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

Vol. 42 No. 7 www.nyc.gov/nycha September 2012 Chairman’s Message

This has been a year of big change for NYCHA. Since the release of Plan NYCHA: A Roadmap for Preservation in January, all of us at the Authority have directed unbelievable energy and focus toward the goal of preserving public housing in . We have worked steadily to change the way we do business while remain- ing completely committed to providing safe, decent and affordable housing. Recent- ly, we took some important steps on the path to becoming a stronger organization. One critical step was our work with the Boston Consulting Group to identify cost savings and recommended improvements in how we do business. These efforts, many of which are underway, will createJourna efficiencies in NYCHA’s central office to increase l staff and resources at the developments to better serve residents. You can read about these key initiatives in the article below on this page. Central to fulfilling Plan NYCHA’s strategic and operational priorities is ensur- ing we have strong senior leadership. To that end, I am excited to welcome Cecil House as NYCHA’s new General Manager. Mr. House’s record of leading large, complex organizations and diverse operations expertise make him uniquely qualified to guide NYCHA’s talented management team. Drawing on his substantial supply NYCHA Chairman John B. Rhea (right) welcomes Cecil House as NYCHA’s new General Manager on chain, strategic management and customer service knowledge – and his experience in August 23, 2012. guiding organizations through change – I am confident that Mr. House will manage NYCHA successfully through this transformation period. His vision and leadership ing this dynamic period of change. They continue to work extraordinarily hard on will be critical as we work with partners to improve the delivery of services that you your behalf, and their devotion to NYCHA residents is unmatched. expect and deserve. You can read more about Mr. House on page 2. I hope that these changes, along with other important actions we have taken and We also recently appointed a Chief Financial Officer, Andreas Spitzer. He will continue to take in addressing maintenance and repairs; safety and security; and oversee all of NYCHA’s financial planning activities. Mr. Spitzer played an in- building improvements; demonstrates our unwavering commitment to you. There dispensable role in the successful execution of the Federalization transaction; the clearly are challenges facing the preservation of public housing in New York City, release of Plan NYCHA; and the development of a financial plan to reduce the but with strong and able leadership in place, we are poised for success as we enthu- Authority’s operating deficit. His dynamic leadership and commitment to NYCHA’s siastically move forward. mission as acting CFO made him an obvious choice to carry on this work full time. Board Members Emily Youssouf, Margarita López and Victor Gonzalez remain fully engaged in working with me to provide sound governance and leadership dur- John B. Rhea

inside NYCHA Releases Consultant Report, Starts this issue Applying Key Findings and Recommendations Recommendations by Boston Consulting Group will improve services, generate savings, increase funding

By Eric Deutsch edirect resources from the central office and support Rfunctions to developments. Speed up maintenance and repairs. And better manage inventory and purchas- ing. Those are just some of the recommendations from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) on how NYCHA can improve the way it does business. In the face of con- tinuing funding cuts, NYCHA worked with the consult- Residents, Elected ing firm – which has considerable experience with gov- Officials Rally ernment and private entities, including public housing to Support NYCHA » read more on page 7 authorities – to help find ways to better serve residents by transforming the way the Authority operates. Security Cameras: BCG identified more than 100 short- and long-term NYCHA Plan Moves Forward recommendations that potentially will generate up to » read more on pages 2 and 10 $70 million per year in expense savings, as well as reve- nue opportunities of approximately $55 million per year. A main focus of the recommendations NYCHA received in the report from Fun in the Sun! Ultimately, this will be reinvested in frontline resources Boston Consulting Group is to find ways to divert resources from its central office Journal’s Annual Summer Photo Spread to benefit residents directly at the developments, to the developments where they can more directly benefit residents, such as » read more on page 9 continued on page 4  improved maintenance and repair service. 2 September 2012 The Housing Authority Journal

