT THE EXCITING OPMENT CORPORATION (HDC), NEW COLLABORATION AMONG MY AND PHIPPS HOUSESFORA OFFICE, THE NEW YORK CITY GROUNDBREAKINGCEREMONYON HOUSING AUTHORITY (NYCHA), THE LOWER EAST SIDE LATE IN THE CLINTON CLIMATE INITIATIVE NOVEMBER, FOR FABRIA HOUSES (CCI) AND THE U.S. DEPARTMENT WHICHWILLPRODUCE 65 NEW OF HOUSINGAND URBAN UNITSOFAFFORDABLEHOUSING. DEVELOPMENT (HUD). It was “Once again NYCHA has my pleasure to join NYCHA DIGGING IN (left to right) Phipps Houses’ President Adam shown that even old buildings can Chairman Tino Hernandez, Weinstein (back row), NYCHA Vice-Chairman Earl Andrews, Jr., get a new life,” said NYCHA former President Bill Clinton Citibank’s Marc Jahr, City Assemblyman Brian Kavanagh, NYCHA Chairman Tino Hernandez. “What and HUD Secretary Alphonso Chairman Tino Hernandez, Board Member Margarita López, we are doing at Fabria Houses Jackson at the Eastchester Phipps Houses’ Chairwoman Ronay Menschel, HPD demonstrates that NYCHA and our Community Center last month Commissioner Shaun Donovan, and Richmond Housing sister City-housing agencies – the to make the announcement. Resources Bill Traylor break ground for new affordable housing Department of Housing Preservation The new partnership will allow NYCHA to become more energy on the Lower East Side. and Development and the Housing efficient and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, helping to fulfill the Development Corporation–can goals of PlaNYC, my long-term plan to ensure a sustainable quality of create much needed affordable life for all New Yorkers. These measures will help the Housing housing by partnering with the Authority save money, and the environmental impact will result in private sector.” cleaner, healthier air for the residents of public housing. NYCHA Board Member NYCHA’s comprehensive plan includes building retrofits as well as Margarita López also spoke. As boiler and heating systems modernizations that will lead to a reduction Chairman Hernandez commented, in greenhouse gases. The Housing Authority has already been able to he and Ms. López met when he replace aging hot water tanks and boilers and install energy-efficient first became Chairman for the light bulbs in hundreds of buildings across the City. Now the Housing Housing Authority six years Authority can step up the progress of ongoing initiatives such as these, earlier, and she was the City as well as develop new ones. Councilwoman for the district, The CCI will help NYCHA gain access to energy-saving technology to come up with a plan for and resources at reduced prices. The CCI will also work with NYCHA Fabria. “Today, Margarita’s to develop and launch new programs to curb the output of carbon relationship with this project has emissions, as well as providing technical assistance. come full circle.” It was my pleasure to join Chairman Hernandez late last year to “This is an historical agree- announce the appointment of Board Member Margarita López as ment,” said Board Member López, NYCHA’s Environmental Coordinator. In her expanded role, “because it will give these units a 99- Commissioner López will guide NYCHA in setting goals to year commitment of affordability.” improve sustainability and ensure that those goals are met through The work will consist of new operational and administrative programs. rehabilitation of three existing Together we will build a greener, greater New York while saving buildings and construction of two money for taxpayers and residents at the same time. The initiatives new buildings on two vacant will demonstrate NYCHA’s leadership in green technology and The Housing Authority City-owned sites. Forty-eight of policy for public housing authorities nationwide. Visit nyc.gov/nycha 74 the new apartments will be one- years to learn more. of Public Housing bedroom units and 17 will be Journal in New York City two-bedroom units. Michael R. Bloomberg The existing five-story buildings ESTABLISHED 1970 • CIRCULATION 200,000 are located on East 11th Street and HUD’S CUSTOMER SERVICE AND the new buildings will be located on Published monthly by the New York City Housing Authority East 7th and East 9th Streets in Department of Communications SATISFACTION SURVEY 250 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10007 Manhattan. This rehabilitation and Tel (212) 306-3322 • Fax (212) 577-1358 