Markham Gardens Residents Return – and Now They Can Be Owners Young Public Housing Residents ‘Achieve’ Early Career Aspirations Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

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NYCHA NYCHA Vol. 40 No. 7 Journalwww.nyc.gov/nycha September 2010

inside Markham Gardens Residents Return – this issue and Now They Can Be Owners

By Eric Deutsch ou really can go home again. Natasha Chapman, Ya 40-year old single mother who used to live in Markham Gardens in Staten Island, has just moved back to Markham Gardens. When Ms. Chapman lived there in the 1990s, she was a tenant in NYCHA public housing, but she returns as a homeowner of a two-family home, now that Markham Gardens is a private development. NYCHA Summer Fills Days “It’s overwhelming,” said Ms. Chapman. “It’s an & Nights with Fun, Community Actiities excitement you can’t even imagine. It’s success.” » see photo spread on pages 8 and 9 Ms. Chapman was the first “Working that hard, person to take advantage of there had to be a a program that gave former light at the end Markham Gardens residents of the tunnel.” first preference to purchase one of the new townhouses. Natasha Chapman stands in her new kitchen at Markham Gardens in The development’s original buildings, which included Staten Island. 360 apartments, were razed in 2007. The redeveloped as she heard about the chance, Ms. Chapman knew she property now has 240 affordable rental units and wanted to take advantage of it. 25 two-family homes for affordable homeownership. However, she knew she was not making enough money To qualify for owning one of the homes, Ms. Chapman at her clerical job at the Richmond University Medical NYCHA Speaking green had to take a course on home ownership, achieve an Center to realize her dream, so she took a second job, and lecture: acceptable credit score, earn a minimum income and have worked seven days a week. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, how to combat the hot climate enough in savings to cover the down payment. As soon she would wake up at 5:30 a.m. and continued on page 2  » read more on page 3

Young Public Housing Residents her academic studies and gave her hands-on experience with cases involving domestic violence and ‘Achieve’ Early Career Aspirations emergency transfers. Although the By Heidi Morales senior wants to pursue a career in ore than two dozen young Manhattan. “Having that workplace clinical social work, which focuses MNYCHA residents were not experience, especially being placed more on providing assistance content to spend the summer work- within a department [Social Services] through counseling, Ms. Hernandez ing in a typical seasonal job. Instead, that is associated with my major, I said this experience helped expose Dads & Sons Strengthen they spent eight weeks as full-time thought was good for me to grow her to other areas of the field. She Bond at NYCHA Fatherhood Initiative Authority employees in the NYCHA and learn some things.” is a full-time student at Lehman » read more on page 6 Achievers program. Geared towards Ms. Hernandez’ work in the Social College in the Bronx and has found residents aged 17 to 22 who are Services Department complemented it incredibly continued on page 2  NYCHA’s Customer college-bound or enrolled in college, Contact Center: How it Works the Achievers program is designed » read more on page 5 for young adults who want an opportunity to work in a fast-paced, fast facts government environment related to their academic training and interests. The New York City Housing Participants work in NYCHA’s Social Authority already has Services, Law or Public-Private converted to clean burning Partnerships Departments, or are oil or natural gas in all of placed at an outside organization. its 334 properties. “It was a great opportunity,” said 22-year old Melissa Hernandez, a The Markham Gardens site resident of Lillian Wald Houses in in Staten Island covers NYCHA Achiever Melissa Hernandez attends 541,000 square feet. Lehman College in the Bronx. 2 September 2010 The Housing Authority Journal