NYCHA Cecil House Named NYCHA’s new General Manager Board Meetings By Heidi Morales (PSE&G), New Jersey’s largest otice hereby is given that the New York City Housing Au- s discussed in the electric and gas utility, where Nthority’s Board Meetings take place every other Wednes- AChairman’s Message he significantly improved the day at 10:00 a.m. in the Board Room on the 12th floor of 250 on page 1, Cecil House performance of the Customer Broadway, New York, New York (unless otherwise noted). The recently joined NYCHA as its Operations division. remaining meetings for Calendar Year 2012 are as follows: General Manager. Mr. House “I think there are some joins NYCHA from Southern expectations that our residents September 12 November 7 California Edison (SCE), one have for us to improve, that our September 27 (Thursday) November 21 of the largest electric utilities community leaders have for us Newark, New Jersey. October 10 December 5 in the United States where he to improve and so we’ve got to “I believe that NYCHA is a October 24 December 19 served as Senior Vice President step up to those challenges. I rich and valuable resource for Any changes to the schedule above will be posted here and for the Operations Support think that my experience in the our communities, and I hope on NYCHA’s website at nyc.gov/nycha to the extent practicable Business Unit and as the past has positioned me well to that the residents appreciate it at a reasonable time before the meeting. company’s Chief Procurement help with that,” Mr. House said. as such. On the flip side, I think These meetings are open to the public. Pre-registration Officer. A number of areas The son of a coal miner and that we have a commitment at least 45 minutes before the scheduled Board Meeting is that Mr. House successfully nurse’s aide, Mr. House grew up to residents to make sure that required by all speakers. Comments are limited to the items on oversaw at SCE – and which in Virginia, and previously spent we provide safe, secure and the Calendar. Speaking time will be limited to three minutes. figure prominently in NYCHA’s 12 years in New York City. He is comfortable housing for them The public comment period will conclude upon all speakers be- operations – include security a board member of the Institute now and in the future. So we ing heard or at the expiration of 30 minutes allotted by law for and facilities; emergency for Supply Management and the want to make sure that we public comment, whichever occurs first. preparedness; employee health National Utility Diversity Council maintain and continue that Copies of the Calendar are available on NYCHA’s website and safety; and inventory. and a former board member of mission,” Mr. House said. or can be picked up at the Office of the Corporate Secretary Before his time at SCE, Mr. the Urban League of Los Angeles Be sure to check the October at 250 Broadway, 12th floor, New York, New York, no earlier House was Vice President of and La Casa de Don Pedro, a issue of the Journal for an than 3:00 p.m. on the Friday before the upcoming Wednes- Customer Operations at Public community development and interview with Mr. House about day Board Meeting. Copies of the Disposition are available Service Electric & Gas Company affordable housing provider in his first weeks at NYCHA. on NYCHA’s website or can be picked up at the Office of the Corporate Secretary no earlier than 3:00 p.m. on the Thursday after the Board Meeting. NYCHA Proceeds to Install Security Cameras Any person requiring a reasonable accommodation in order Closed Circuit Television part best approach to improve safety. ing to spend after taking time to to participate in the Board Meeting should contact the Office of Layered Access Control It includes modern intercoms, develop the comprehensive se- of the Corporate Secretary at (212) 306-6088 no later than five Security System wireless key fobs, technologically curity plan, working with residents business days before the Board Meeting. For additional infor- s part of NYCHA’s compre- advanced cameras and vandal- on exactly where cameras should mation, please visit NYCHA’s website or call (212) 306-6088. Ahensive plan to make public ism-resistant doors as a supple- be placed. housing developments safer, it is ment to CCTV cameras. “Ensuring that our communi- on track to roll out wide-ranging Since 1997, when the CCTV ties remain safe is a collective security enhancements that program began, NYCHA has responsibility. NYCHA employ- Check out NYCHA’s Facebook page! include Closed Circuit Television installed nearly 7,000 cameras in ees, elected officials, advocates, ot a web-enabled smartphone? Now you can access NYCHA’s (CCTV) surveillance cameras at more than 500 buildings at 105 residents and the NYPD all play Facebook page and bonus content in this issue by scanning G 85 developments by the end of developments. More than half of a vital role in making neigh- or taking a snapshot of the QR codes. The QR code for NYCHA’s 2013. NYCHA’s Safety and Se- the cameras have been installed borhoods safer,” said NYCHA Facebook page is on the right. curity Task Force, which includes since 2003, benefitting more than Chairman John B. Rhea. Step 1: Download a QR code scanner application resident leaders and representa- 87,000 residents. NYCHA has $42 A complete list of the 85 from your phone’s marketplace (many of these tives of the New York City Police million available that it is prepar- developments is on page 10. “apps” are free to download). Step 2: Point your Department, recommended phone’s camera at the QR image. Layered Access Control as the NYCHA Sponsored Event 77 Takes 509 Guns off Streets years of Public Housing n August 18, NYCHA continued its efforts to maintain NYCHA in New York City Osafety in its communities by helping to remove hundreds ESTABLISHED 1970 • CIRCULATION 200,000 of guns from City streets. Along with State Senator Malcolm Published monthly by the New York City Housing Authority Smith and WPIX Channel 11, NYCHA sponsored a gun buy- Department of Communications • 250 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10007 Tel (212) 306-3322 • Fax (212) 577-1358 • nyc.gov/nycha back program at the Baptist Church in Queens, where individu- Michael R. Bloomberg ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Mayor als surrendered 509 total firearms to the New York City Police John B. Rhea ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Chairman Department without fear of arrest. The event was strictly “no Emily Youssouf….Journa ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������l Vice-Chair Margarita López ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ Board Member questions asked,” meaning that as long as the gun was oper- Victor A. Gonzalez �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Board Member Vilma Huertas ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Corporate Secretary able and not issued to law enforcement, it was eligible to be Cecil House ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� General Manager turned in. Each returned weapon was rewarded with a bank Lynn Godfrey ����������������������������������������������������������������������Chief Communications Officer Sheila Stainback ���������������������������������������������������������������������������Communications Officer card; in total, the event led to $85,000 worth of bank cards be- Eric Deutsch ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Editor ing distributed. Dozens of makes and models of firearms were Zodet Negrón �������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Editor, Spanish Edition Peter Mikoleski, Leticia Barboza ����������������������������������������������������������������Photographers retrieved by police, including 245 revolvers, 168 pistols, five Michael Corwin �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Senior Writer Howard Silver, Heidi Morales, Brent Grier, Ryan Dicovitsky ������������������������ Staff Writers A new security camera being installed sawed-off shotguns and two assault weapons. If you are interested in placing an advertisement in the Journal, please call our at Amsterdam Houses in . marketing representatives in the Office of Business and Revenue Development at (212) 306‑6614. The inclusion of any advertisement in this Journal does not constitute any endorsement by the Housing Authority of the advertiser or its products or services or any other representation by the Housing Authority with respect to such products or services. Resident’s Voices Editor’s note: For this issue, Residents’ Voices has been moved to page 5. The Housing Authority Journal September 2012 3