The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has begun new construction is part of an nyc.gov/nycha sending out its annual Customer Service and Satisfaction Survey this month innovative interagency partnership Michael R. Bloomberg...... Mayor to gather information about resident satisfaction with living conditions in between HPD, NYCHA and HDC public housing developments across the nation. to produce 6,000 units of affordable Tino Hernandez...... Chairman The Customer Service and Satisfaction Survey is part of HUD’s housing, a key element of Earl Andrews, Jr...... Vice-Chairman commitment to monitor the performance of public housing authorities Margarita López ...... Board Member Mayor Bloomberg’s 165,000-unit through its annual Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS). In addition Vilma Huertas...... Secretary to assessing customer satisfaction, the PHAS also evaluates the physical affordable housing initiative. Douglas Apple...... General Manager condition of the developments, the Authorities’ financial health, management, The Chairman and NYCHA Sheila Greene...... Director, Department of Communications operations and resident services. staff were joined by Borough Eileen Elliott ...... Editor Heidi Morales...... Editor, Spanish Edition The survey includes questions covering maintenance and repair, President Scott Stringer, Congress Tischelle George ...... Online News Editor communication, safety, services and neighborhood appearance. It will be Member Nydia Velázquez, Allan Leicht ...... Staff Writer sent to a random sampling of New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Assemblyman Brian Kavanagh, Deborah Williams ...... Staff Writer residents who live in NYCHA’s 322 federally funded developments. All and representatives from partners Peter Mikoleski, Kevin Devoe...... Photography answers will be kept confidential and anonymous. NYCHA will not know Citibank and Richmond Housing who participated in the survey but will only receive the scores. The survey If you are interested in placing an advertisement in the Journal, please Resources. The total development accounts for 10 out of the 100 points it is possible for a public housing call our marketing representatives in Marketing and Revenue Operations authority to receive under the PHAS. Housing authorities which receive cost is $21.4 million. NYCHA is at (212) 306-6616. The inclusion of any advertisement in this Journal scores over 90 on the PHAS are considered “High Performers” and qualify providing a 99-year ground lease does not constitute any endorsement by the Housing Authority of the for additional capital funding. to the developer, Phipps Houses. advertiser or its products or services or any other representation by the NYCHA urges all residents who receive the survey to complete it. Housing Authority with respect to such products or services. (Continued on page 6) THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL DECEMBER 2007/JANUARY 2008 3

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE BOROUGH DIGEST DEBORAH’S DIARY By Deborah Williams A Family Affair Called College — On November 3, THE BRONX: A new computer Don’t Forget to File For the Earned 2007, the East River Development Alliance lab at Eastchester Gardens Income Tax Credit in the New Year (ERDA) hosted a college tour for residents of Community Center opened the New York City Housing Authority’s its doors with a ribbon-cutting OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS, MORE (NYCHA’s) Queensbridge Houses. Usually THAN $5 BILLION HAS BEEN ADDED ceremony on the evening college tours target high school youth, but TO NEW YORK CITY’S ECONOMY of November 16th. The lab ERDA decided to extend the opportunity to THANKS TO THE EARNED INCOME was funded with $100,000 children between the ages of 6 and 14. TAX CREDIT (EITC). Yet, each allocated by City Council ERDA hopes that by providing families with year, thousands of New York City Member Larry Seabrook, who information about the value of college they will begin to see how residents fail to claim the EITC was present at the opening important a college education is. ERDA believes that discussions when filing their income tax ceremony. It features 15 new about college should be a family affair, beginning as early as forms. The New York City computers with “top notch possible. The point is to plant