continued from page 1 continued from page 1 Markham Gardens Residents Return – and Now They Can Be Owners Young Public Housing Residents ‘Achieve’ Early Career Aspirations pre-approved for a mortgage. Markham Gardens is difficult to find a job because NYCHA’s Law Department considered a mixed-income of a lack of work experience; helped encourage his desire community, and tenant-based she believes the Achievers to attend Law School. “It’s Section 8 vouchers were program changed all of that. great. I’m learning about provided to all returning “This is something that I can different statutes and all the residents. Returning residents put down on my résumé and intricacies of law, which I had must have satisfactory credit, it can help me get a job in no clue about,” Mr. White undergo a criminalbackground the future,” she said. said. He has been busy check and be a public housing “Today is another step in summarizing depositions resident in good standing. A your journey. But it’s a big and pre-trial hearings and final phase of the project will step,” said NYCHA Chair- extracting information from include development of an man John B. Rhea during the summaries to use for the 80-unit building for seniors, the program’s closing development of other cases. with construction set to ceremony. “As you return Ms. Hernandez is set to The new Markham Gardens stands ready for more residents to move in and begin in 2011. to school this fall, remem- graduate in May 2011 and call it home. Ms. Chapman had lived in ber what you learned this plans to attend graduate get home at 11:00 p.m. and Development, New York Markham Gardens since 1992 summer about the value of school, and ultimately obtain would not even see her two State Affordable Housing when she moved to Mariners teamwork, commitment and her Ph.D. in social work. sons. “It was pretty rough, we Corporation, New York State Harbor Houses in 2004 in believing in yourself. We Mr. White also expects to all worked together and I had Division of Housing and advance of the demolition of believe in you, we’re count- graduate next spring from the help from family and friends,” Community Renewal and the development. She lived ing on you and we have University of Pennsylvania and said Ms. Chapman. “Working HSBC Bank. there until August 2 of this every faith you will succeed.” plans to attend Law School. that hard, there had to be a Former residents of year, when she closed on her Paul White, a 21-year old The program was created light at the end of the tunnel.” Markham Gardens have new home and slept there resident of Throggs Neck by NYCHA’s Human Participants in the program top priority at the new that night, even though she Houses in the Bronx, said Resources Department and receive several subsidies development, and 14 have had no furniture moved in yet. he too enjoyed the program received funding from New that help with the costs of moved back, with another 24 Already, she has rented out and that his placement in York State Assemblyman the down payment and residents receiving approval the second unit in her new, Vito Lopez (Brooklyn). The closing. NYCHA provided Ms. to join them. The next priority two-family home. funding covered this year’s Chapman with a $50,000 note goes to NYCHA residents “Was I going to continue program and will sponsor that will be absolved after living on Staten Island. After to pay all of this rent, or did another group of Achievers 15 years, if she still owns and them, any remaining homes I want to own?” said Ms. during the summer of 2011. lives in the building. She also are offered through a lottery Chapman. “Now I can leave NYCHA Achiever Paul White received assistance from the system to any qualified my kids something. I had to attends the University of New York City Department household. So far, one other do this. It’s so important to Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. of Housing Preservation and NYCHA resident has been own something.” Comments? Questions? E-mail [email protected]. Back to School News from new york city housing authority 76 the Department of Education years NYCHA of Public Housing t is September and that means more than one parent coordinator for any middle school in the NYCHA in New York City Journal Imillion children in New York City, including district they are interested in visiting to find out ESTABLISHED 1970 • CIRCULATION 200,000 thousands of children who reside in NYCHA the date and time of the Open House. After Published monthly by the New York City Housing Authority developments, are heading back to school. attending the various Open House sessions Department of Communications That also means that more than 900,000 and Fairs, parents will be better informed about 250 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10007 families citywide will be taking part in the the schools their child wants to attend. Families Tel (212) 306-3322 • Fax (212) 577-1358 annual ritual of shopping for school supplies in some districts with choice will be given the nyc.gov/nycha Michael R. Bloomberg ��Mayor and looking for information to help their opportunity to choose from amongst more than John B. Rhea �� Chair children succeed in school. one middle school in the district, which must Earl Andrews, Jr. ��Vice‑Chair For families with students in the 5th grade, it be ranked in order of preference. Only schools Margarita López ��Board Member Vilma Huertas ��Secretary is important to make a note on the calendar that that parents are willing to allow students to Michael Kelly ��General Manager Middle School Fairs will take place in districts attend either within walking distance or via Lynn Godfrey ��Chief Communications Officer Sheila Stainback ��Communications Officer with middle school choice in mid-October. public transportation should be chosen and Eric Deutsch…….. �� Editor Middle School Fairs are an opportunity for ranked on the Middle School Application. Heidi Morales ��Editor, Spanish Edition Howard Silver ��Editor, NYCHA Bulletin children and parents to get information about The Middle School Application will be made Tischelle George �� Online News Editor the criteria for admission and the academic and available in early November with an end Peter Mikoleski, Leticia Barboza �� Photography of November due date. For specific dates, Christian Nwachukwu �� Staff Writer extra-curricular activities offered in those schools. Brent Grier ��Staff Intern Families in districts with middle school choice parents should contact their school parent If you are interested in placing an advertisement in the Journal, please strongly are encouraged to attend the Fairs and coordinator or call 311. call our marketing representatives in the Office of Business and Revenue Development at (212) 306‑6614. The inclusion of any advertisement in this take advantage of any Open Houses offered Students who will be in the 8th or 9th grade Journal does not constitute any endorsement by the Housing Authority by middle schools this Fall. Parents can call the this year, are eligible to take continued on page 4  of the advertiser or its products or services or any other representation by the Housing Authority with respect to such products or services. The Housing Authority Journal September 2010 3