NYCHA Capital Projects Benefit Residents Reshaping Baruch Authority Acting to Address Continuing Funding Decreases Houses: NYCHA’s First hrough a combination of Tfederal stimulus and capital Composting Program funds, NYCHA has expended By Ryan Dicovitsky and obligated more than $1 year ago, younger residents of the billion in capital funding since Ahad never seen a fresh tomato, let alone a garden, 2009 on replacing roofs and according to Resident Green Committee member elevators, repairing brickwork Sonia Peña. Now, the green revolution is flourishing and upgrading heating systems. at Baruch thanks to NYCHA’s first ever composting Recent incomplete published program. With the support of NYCHA leadership and a reports have claimed that dedicated group of residents, the program has led to a NYCHA has not been spending surge in local food production and reduction of waste its capital funds. at the Manhattan development. Through the exemplary At Baruch, children can be seen happily watering efforts of NYCHA’s Capital Proj- plants and stirring compost. Five garden beds filled ects Division, as reported on in with compost sport a variety of fresh produce such the May Journal, NYCHA fully as tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, herbs and beans. spent the stimulus funds to per- Part of NYCHA’s capital repairs include fixing bricks and roofs. Instead of leaving their food scraps in garbage bags form major rehabilitation work outside, residents are encouraged to drop their left- from the American Recovery consistently are able to meet to function properly. over food waste in three enclosed composting bins and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) our mandated deadlines, espe- NYCHA needs $6 billion for donated by the Queens Botanical Garden. “This is as of February 2012 – ahead of cially because it means we are its existing capital repair needs. the beginning, and we already have five beds. A lot schedule. “For capital funding, getting things done that ben- However, since 2001, NYCHA of people like the vegetables and we want to really HUD provides public housing efit residents in a timely man- has experienced a combined share. Can you imagine? We could grow so much authorities two years to obli- ner,” said Raymond Ribeiro, loss of $900 million in funding food,” Ms. Peña said. gate 90 percent of these mon- the Executive Vice-President from the federal government for Composting, in general, is easy to undertake: save ies,” said Adam Glantz, Public for Capital Projects. “Some of capital improvements. In 2002, your food scraps, drop them in a closed bin and wait Affairs Officer with the U.S. the items residents often talk NYCHA received $429 mil- as the material breaks down through natural pro- Department of Housing and about are elevators and water lion for capital work; in 2012, it cesses – and some assistance from earthworms. After Urban Development (HUD). “To leaks. We spent more than $70 received only $270 million. a few months, you are left with nutrient-rich soil to use date, NYCHA has never missed million in stimulus funds to To address the continuing for any purpose, including gardening. A community an obligation due date, and, rehabilitate elevators, and more funding decrease, NYCHA is can divert 50 to 70 percent of its waste with minimal as such, has never asked for an than $235 million in roof and prioritizing its capital needs, im- investment; the program at Baruch cost only $1,600 extension.” brick projects to keep rain from proving capital operations and to establish, and requires minimal additional funding NYCHA performed reha- entering our buildings.” pursuing creative funding solu- to continue operating from year to year. bilitation work at 218 develop- Despite the strides NYCHA tions as part of Plan NYCHA. Ms. Peña believes that composting is the future of ments, to the benefit of more has made in maintaining its With HUD approval, NYCHA food production and green living. Despite a little bit than 140,000 families. This buildings, NYCHA needs will borrow funds in the private of work to get the program off the ground, it pays off included replacing roofs in 205 more funding than the federal market by employing HUD’s for the community. “It takes a little time, but it’s like a buildings and fixing brickwork government provides to make Capital Fund Financing Program part of my donation to the Mother Earth, a donation and masonry in 244 buildings. In necessary repairs. More than 70 and issuing a bond. This bond for the people, for the kids that really should matter addition, more than 730 NYCHA percent of NYCHA buildings are will be used to address areas to us,” she said. residents got jobs completing more than 40 years old. Major such as brickwork and roof work, ARRA-funded work at NYCHA upgrades are needed regularly where disrepair can cause leaks developments. to ensure that heating, plumb- or unsafe conditions in resi- “We are very pleased we ing and other systems continue dents’ homes. Jefferson Houses Family Grows Their Own Salad By Ryan Dicovitsky development happy. Sonia Peña shovels compost into the composting bin at Baruch Houses in This is the latest in a series of Every day from April through Manhattan. (Photo by Fernando Montejo) Journal profiles of NYCHA’s October, the Salams, their family resident gardeners as part of and neighbors can be found the 50th year of the Author- working on a uniquely-built ity’s Gardening and vegetable garden and harvesting – or eat – the entire effort. Jafrul Hussein, a neighbor who Greening Program. assorted produce, such as beans, The Salams’ dedication – they helps Mr. Salam on occasion, or Abdus Salam and his squash, spinach, peppers and to- spend about an hour a day tend- was so impressed that he began Fwife Zaheira, the 12 years matoes. “Sometimes, I eat them ing to the garden – pays off in working on his own garden this they have spent growing myself,” Mr. Salam said. “But grown off of the ground. Despite the way their vegetables taste. year. “It’s nice, so now others vegetables at the Thomas Jef- mostly I give them to my family its purpose for gardening, Mr. “They taste different, but they want to copy,” he said. Like the ferson Houses are about more and the community.” Salam said there is a more taste better,” Mr. Salam said. Salams, Mr. Hussein pointed out than just gardening – their The Salams created their practical use of the enclosure. The superior taste of the pro- that the community appreciates efforts are dedicated toward garden from scratch. To help “It keeps animals and pigeons duce and the Salams’ hard work the gardens and the food that making their community and it grow, Mr. Salam built a wire away,” he explained, referring to have not gone unnoticed by they produce. “They get very neighbors at the Manhattan trellis, which allows food to be the city dwellers seeking to derail other Jefferson Houses residents. happy,” he said. 4 September 2012 The Housing Authority Journal