a seed so that attending college Housing Authority (NYCHA) software,” said Resident Asso- provides an extra incentive for youth to make it through high school. estimates that there are ciation President Keith Ramsey. Because parents play such a vital role in encouraging higher approximately 30,000 NYCHA education, they are also invited to join the tours. residents who are eligible for this On the November 3rd college tour, 40 children and their parents tax benefit. The EITC returns Federal, from Queensbridge Houses visited Yale University, the Yale Peabody State, and New York City tax Museum’s Great Hall of Dinosaurs, the State University of New York dollars to qualifying families and individuals to help cover basic College at Old Westbury in Long Island, and Princeton University. expenses. Working families earning less than $40,000 could be An eight-year-old resident of Queensbridge Houses was thrilled eligible for as much as $6,000. to learn that attending college gives you the option of living away In order to claim the EITC, eligible taxpayers must have earned from home. When a tour guide from Yale provided incorrect income and must file a tax return. New York City’s EITC Coalition is information about the age of one of the buildings on the campus, it here to help qualifying New Yorkers file at free tax preparation sites was Carl, a nine-year-old Queensbridge resident who proudly Citywide. And when you’re having your taxes prepared, don’t forget to corrected him. Thirteen-year-old Megan was also won over by Yale ask about the City’s new Child Care Tax Credit. and she is going to work very hard to get there. If you are interested in attending the next college tour, contact City Council Member Larry Will the Earned Income Tax Credit Affect Your Eligibility ERDA by calling Kristen at 718-784-0877. Seabrook tries out one of the new for Other Benefits in New York City? First I want to congratulate all of the NYCHA residents who computers at Eastchester. attended the tour. For all the youngsters out there—be Different benefit programs allow you to have different amounts BROOKLYN: The “New Lin’s persistent and always remember— college isn’t a dream; it’s the of resources. Resources or assets can be money in a savings or check- Garden Kitchen” opened this beginning of a new life! ing account or money in a retirement account. If you are receiving the month in Red Hook East year-end EITC, before your next re-certification for Welfare, Food Houses, at 590 Clinton United for the Holidays —It was called the United Senior Stamps, public housing, Supplemental Security Income, Section 8, or Street. This establishment, Volunteer Holiday Party and for good reason. On December 7, Medicaid, below are some things you need to know to continue receiv- serving Chinese cuisine, offers 2007, residents in the Union Avenue Resident Association, ing assistance. both take out and delivery, and Tenant Patrol, Senior Companion Program and Floor Captains – The EITC (monthly or at the end of the year) does not count as is the new home of the “Lin’s joined with the Davidson Senior Center Volunteers to celebrate their income or as a resource for public assistance. very first annual holiday party at 950 Union Avenue in the Bronx. – The State and Federal EITC do not count as a resource as long Garden,” formerly located on the Columbia Street side of The volunteers, who range in age from 69 to 87, take the time as they are “identifiable.” during the year to help the senior residents at 950 Union Avenue. – The EITC does not count as income when determining initial the development. “Many of our volunteers go above and beyond the call of duty. income eligibility, and it is not counted for purposes of deter MANHATTAN: New York City The volunteers provide senior residents with companionship by mining rent payments for public housing or Section 8. Housing Authority residents can taking them out to the movies, walking with them or just by becoming – If the EITC is deposited into an interest-bearing account (e.g., now pay their rents at a Carver a friend. I remember when one of the senior volunteers made drapes savings account), this will result in an increase in your income Federal Savings Bank located from assets and may, therefore, affect your rent or eligibility if for a senior resident who didn’t have any,” said Coordinator Edna in