NYCHA Chairman John B. Rhea speaks to young public housing residents at the Message from the Chairman kickoff of TD Bank’s Summer Reading Program on July 27 at Queensbridge With the sweeping financial and consumer protection reforms Houses in Long Island City. put in place recently, the federal government served notice that it will keep an eye on the best interests of the finances of your credit, deal with debt collection, create a Americans. I urge all of you to do the same. The importance budget, open a bank account and much more. of being financially stable cannot be overstated and is vital Free one-on-one financial counseling is provided if you are to succeed in reaching your goals. by professional counselors in person or by phone A critical component of financial stability is financial literacy. It in English, Spanish and Chinese. And all you have empowers NYCHA communities and families and improves quality to do to access these services is call 311 to find the of life. Financial literacy allows you to have more money available Financial Empowerment Center closest to you, now and in the future and can get your money working for you. and then contact them to make an appointment. It’s never too early to start teaching people how to smartly manage their We want to make sure that residents have access to and take advantage of finances. This summer, NYCHA teamed up with TD Bank in a first of its kind affordable, relevant and convenient financial services to best prepare for the partnership to teach youth living in public housing the benefits of financial literacy future. NYCHA is working to expand the locations of banks and credit unions and the importance of saving money. Through the TD Bank WOW!Zone, children that accept rent payments – making opening and managing a bank account and aged six to 12 who took part in activities at five NYCHA community centers paying rent all a part of one-stop shopping. received free, interactive financial literacy lessons. In addition, the youths were These financial institutions often also offer important banking services and encouraged to read 10 books over the course of the summer; those who did so information, such as money management, basic budgeting and building and received a $10 deposit from TD Bank for a new or existing Young Saver account. maintaining good credit. I encourage NYCHA residents to take advantage of these While NYCHA’s commitment to assisting residents to maximize their opportunities. The East River Development Alliance Federal Credit Union in Queens economic potential is not new, making financial literacy a central part of the is one example of a financial institution that we have partnered with in this effort, Authority’s mission is. That’s why I created the Office of Resident Economic and they accept NYCHA rental payments for no fee. If you want to see the full list Empowerment and Sustainability (REES) in August 2009, just two months of banks that take NYCHA rental payments, go to the “Residents’ Corner” section after assuming the role of Chairman. One of REES’ charges is to increase of our website at www.nyc.gov/nycha. the financial literacy of public housing residents. REES will continue to look for additional ways to help residents improve Through REES, NYCHA partners with the Mayor’s Office of Financial their financial literacy and build their assets. That will help to achieve our Empowerment (OFE) to encourage residents to take advantage of Financial ultimate goal – ensuring that New York City public housing residents don’t Empowerment Centers. These centers help you take control of your debt, improve simply survive, but thrive.