 continued from page 1 The NYCHA Not Wanted List NYCHA Releases Consultant Report, Starts Applying to further drive down crime in Key Findings and Recommendations Below is a partial list of names of individuals who have NYCHA communities. This in- been excluded permanently from NYCHA’s public housing and to reduce NYCHA’s operat- have real milestones and real cludes increasing NYPD patrol developments. This list keeps residents informed of the ing deficit. NYCHA already has financial benefits that NYCHA presence (including additional Authority’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for begun implementing several is committed to delivering on,” vertical patrols) in 12 high New Yorkers in public housing and to allow for the peaceful of the most critical cost-saving said Chairman Rhea. crime-risk properties; creating and safe use of its facilities. The full list can be viewed at on.nyc.gov/nychanotwanted. The following are the people, and revenue-producing initia- Another key recommen- a new “Impact Zone” that en- with their former addresses, excluded as of March 28 through tives, and now is in the process dation is to reform NYCHA’s compasses two developments May 2, 2012. of reviewing the full set of rec- board structure so it can focus – Soundview and Castle Hill in Prohibited as of March 28, 2012 ommendations internally and on long-term strategy and the Bronx; and expanding Op- Donald Cheatham Armstrong Houses, 360 Lexington Avenue, with key stakeholders including oversight rather than day-to- eration CLEARS (Community- Apt. 2E, Brooklyn residents, labor leaders and day management. The City Law Enforcement Approach to Richard Harrell Armstrong Houses, 366 Clifton Place, Apt. 4C, elected officials to prioritize the will introduce legislation at the Restoring Security) – a com- Brooklyn most critical changes. State level that will propose a munity/NYPD/NYCHA partner- Shawn Lindsey RIIS II Houses, 118 Avenue D, Apt. 3I, Manhattan “Over the years we have new board structure that will ship to fight crime that already Prohibited as of April 4, 2012 had substantial reductions incorporate best practices delivered results through a Luz De Jesus Clinton Houses, 1505 Park Avenue, Apt. 11F, Manhattan in employees that are at the used by other public housing pilot program at seven NYCHA Jules Desselle Armstrong Houses, 366 Clifton Place, Apt. 3C, Brooklyn property level, and we needed authorities and New York public developments. Stephen Jemison Tompkins Houses, 65 Tompkins Avenue, Apt. 1F, to find ways to reengineer how benefit corporations. NYCHA is committed to Brooklyn we do business in the central Many actions currently improving maintenance and Kenardo Thomas Parkside Houses, 2959 White Plains Road, Apt. 3A, Bronx office and our support functions underway will reinforce key repair service levels. The in order to move those savings elements of Plan NYCHA, Authority will work with orga- Prohibited as of April 11, 2012 into operations,” said NYCHA especially the items that are nized labor to ensure that work Saquan Brown Adams Houses, 680 Tinton Avenue, Apt. 5C, Bronx Chairman John B. Rhea. main concerns – improving rules enable the most efficient Lawrence Meriweather Astoria Houses, 3-10 Astoria Boulevard, Apt. 4C, Queens To improve services for safety and security; fast tracking repair schedule; set targets to Lameek Mills Bronx River Houses, 1595 East 174th Street, Apt. 9B, residents, NYCHA plans to look maintenance and repairs; and reduce the amount of open Bronx at different ways for property building improvements. work orders and the average Alexander Vila Red Hook East Houses, 754 , Apt. 5A, management to run the de- NYCHA, together with completion time for mainte- Brooklyn velopments, applying the best residents and