the Pathmark supermarket at you have more than $5,000 in assets. Thomas. Actions such as this exemplify the volunteers’ dedication – If you are receiving Medicaid or FHP, the EITC does not count 300 W. 145th Street in Harlem. and altruistic spirit. Ms. Thomas continued, “It was an honor to as a resource in the month received and the following month. This makes Carver the first bring everyone together for the holidays. It was my way of saying There are no asset tests for pregnant women, and for certain bank ever to accept NYCHA ‘thank you’ and commending not only the volunteers for their certified disabled individuals the EITC will not count in the rent payments. “It is our hope support but the participating organizations as well.” month received and the following nine months. that residents combine the Over 300 senior volunteers attended the festive occasion where – With regard to Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the EITC rent payment with other gifts were distributed, donated by the Visiting Nurse Service (VNS), does not count as a resource for nine months. personal banking transactions, HouseCalls (a physician service that provides medical care in the – Child Health Plus A & B have no resource restrictions, so the which will save them time home), and Con Ed. The holiday party was filled with music, poetry EITC does not affect your eligibility. and money,” said NYCHA readings in English and Spanish, and a fashion show, all performed Chairman Tino Hernandez. by the volunteers themselves. As Ms. Thomas said, “The work that Dial 311 and ask for the nearest EITC Assistance Site, or log onto Currently, residents pay their these seniors do is unparalleled and I believe it should be recognized. the City’s Department of Consumer Affairs Web site at: monthly rents via mail to Oh, absolutely! I agree with you. It is comforting to know that nyc.gov/consumers for more information. these able-bodied seniors are compelled to help seniors who need And have a great New Year! NYCHA’s rent payment processing center known as a little extra assistance. I hope everyone had a wonderful time. Tino Hernandez Congratulations to everyone who helps improve the quality of life “Lockbox” or at authorized at 950 Union Ave. I hope you had a Happy New Year! check cashing locations. NYCHA also has a payroll rent deduction program for those residents who are employees of the City of New York. Carver Federal Savings Bank will process NYCHA rent payments for $1.50, which will be charged to the resident. This is the same fee charged by check cashing merchants authorized to process NYCHA rent payments. (Continued on page 7) THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 4 DECEMBER 2007/JANUARY 2008

THE NYCHA NOT WANTED LIST BRONXDALE COMMUNITY CENTER GRAND OPENING In this issue we continue our editorial policy of publishing the names of individuals who have been permanently excluded from our public housing developments. This list is part of NYCHA’s effort to keep residents informed of the Housing Authority’s ongoing effort to improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers in public housing and to allow for the peaceful and safe use of our facilities. Here follows a list of the people excluded after hearings were held on July 12, 19 and 26, and August 2, 2006. Please note: These exclusions are based on NYCHA’s Administrative Hearing Process and should not be confused with the Trespass Notice Program under Mayor Bloomberg’s Operation Safe Housing Initiative.

REMEMBER, IF YOU SEE ANY OF THESE INDIVIDUALS ON HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTY, PLEASE CALL INVESTING IN THE FUTURE (left to right) NYCHA General Manager Douglas Apple, Deputy General YOUR MANAGEMENT OFFICE OR NYCHA’S Manager Hugh B. Spence, State Senator Ruben Diaz, Sr., Council Member Annabel Palma, SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT AT (212) 306-8595. Assembly Member Ruben Diaz, Jr., NYCHA Chairman Tino Hernandez, Board Member Margarita López, Assistant Deputy General Manager for Capital Yianna Pavlakos, and Bronx Community Prohibited as of July 12, 2006 Operations Director Ilia Figueroa cut the ribbon for Bronxdale Community Center. Babie Simpson Case 4466/06 formerly associated with the fifth floor of 680 Balcom Avenue, Throggs Neck Houses, Bronx. By Eileen Elliott Jessica Tirado Case 