Hot Night for a Hot Topic – Climate Changes Impact on our Homes

By Howard Silver here now will be here in 2030,” noted DOB’s YCHA held its first outdoor Speaking Green Executive Director of Code and Sustainability Nlecture on a warm and muggy evening on Affairs, Helen Gittleson. Ms. Gittleson described July 28, in the courtyard of Queensbridge North three laws enacted by Mayor Michael Bloomberg Houses, during the second-hottest July on record in 2009 to measure and reduce energy consump- in New York. The heat wave vividly demonstrated tion in existing buildings of 50,000 square feet concerns expressed by three guest speakers from or larger. There are 975,000 buildings in the city, the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) and NYCHA, whose developments contain 2,600 about climate change and energy conservation. buildings, is the city’s single largest building owner. It also affirmed the importance of initiatives at “A community as large as NYCHA must be a part DOB that they described to help achieve a of the city’s environmental sustainability efforts Cheryl Minor, the Acting Chair of the Uptown Harlem Resident sustainable environment. for us all to make a difference,” said NYCHA Green Committee and a resident of Fred Samuels Houses in DOB’s First Deputy Commissioner, Fatma Chairman John B. Rhea. “This includes reducing the Manhattan (left), NYCHA Commissioner Margarita López (center), and the Department of Building’s First Deputy Commissioner, M. Amer, oversees the development of new Con- energy consumption of our buildings by changing Fatma M. Amer (right) discuss NYCHA’s Green Agenda before the struction Codes that raise safety and sustainability our personal habits – to save energy and Speaking Green lecture on July 28. standards for new buildings. Ms. Amer told the money, and to set a good example for our children.” 150 people in attendance about the frightening DOB’s “Greener, Greater Building Plan” is participating in this voluntary program. ecological consequences of carbon emissions from will require owners of large existing buildings to NYCHA Commissioner Margarita López, who energy creation and consumption that deplete the annually benchmark building energy consumption is the Authority’s Environmental Coordinator, had Earth’s ozone layer, including rising temperatures as of May 2011; to audit windows, walls, hot water, a reminder for the audience. “Everyone is a soldier and sea levels, droughts and floods. She also de- lighting, electrical systems and elevators to identify in the fight we are mounting against global scribed the City’s ambitious plan – PlaNYC 2030 – problem areas; to file an energy efficiency report warming. We need to change our behavior,” she to reduce carbon emissions by 30 percent by 2030. every ten years, as of 2013; and to upgrade lighting said, holding up a copy of The Power is in Your “Buildings are responsible for 75 percent of for energy efficiency and install meters, as of 2025. Hands, NYCHA’s resident guide to saving energy. carbon emissions, far more than cars, factories and DOB Assistant Commissioner James Colgate Citing a survey in the booklet that lets readers as- other sources,” said Amer. “If we don’t win the also described the NYC CoolRoofs initiative to sess their own energy habits, Commissioner López fight on buildings, the war is lost. That is why we promote the covering and cooling of the city’s challenged individuals to “rate your own emissions are here today.” rooftops with white, reflective surfaces instead just like the new codes require each building to do.” While the revision of construction codes to of dark tar or other substances that absorb The quarterly Speaking Green lecture series reduce carbon emissions for new buildings is vital, heat, raising temperatures in top floor apartments is part of NYCHA’s Green Agenda, and is “85 percent of the city’s buildings that are already and even on the city’s streets. NYCHA already co-sponsored by the Clinton Climate Initiative. 4 September 2010 The Housing Authority Journal