the New York nance and skilled trade work Prohibited as of April 18, 2012 practices used at other public City Police Department (NYPD), orders; fill vacancies for skilled Marceline Anderson Morris Houses, 1309 Washington Avenue, Apt. housing authorities and in the have developed a comprehen- trade workers; and target the 9H, Bronx private sector. For example, sive security strategy which developments with the most Melvin Davis Nostrand Houses 2323 Batchelder Street, Apt. 5B, Brooklyn modernizing the public housing builds on the nearly 7,000 outstanding maintenance and Giovanni Diaz a/k/a Jovanni Diaz St. Mary’s Park Houses, 525 Jackson application processes will re- cameras across NYCHA com- repair work, which is handled Avenue, Apt. 1K, Bronx duce wait times by 40 percent. munities. Pending finalization by the Work Order Task Force. Vanessa Garret Wyckoff Gardens Houses, 130 Third Avenue, Apt. 4H, And one significant recom- of plans with elected officials Because of shortfalls in Brooklyn mendation already underway that have allocated sufficient federal capital funding, NYCHA Jeffrey Pierre-Louis Lafayette Gardens Houses, 433 Lafayette Avenue, Apt. 7F, Brooklyn involves NYCHA gaining funding, NYCHA will complete has unmet capital needs of Lateef Thompson Rutgers Houses, 65-75 Pike Street, Apt. 19A, efficiencies in its procurement installation of security upgrades almost $6 billion. NYCHA has Manhattan practices and contracts, and at the 85 developments that met every deadline required by Anthony Watt Monroe Houses, 1785 Story Avenue, Apt. 5E, Bronx greater control over its inven- have funds allocated to them the U.S. Department of Hous- Prohibited as of May 2, 2012 tory in the field. by the end of 2013 (see page ing and Urban Development Harry Bristow Fulton Houses, 419 West 19th Street, Apt. 2D, “As an organization, we 2 for more details). (HUD) to obligate and expend Manhattan have committed to the recom- NYCHA and NYPD also are the capital funding it does Vance Ferbee Woodside Houses, 31-25 49th Street, Apt. 1C, Queens mendations in the BCG re- rolling out a series of security receive (see page 3 for more Luis Figueroa Bronx River Houses, 1057 Boynton Avenue, Apt. 4L, Bronx port. Those recommendations enhancement pilot programs details). However, recognizing Quandell Hendricks Lafayette Gardens Houses, 345 Classon Avenue, that there always is room for Apt. 7G, Brooklyn improvement, the Authority will Jamal Holman Fulton Houses, 419 West 19th Street, Apt. 2D, focus on ways to speed up the Manhattan process. In addition, NYCHA Trayvon Kilpatrick St. Mary’s Park Houses, 674 East 149th Street, Apt. 19J, Bronx Partner With Language Services Associates is pursuing a bond issuance Alex Mass Monroe Houses, 872 Rosedale Avenue, Apt. 4B, Bronx As an Independent Contractor! which will generate proceeds of Lacey Maxwell Brownsville Houses, 619 Rockaway Avenue, Apt. 1A, Language Services Associates (LSA) is looking for qualified Linguists to at least $500 million to invest Brooklyn complete interpretation and translation assignments on an Independent in developments; is explor- Marvin Patterson Bailey Avenue-West 193rd Houses, 2663 Heath Contractor basis. To submit your resume for consideration, please visit ing opportunities with HUD to Avenue, Apt. 10F, Bronx lsaweb.com/opportunities and click on the Independent Contractor Michael Williams Polo Grounds Houses, 2932 Eight Avenue, Apt. Assignments tab. Be sure to put NYCHA in the referred by field. reduce energy consumption 12C, Manhattan through major energy efficient investments; and will accelerate efforts to develop its underuti- lized land. These efforts show that, un- like in other cities where public housing was demolished, New York City is committed to pre- serving public housing.