4467/06 formerly associated with the sixth floor “A BEACON OF LIGHT OVERLOOKING THE BRUCKNER EXPRESSWAY,” IS HOW THE NEW BRONXDALE COMMUNITY of 3020 Surf Avenue, Coney Island Houses, Brooklyn. CENTER IN THE SOUNDVIEW SECTION OF THE BRONX WAS DESCRIBED AT THE RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY COM- Laurence Austin Case 4595/06 formerly associated with the fifth floor MEMORATING ITS GRAND OPENING ON NOVEMBER 19TH. New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) executive Larry Austin of 5705 Avenue H, Glenwood Houses, Brooklyn. staff joined elected officials and residents to celebrate. As Community Operations Bronx Borough Director Ilia Butchie Middleton Case 4599/06 formerly associated with the first floor of 230 Osborne Street, Brownsville Houses, Brooklyn. Figueroa commented in her opening remarks, it was a gray and rainy Monday afternoon, but the ugly weather Patrick Marmer Case 4588/06 formerly associated with the sixth floor didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. of 919 FDR Drive, Riis Houses, Manhattan. At a cost of just under $10 NYCHA Chairman Tino “NYCHA is committed to afford- Alexander Dunker Case 4665/06 formerly associated with the third floor million, the 23,000-square-foot, Hernandez thanked all of the able housing in the Bronx.” of 485 Fountain Avenue, Cypress Hills Houses, state-of-the-art facility, built on elected officials, residents and “Let’s celebrate with confi- Brooklyn. the site of a parking lot, has been NYCHA staff involved, saying dence,” added NYCHA Board William Fleming Case 6884/05 formerly associated with the first floor of 520 Osborne Street, Brownsville Houses, Brooklyn. filled (unofficially) since the the new center was one more Member Margarita López, “know- Gary Evans Case 8085/05 formerly associated with the third floor doors first opened, about one year affirmation of NYCHA’s commit- ing that we are going to fight the of 26 West 91st Street, Wise Towers, Manhattan. ago. Its highlight is easily the ment to the Bronx. good fight to keep public housing Prohibited as of July 19, 2006 gymnasium with its glass curtain “NYCHA operates 98 devel- here for generations to come.” Alexander Lewis Case 4719/06 formerly associated with the first floor wall reaching up to the opments in the Bronx, serving Community Operations Deputy of 115 East 122nd Street, Jackie Robinson Houses, 35-foot-high ceiling, and the over 105,000 residents,” the General Manager Hugh Spence Manhattan. NBA-regulation-size basketball Chairman said. He then men- thanked NYCHA’s leadership for Marcos Padilla Case 4720/06 formerly associated with the fourth court. The gym attracts residents tioned a number of affordable making the center possible and floor of 275 Jackson Avenue, Cooper Park Houses, not only from Bronxdale, but housing initiatives that will bring promised that NYCHA will open Brooklyn. from Soundview, Sackwern and 1,000 new units of affordable ten more similar centers over the Nequan Butts Case 4736/06 formerly associated with the tenth floor of 1191 Park Place, Albany Houses/Weeksville Gardens, Monroe Houses as well. housing to the borough. course of the year. Brooklyn. Rafael Pion Case 4744/06 formerly associated with the fourteenth Luis Rodriquez floor of 505 Havemeyer Avenue, Castle Hill Houses, the Bronx. NYCHA Residents Participate In Carlton Fearon Case 4824/06 formerly associated with the eighth floor of 2950 West 33rd Street, O’Dwyer Gardens, Brooklyn. New York XPO For Business 2007 Prohibited as of July 26, 2006 Elimelech Case 4933/06 formerly associated with the twelfth Rodriguez floor of 20 Catherine Slip, Smith Houses, Manhattan. THANKS TO NYCHA’S DEPARTMENT OF RESIDENT EMPLOYMENT SERVICES Jose Sanchez Case 4943/06 formerly associated with the eleventh (RES) BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIVISION, A NUMBER OF NYCHA RESIDENT-OWNED floor of 745 East 152 Street, Adams Houses, the BUSINESSES AND PARTNERS PARTICIPATED IN THE NEW YORK XPO FOR Bronx. BUSINESS 2007 ON NOVEMBER 28TH AT THE JACOB JAVITS Saquan Jackson Case 4946/06 formerly associated with the third floor CONVENTION CENTER IN MANHATTAN, FREE OF CHARGE. of 181 Gordon Street, Stapleton Houses, Staten Island. Donnell Gravette Case 5004/06 formerly associated with the sixth floor Produced by Event Manage- Business Outreach Centers of 14-30 Redfern