continued from page 2 The NYCHA Not Wanted List Back to School News from the Department of Education High Schools exam will be In this issue we continue publishing the names of individuals the Specialized High Schools available from September 15 who have been permanently excluded from our public housing exam in October. There are nine through October 5. Students developments. The purpose of this list is to keep residents Specialized High Schools in New should request a form through informed of the Housing Authority’s ongoing efforts to improve York City which provide students the school guidance counselor. the quality of life for all New Yorkers in public housing and to allow for the peaceful and safe use of our facilities. What follows with a unique opportunity to pursue special The applications are due back to is a partial list of the people excluded after hearings were held interests and to develop their talents. These the school guidance counselor by on March 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2010. schools provide students with a rigorous October 6 to be considered on time. Anyone and advanced course of study for four years. unable to get a form should call the New York Prohibited as of March 3, 2010 Students should expect to be challenged in City Department of Education before October Mark Vendemio case 8089/09 formerly associated with mathematics, science, English, history and all 6 at (212) 374-2323 for assistance. All 8th grade the 9th fl., 90 Baruch Drive, Baruch Houses, Manhattan other major subject areas. To be successful in students who want to attend a Specialized Angel Saltares Jr. case 1159/10 formerly associated with these schools, students will need to demonstrate High School are eligible to take the exam. the 4th fl., 1385 Fifth Avenue, Baruch Houses, Manhattan and exhibit proficiency in their coursework, time Parents are encouraged to help their Darnell Trotman case 1121/10 formerly associated with the 4th fl., 67 Warren Street, Stapleton Houses, Staten Island management and discipline in social situations. children prepare for the exam. They can call Entrance into eight of these schools is based 311 to find out where to pick up a copy of the Jonathan Medina case 1245/10 formerly associated with the 4th fl., 1150 College Avenue, Claremont Houses, Bronx solely on the score attained in the Specialized new education guide or ask the school parent High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT). The coordinator for a copy of the Specialized Prohibited as of March 10, 2010 Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art High Schools Student Handbook offered by Angel Rodriguez case 969/10 formerly associated with and Performing Arts is the only one that requires the New York City Department of Education. the 6th fl., 1790 Story Avenue, Monroe Houses, Bronx an audition and a review of academic records for Here is a calendar of important dates to Bernard Witherspoon case 1339/10 formerly associated with students to be considered for admission. get parents and students prepared for the the 18th fl., 80 East 110th Street, Lehman Houses, Manhattan Registration applications for the Specialized new school year! Kevin White case 8773/09 formerly associated with the 5th fl., 149 N. Portland Avenue, Whitman Houses, Brooklyn September 8 First Day of School Edward Ortiz case 1354/10 formerly associated with the 11th fl., 869 Flushing Avenue, Bushwick Houses, Brooklyn September 9-10 Holiday – School Closed Richard Nettles case 1385/10 formerly associated with the 3rd fl., 315 Sutter Avenue, Langston Hughes Houses, Brooklyn September 13 Classes Resume James Smith case 1284/10 formerly associated with the September 15 to Register for the Specialized High Schools Admissions 21st fl., 700 East 156th Street, St. Mary’s Park Houses, Bronx October 6 Test (SHSAT) with school guidance counselor Levell Mathews case 1370/10 formerly associated with the 5th October 2-3 Attend the Citywide High School Fair located fl., 202 York Street, Farragut Houses, Brooklyn at Brooklyn Technical HS