LSA is proud to offer a full range of language services, including Comments? Translation and Localization, Video Remote Interpreting, Questions? INTERPRETALK® Interpreting by Telephone, Face-to-Face Interpreting, American Sign Language and Intercultural Consulting. E-mail http://lsaweb.com [email protected]. The Housing Authority Journal September 2012 5

Residents’ Voices

May 3, 2012 June 25, 2012 (via mail) (via e-mail) Save Money – Get “Extra Help” Do you have any information how to obtain “Our Daughters” with Prescription Drugs furniture for someone who recently moved in A reflection of ourselves as time passes on, Our f you are enrolled in Medicare and your annual income is to a New York City Housing Authority studio? Daughters Iless than $16,755 (for a single person) or $22,695 (for a Amaury Negron, Mitchel Houses A time for renewal reminding us of how special couple), then you may qualify for extra help in paying for we are, Our Daughters prescription drugs. You could save nearly $4,000 a year! Call NYCHA response: Sweet as angels as they grow and learn, Our Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask for information NYCHA’s Family Services Department has a Daughters about “Extra Help” or get the application which is available Furniture Distribution Program, which works in Making us proud fulfilling their own dreams, online at www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp. this way: Our Daughters • An authorized resident who is in need of Becoming women before our very eyes, they furniture first should call the Family Services are now mothers, Our Daughters office in the borough where they live They can be many things Proper Disposal of • A referral will be generated within NYCHA’s It all starts with us, Their Mothers Family Services Department (FSD) Renee A. Braxton, Bay View Houses Hypodermic Needles, • An FSD service coordinator will be assigned to schedule a Home Visit with the resident June 11, 2012 Syringes and Lancets • During the Home Visit, an assessment of the (via mail) any residents use needles, syringes and lancets at home to resident’s needs will be conducted We have had good Caretakers for this building Mcare for their health. Tossing these items into the trash, down • The resident (with written consent) may over the years that I’ve been here, but there is a the drain or onto the grounds exposes NYCHA workers, residents be referred to outside resources in the tremendous difference between good and excel- and pets to possible serious injury and illness. More than two dozen community that provide furniture lent! Several weeks ago I opened my front door NYCHA Caretakers are stuck every year by hypodermic needles dis- • Depending upon the resident’s situation and and as I looked down I thought the floor was carded in the general trash or on the grounds. The medical treatment urgency of need, FDS also may be able to wet, only to find that it was cleaned and polished for these injuries can be a long and stressful experience. NYCHA asks directly receive items of furniture that have with such professionalism it only looked wet from residents to be considerate and responsible and help it protect staff been donated to NYCHA its truly professional shine just like the floors at and their neighbors by disposing of medical waste properly. • Telephone numbers for NYCHA’s Family Trump Tower or any five-star hotel! On my way Services Department in each borough are: out yesterday who did I see cleaning, the very Use a Sharps Container Bronx (718) 409-8699 Caretaker who did my floor, Julian Roberts. I • Inexpensive sharps containers are available at most pharmacies. Brooklyn (718) 498-3243 found him pleased to know in 32 years at • Place used sharps into the container as soon as possible and seal the Manhattan (212) 334-2506 Rangel Houses I’ve never seen such a profes- lid. Keep the container in a safe place away from children and pets. Queens (718) 206-3286 sional job done! • Some residents place their used sharps in an empty laundry deter- Staten Island (718) 816-1521 Gerald Flemings, Rangel Houses gent container or bleach bottle. This is acceptable as long as these containers are labeled and have a cap. • Do not throw any sharps container into a trash chute. The compac- Tell us what is on tor will break them open, exposing workers to needles when they remove trash from the building. Send a snail mail to: your mind! Please limit written submissions to • When a sharps container is nearly full, it can be brought to a Manage- 250 words. NYCHA Journal Residents’ Voices accepts Letters to the Editor ment Office for safe disposal. All hospitals and nursing homes in The Journal reserves the right letters, photographs, poems, 250 Broadway, 12th floor New York also accept sharp containers for disposal. Some drug stores drawings – anything that allows to edit all content for length, New York, NY 10007 clarity, good taste, accuracy, etc. and health clinics have kiosks to dispose of medical waste. A list of you to express yourself! Send a Tweet on Twitter at Because of space limitations, we neighborhood kiosks can be obtained by calling 1-800-541-2347. Please include your full name, must limit all contributors to one twitter.com/NYCHA_Housing development name, address letter per person per issue. Post a message on Facebook at and phone number. We will Don’t dispose of your sharps: There are many ways to share www.facebook.com/NYCHA print only your name and • Into compactor chutes development on our pages; your thoughts with us at the Send a fax to 212-577-1358 Journal: • In the toilet or sink drain we need your address and If you have any questions, phone number for verification Send an e-mail to please send them to • On the grounds purposes only. [email protected] [email protected]. Residents with questions can contact their Management Office. 6 September 2012 The Housing Authority Journal The Housing Authority Journal September 2012 7