Avenue, Redfern Houses, Queens. ment, New York XPO for Business Network, Project Enterprise, Devone Fludd Case 5047/06 formerly associated with the second 2007 provided the opportunity for and Workshops In Business floor of 312 Osborne Street, Brownsville Houses, business-to-business networking Opportunities. In addition, the Brooklyn. for no less than 600 exhibitors. nonprofit, New York City Housing Prohibited as of August 2, 2006 The day-long event included 50 Entrepreneurs, Inc., or NYCHE, Julio Marquez Case 5150/06 formerly associated with the seventh top leaders from five educational pronounced “niche,” as in a floor of 414 Baltic Street, Gowanus Houses, Brooklyn. disciplines (business growth, business niche, also participated. Terrell Walker Case 4915/06 formerly associated with the second strategies, sales and sales NYCHE is made up of NYCHA Kurtizz Farris floor of 1010 Soundview Avenue, Bronxdale Houses, the Bronx. management, advertising and resident businesses and, in the RUNWAY TO SUCCESS NYCHA Latasha Hester Case 5147/06 formerly associated with the sixth floor marketing, commercial real estate words of NYCHA Business of 2630 Linden Boulevard, Pink Houses, Brooklyn. and human resources), round- Development Coordinator Michael residents served as models for a fashion show at the NY XPO for Mark King Case 5149/06 formerly associated with the second tables and seminars, keynote Jacock, serves as a kind of floor of 295 Jackson Street, Cooper Park Houses, speakers, and experts offering “chamber of commerce” for Business. They were trained by Brooklyn. innovative business strategies. NYCHA businesses. Shenia Enterprise, founded by Lorenzo Walters Case 5151/06 formerly associated with the eleventh The participating partners, Participating businesses Twin Parks Consolidated resident floor of 195 Hoyt Street, Gowanus Houses, Brooklyn. all of which collaborate with RES within NYCHE included general Shenia Rudolph, pictured above, who is also the CEO. In addition Wendell Bazemore Case 5099/06 formerly associated with the fourth to assist resident businesses, contractors, health consultants, floor of 1248 Clay Avenue, Claremont Consolidated included: The Brooklyn Economic employment consultants, a to training models, Shenia Houses, the Bronx. Development Corporation, The caterer, a web designer, and Enterprise offers talent East Harlem Business Capital even a fashion designer. development and event planning, Corporation, Kitchen For Hire, and produces fashion shows. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL DECEMBER 2007/JANUARY 2008 5 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 6 DECEMBER 2007/JANUARY 2008 RelightNY Brings CFLs Patrol Notice of HUD Inspections to NYCHA Residents Dear Residents, The United States Department of Housing and Urban Stipends Development (HUD) will be conducting a physical inspection of (Continued from page 1) your development. The system that HUD developed for these inspections is called the Public Housing Assessment System Rutgers Resident Association (PHAS). As part of this process, a certain number of residents’ President Michael Steele also apartments will be inspected. thanked the Speaker and Assemblyman, saying, “This $1.5 If any of the items below are not in good order – contact the million will help make public Call Center at (718) 707 - 7771 to schedule an appointment to housing safer. We look forward to have those items repaired. working with every one of you.” Also present at the press conference were Bushwick You can assist us by reviewing Houses’ Tenant Patrol Supervisors the following items: BRIGHT IDEAS (left to right) The RelightNY team accepts a Eloise Thompson and Rosa $90,000 check from HSBC Executive Vice President Kevin Martin Quintana, who have a total of Electricity for energy-saving compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) to be used at 180 tenant patrol volunteers — Your circuit breaker or fuse panel should not have any missing New Lane Houses in Staten Island, with NYCHA Board Member covering the eight buildings in breakers or fuses. (You should not see any of the wiring or parts and Environmental Coordinator Margarita López, and Deputy the Brooklyn development. Said inside the breaker or fuse panel.) General Managers Hugh Spence and Felix Lam. Ms. Thompson, who has been — All light switches and outlets