Elected Officials: “It’s Time for New York City to Get Behind Public Housing” Residents Join City and State Representatives at Rally to Support NYCHA By Eric Deutsch, with Council Member Maria del Media reports have at- Ryan Dicovitsky Carmen Arroyo. “I have worked tempted to portray members ew York City Council Mem- very hard with resident leaders of NYCHA as out of touch with Nbers, State Representatives and NYCHA to find where the the residents they serve. But and residents banded together money can best be used.” residents and elected officials on August 14 to publicly support Many people spoke about the spoke about how often they are NYCHA’s efforts to preserve and sense of partnership they feel in contact with NYCHA leader- improve public housing. The rally with NYCHA. Nancy Ortiz, the ship and what that means to was held as a response to recent Resident Association President them. This includes Mary Mc- negative published reports at in Manhattan, Gee, the Resident Association about NYCHA. said it was teamwork that helped President at Soundview Houses “I am a product of public lead to all 54 buildings in her in the Bronx, who said she has housing,” said Rosie Mendez, development receiving security been a frequent and vocal critic the Chair of the City Council’s cameras and layered access of NYCHA. “We had an area Committee on Public Hous- control. “We’ve had constant that always flooded in front of ing, who lived at Williamsburg communication and worked our development; it had been Houses in Brooklyn for 23 years. together to ensure we have a there for more than 18 years. “While there have been prob- security plan that is good not just They came and fixed it,” she lems at NYCHA, they’ve been for residents, but the entire com- said. “(NYCHA Chairman) John making lots of progress and that munity,” Ms. Ortiz said. Rhea is not just talking; he’s lis- Research Study progress wasn’t being reported. Elected officials have al- tening and doing something.” I see a light at the end of the located $42 million to install Other residents held signs The Albert Einstein College of Medicine tunnel and we need to have security cameras and/or layered that had messages such as IS NOW RECRUITING FOR A RESEARCH STUDY OF the residents see that light. access control at certain de- “Public Housing – Our Collec- TREATMENT FOR COCAINE DEPENDENCE You don’t help the residents by velopments, with installation tive Responsibility” and “We blasting the leadership.” work scheduled to begin in Need Public Housing – Support We are looking for individuals aged 18-65, who Reports have claimed that 2012. Queens Council Member NYCHA and its Residents Now.” are addicted to cocaine and have used opioids NYCHA has hundreds of mil- Ruben Wills, who grew up in The elected officials and lions of dollars available that it South Jamaica Houses, said residents emphasized that they (such as heroin, codeine, oxycontin, vicodin) in is not spending. However, the there is too much of a focus will continue to fight for more the past year, and would like no-cost treatment. Authority spends its Capital on buildings that do not have funding for NYCHA, and called funds – used for building repairs security cameras. “We get a on others to do the same. “A big ¾ This study is 8 weeks long; in-clinic visits three times per week ¾ such as roofs and elevators – as lot of attention for the nega- issue is changing the mindset of Participation is voluntary and of no cost to you ¾ Compensation will be provided for your time and travel costs. quickly as the process allows tive acts that happen in our residents,” said Aixa Torres, the for, and has met every dead- developments,” he said. “But Resident Association President at line for using the funds. “The no one ever talks about that if Smith Houses in Manhattan. “We Please call Andrea or Matthew money coming in does flow it weren’t for the cameras we live on billion-dollar property and For more information. slowly, but it is a process that have, we wouldn’t catch the we need to start acting like it. has to be followed,” said Bronx people who commit crimes.” Let’s show who we are.” (347) 493-8555

Mary McGee, Resident Association President at Soundview Houses, speaks at a rally to support NYCHA at City Hall on August 14, 2012. Behind her stand, from left to right, New York City Council Members Inez Dickens, Letitia James, Maria del Carmen Arroyo and Rosie Mendez. 8 September 2012 The Housing Authority Journal

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NYCHA Celebrates Summer 2012

To see more photos from these events, point your smartphone’s camera here.

A NYCHA youth gets serious air during a jump rope race at the Queens/Staten Island Sports Challenge at Baisley Pond Park on August 7.

NYCHA residents dance through the heat at Amsterdam Addition’s Family Day in Manhattan on July 28.

NYCHA families – and NYPD Housing Bureau Chief Joanne Jaffe – meet a miniature version of McGruff the Crime Dog during National Night Out Against Crime at Monroe Houses in the Bronx on August 7.

Johnson Houses residents revel in the warm weather at the Manhattan development’s Family Day on July 28.

NYCHA youth ponder their next move at the 10th annual NYCHA Citywide Chess Tournament at Rutgers Community Center in Manhattan on June 13. Hope Gardens Community Center (Brooklyn) came in first place and was crowned the 2012 Citywide Chess Champion. Hammel Community Center (Queens) came in second and Mariner’s Harbor Community Center (Staten Island) came in third. (Photo by Lloyd Carter)

A young Amsterdam Addition resident drives to the hoop – a.k.a his Nothing beats cooling down with a cold glass of juice on a hot father – at the Manhattan development’s Family Day on July 28. summer day, which is just what these NYCHA youth do at the annual NYCHA Kids Walk at Clove Lakes Park in Staten Island on August 15.

Comments? Questions? E-mail [email protected]. 10 September 2012 The Housing Authority Journal

Security Camera Installation s described on page 4 in this issue, 85 developments will have Closed Circuit ATTENTION ATelevision (CCTV) surveillance cameras installed by the end of 2013. The list is SENIORS! below. As more funds become available, NYCHA will pursue security upgrades at New York City Housing Authority Department of Community Programs & Development other developments. is pleased to announce the th a n n ua l Se n ior B e n e f it Bronx Pink Smith & e n t i t l e m e n t fa i r Bailey Ave. Sheepshead Taft 8 This year’s theme: Edenwald Surfside Gardens Two Bridges Fort Independence Taylor-Wythe UPACA (Site 6) Jackson Tilden Vladeck MONEY Marble Hill Whitman Vladeck II Middletown Plaza Williams Plaza Washington Mitchel Wyckoff Gardens Wilson MATTERS Moore Manhattan Queens FREE Health Screenings • Eyes, Ears, Feet, Blood Sugar, Balance Mott Haven 45 Allen St. Beach 41st St./ Benefits & Services • The Food Card Murphy 830 Amsterdam Ave. Channel Dr. • Reduced Fare MetroCard • Nutrition Counseling Patterson Baruch Bland • Massage Therapy Workshops Brooklyn Baruch Addition Carlton Manor • Social Security Benefits Going Paperless; Your Options Explained 303 Vernon Ave. Campos Plaza I Conlon Lihfe Towers • Identity Theft, How To Protect Yourself Your Questions Answered Hammel • Representatives from over 60 organizations 572 Warren St. Campos Plaza II Including Health Plans, Banks, Government Agencies and Senior Advocacy Groups Atlantic Terminal Carver Latimer Gardens Belmont-Sutter De Hostos Ocean Bay Apartments/ Date: Thursday, September 20th, 2012 Time: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Borinquen Plaza Douglass I Edgemere Location: Riverbank State Park Pomonok 679 Riverside Drive at 145th Street, Manhattan Brownsville Douglass II ALL attendees must pre-register Coney Island I Dyckman Queensbridge Call (212) 306-8443 for more information Redfern In cooperation with the North River Community Environmental Review (Sites 4 and 5) Elliott/Fulton Board and Riverbank State Park Coney Island I (Site 8) Hernandez Woodside Farragut Holmes Staten Island Fiorentino Plaza Isaacs Mariners Harbor Comments? Questions? E-mail [email protected]. Glenwood Johnson Gowanus King Towers Haber LaGuardia NYCHA “Achievers” Merge Hope Gardens Lehman Village Hylan I Infill Personal Growth with Independence Lexington Professional Experience Ingersoll Meltzer Tower Nostrand Polo Grounds By Ryan Dicovitsky or nearly 40 NYCHA college students, the stereotype of Ocean Hill Rutgers being an intern who fetches coffee and runs errands was far O’Dwyer Gardens Extension F from reality this summer. As members of the NYCHA Achievers Internship program, the students were assigned to a specific NYCHA office or an outside employer full-time where they “Miss learned about a given career field. Peter Chen, a senior in finance at Baruch College and a Peter Chen, front, with Susie:” resident of the Jacob Riis Houses in Manhattan, believed the NYCHA's Pat Iannone, lives at Jacob Riis Houses in Manhattan program’s group sessions particularly are helpful. “It’s given 113 Years and is a senior at Baruch College. me experience in public speaking; I feel like I’ve gotten a little Old and more confident in presenting myself,” he said. Achievers were given tasks that corresponded with their Going Strong academic courses of study. Mr. Chen worked with the Business oes anyone remember Solution Technology department to help improve NYCHA’s Dwhat happened at the budgeting and payroll software. He called the Achievers Summer Olympics in London program “a great opportunity to hone one’s skills and gain – not this year, but in 1908? experience in the real world,” and believes it has prepared him Susannah Mushatte Jones, a to work in the financial field. resident at Vandalia Houses Martha Lino, a resident of the Mill Brook Houses and a in Brooklyn, just might. Fam- junior at Vassar College, is an aspiring Ph.D. in sociology who ily and friends gathered at the Vandalia Senior Center to cel- spent the summer in the Department of Communications after ebrate her 113th birthday on July 12. She holds the distinction working last summer in the Law Department. “I really loved the of being the current oldest living person in New York State. people I was working with, and I believe that I experienced so Louise George, a niece of Ms. Jones, revealed one surprising much personal growth since last year because of the program secret to Ms. Jones’ long life - breakfast. “She eats bacon, eggs and meeting people who are in similar situations as I am right Martha Lino , left, with NYCHA’s Nichele Mullins-Golden, lives at Mill and grits every day,” Ms. George said, before happily adding, now – a college student, living in NYCHA projects,” she said. Brook Houses in the Bronx and is a “Her blood pressure is good.” “It was just really inspiring.” junior at Vassar College.