should operate properly and have participating in the tenant patrol cover plates over them. By Eileen Elliott at the development for 35 years, — In apartments with Call for Aide units, switches and pull cords THE NEW YORK CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY (NYCHA) IS COLLABORATING “We see the good and the bad. should operate properly with pull cord hanging down. WITH A TEEN-LED ENERGY CONSERVATION GROUP TO PUT NEW YORK CITY’S It gets rough sometimes, so we — Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) outlets should test properly when PUBLIC HOUSING IN THE BEST LIGHT. pray a little harder.” pushing the Test button. NYCHA’s Tenant Patrol RelightNY raises funds for 4.5 million pounds of carbon program was started in Smoke Detectors/Carbon Monoxide Detectors energy-saving compact fluorescent emissions,” Mr. Hairston said. He 1968. There are currently 136 — Detectors should be installed. There should not be empty brackets lamps (CFLs) that it then estimated that the donation would NYCHA developments with with missing detectors. donates to low-income households. buy approximately 45,000 CFLs. tenant patrols, consisting of — Detectors should test properly (beep) when the Test button is This coincides perfectly with “This initiative clearly demon- 3,946 volunteers. Tenant patrol pressed. NYCHA’s mission to reduce strates the awareness that is build- volunteers sit in the lobbies energy consumption, thereby ing for the need to find of buildings to serve as “the Stove/Oven reducing carbon emissions and partner-based solutions to our eyes and ears” of the police, — Check each burner. Each burner should light individually by their impact on global warming, energy needs,” said NYCHA thereby deterring crime. Part-time turning the knob. The oven should work. in accordance with Mayor Board Member Margarita López. paid NYCHA employees serve Michael R. Bloomberg’s PlaNYC. Commissioner Margarita as Tenant Patrol Supervisors Refrigerator On October 23rd, representa- “Kill-a-Watt” López (as she was and are responsible for — The refrigerator door should close all the way. Door gaskets tives from NYCHA, RelightNY, introduced by Mr. Hairston) had scheduling shifts. should not be cracked or broken. Lights should work. HSBC Bank, and the nonprofit recently been named Environmental Public Energy Solutions came to Coordinator for the Housing Doors the seniors-only New Lane Authority by Mayor Michael R. AFFORDABLE — Bathrooms, Bedrooms and Closets – Doors should close and Houses In Staten Island to Bloomberg, and as such will latch properly. Door knobs and latches should be in good kick off the bulb changing guide NYCHA in setting working order. Doors should be free of holes or damage. program there. New Lane’s back aggressive environmental goals. HOUSING patio, with its beautiful view “The key issue is that saving (Continued from page 2) Windows of New York Harbor and the environment is not the electric Phipps Houses Services, Inc., a — Windows should work properly, staying up when opened. Window the Verrazano Bridge, couldn’t company’s responsibility; it is not subsidiary of Phipps Houses, glass should not be cracked or broken. have been a more perfect venue RelightNY’s responsibility; it is will manage the property. for illustrating the importance not NYCHA’s responsibility; it is Financing for the development Faucets of conservation. your responsibility. Every time will be provided from a mixture — Faucets and their parts should not leak when either on or off. “HSBC has been supporting you flick a switch; let’s make this of public and private sources. You should have rubber stoppers for the sinks and tub. environmental issues for 30 years. planet safe for generations to All of the units will be Switching to compact fluorescent come,” she said. affordable to households earning Exterminator lamps is one easy way we can all Public Energy Solutions (PES) 60% of the Area Median Income — You should not have any type of infestation condition. work together to slow the rate of President Keith S. Hartman also (AMI) which is equivalent to global climate change,” said spoke briefly. “We’ve been $42,540 for a family of four or Thank you in advance for your continued cooperation. HSBC’s Executive Vice President partnering with NYCHA over the $29,760 for a single person. House- Kevin Martin before presenting a past six months and will be holds will receive tenant-based $90,000 check to RelightNY’s 15- approaching 100,000 bulbs by the NYCHA Section 8 vouchers. year-old founder, Avery Hairston. end of the year,” he said, referring Twenty percent of the units will Looking for Something New to do this New The money was used, in part, to a bulb replacement initiative the be set aside for households Year? Consider Becoming a Foster Grandparent. to provide CFLs to the residents energy services company is earning up to 40% of the AMI of New Lane’s 277 apartments. participating in in Brooklyn. Staff which is equivalent to $28,360 The Department for the Aging’s Foster Grandparent CFLs will help the seniors save from PES volunteered to help for a family of four or $19,840 electricity and money on their replace the bulbs at New Lane. Program is a volunteer program that offers seniors for a single household. electric bills and they will also CFL installation began age 60 and older a paid non-taxable stipend to serve The 39 residents of Fabria reduce the amount of carbon immediately after the press as mentors, tutors and caregivers for children with Houses who were temporarily dioxide released into the conference by NYCHA staff and special needs. relocated to facilitate the environment. Carbon dioxide, the 11 or so RelightNY teens redevelopment will have the first a greenhouse gas, is largely on hand, as well as PES staff. option of returning to the Foster Grandparents serve 20 hours per week in believed to be a major contributor RelightNY has also obtained redeveloped buildings. Remain- community-based settings. Call 212-442-3117 to to global warming. funding from Citi (formerly ing units will be made available learn how to become a foster “By our estimates, these funds Citibank) for CFLs at NYCHA’s to eligible households from grandparent. can help us save families in Queensbridge South Houses NYCHA’s Section 8 waiting list. need $315,000 and eliminate in Queens. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL DECEMBER 2007/JANUARY 2008 7

BOROUGH DIGEST

(Continued from page 3) QUEENS: Queensbridge South Houses residents are the latest to get on board with the “greening” of NYCHA. A collaboration between NYCHA, a local teen-led energy awareness group named RelightNY, and Citibank is bringing nearly 10,000 energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) to the City’s largest housing development. The CFLs last much longer than conventional light bulbs and use up to 80% less electricity, all of which adds up to less carbon dioxide (CO2) emis- sions and a healthier atmos- phere. The estimated savings in electricity is nearly one million kilowatt hours per year. RelightNY also collabo- rated with NYCHA at a bulb replacement project at New Lane Houses in Staten Island PARKING SPACES last year. (See page 6.) AVAILABLE ON STATEN ISLAND: Keep an eye NYCHA PROPERTY. out for the grand opening of the 22,000-square-foot Stapleton CONTACT DEVELOPMENT Community Center in 2008. MANAGEMENT OFFICE FOR The new facility features a gymnasium with a stage and DETAILS. five program rooms. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL 8 DECEMBER 2007/JANUARY 2008 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY JOURNAL DECEMBER 2007/JANUARY 2008 9

NEW YORK CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY Notice is hereby given that the New York City Housing Authority’s Board Meetings take place every other Wednesday at 10:00 A.M. (unless otherwise noted) in the Board Room on the 12th Floor of 250 Broadway, New York, New York. The meeting for Calendar Year 2008 is as follows:

January 9, 2008 January 23, 2008 February 6, 2008 February 20, 2008 March 5, 2008 March 19, 2008 April 2, 2008 April 16, 2008 April 30, 2008 May 14, 2008 May 28, 2008 June 11, 2008 June 25, 2008 July 9, 2008 July 23, 2008 August 6, 2008 August 20, 2008 September 3, 2008 September 17, 2008 October 2, 2008 (Thursday) October 16, 2008 (Thursday) October 29, 2008 November 12, 2008 November 26, 2008 December 10, 2008 December 24, 2008

Any changes to the schedule above will be posted on NYCHA’s website at nyc.gov/nycha and in the NYCHA Journal to the extent practi- cable at a reasonable time before the meeting.

New York City Police Department Toll-Free Terrorism Hotline Reports May Be Made To: 1-888-NYC-SAFE 1-888-692-7233