Prohibited as of March 17, 2010 Early October High School Admissions Applications distributed by school guidance counselor Santiago Zapata case 1569/09 formerly associated with the 8th fl., 1115 FDR Drive, Riis Houses, Manhattan October 15 Specialized High Schools Admissions Test tickets Harold Grant case 1519/10 formerly associated with the distributed to students who registered 10th fl., 1368-1370 Webster Avenue, Butler Houses, Bronx October 16 -17 Attend your Borough High School Fair Cyan Brown case 1631/10 formerly associated with the 5th fl., (locations to be announced) 40-15 12th Street, Queensbridge North Houses, Long Island City Dameon Jackson case 1642/10 formerly associated with October 23-24 Specialized High Schools Exam – registered 8th grade the 6th fl., 1540 E. 102nd Street, Bay View Houses, Brooklyn students with SHSAT tickets Alexie Santos case 1646/10 formerly associated with October 30 Specialized High Schools Exam – registered 9th grade the 8th fl., 346 East 156th Street, Melrose Houses, Bronx students with SHSAT tickets November 4 SHSAT make-up test registration through school Prohibited as of March 24, 2010 guidance counselor with proper documentation James Smith case 1715/10 formerly associated with the 2nd fl., 394 Dumont Avenue, Van Dyke I Houses, Brooklyn November 14 SHSAT make-up date for registered 9th grade Sabbath observers, Sabbath observers with Special Needs John Rehn case 1167/10 formerly associated with the OFFICIAL PERMISSION 6th fl., 133-50 Roosevelt Avenue, Bland Houses, Flushing and approved 504 Accommodations - NEEDED PRIOR TO THE TEST – DOCUMENTATION MUST BE Tyshawn Riley case 539/10 formerly associated with the SUBMITTED TO THE GUIDANCE COUNSELOR 5th fl. 33-50 Saratoga Avenue, Ocean Hill Houses, Brooklyn Edwin Rivera case 1773/10 formerly associated with the December 3 High School Applications due to school guidance counselors 16th fl., 205 Alexander Avenue, Mitchell Houses, Bronx Terrence Moore case 5552/10 formerly associated with the 3rd fl., 2175 Fifth Avenue, Lincoln Houses, Manhattan NYCHA Fatherhood Initiative Builds Michael Flores case 1791/10 formerly associated with the13th fl., 2370 First Avenue, Wagner Houses, Manhattan Bonds Between Dads and Their Kids Lessell Mills case 1955/10 formerly associated with the By Brent Grier July 31 at the Williamsburg Houses Community 3rd fl., 383-385 East 141st Street, Mott Haven Houses, Bronx “I think I have a strong bond with my kids,” said Center in Brooklyn. The Initiative stresses the Kenneth Tyson case 1956/10 formerly associated with the Wilson Hernandez, who lives in Williamsburg importance of fathers in the upbringing of a 10th fl., 445 East 120th Street Wagner Houses, Manhattan Houses. “But anything else I can do to make child; its goal is to provide a healthy atmosphere Anthony Bratton case 1765/10 formerly associated with sure they are staying on the right path is what where fathers and their children can develop the 2nd fl., 1760 Watson Avenue, Bronxdale Houses, Bronx I’m interested in,” he added as his youngest a strong and lasting relationship through daughter Nanchi ran in circles around him. education and recreation. NFI is part of a larger, Comments? Questions? Hernandez was part of the kick-off event citywide effort called for by Mayor Michael E-mail [email protected]. for the NYCHA Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) on Bloomberg earlier this year. continued on page 6  The Housing Authority Journal September 2010 5

Be sure to look in the October NYCHA Customer Contact issue of the Journal for more NYCHA Board Meetings information on the Customer Center Works for Residents Contact Center. otice is hereby given that the New York City Housing YCHA’s Customer Contact painting or plastering, have to nance repairs and skilled trade NAuthority’s (NYCHA) Board Meetings take place every NCenter (CCC) provides be scheduled in the future be- repairs. These are scheduled other Wednesday at 10:00 am in the Board Room on the customers (residents) with one cause of limited resources and through the system based on 12th floor of 250 Broadway, New York, New York (unless central point of contact for their high demand. Residents who the next available time, which is otherwise noted). The remaining meetings for Calendar apartment and development call the CCC with a request for determined by the number of Year 2010 are as follows: maintenance needs. Having a regular maintenance repair Property Management Depart- the ability to call one place sim- generally receive an appointment or Development staff in a September 15, 2010 November 10, 2010 plifies the process and enables ment within two weeks. particular title that are available September 28, 2010 (Tuesday) November 24, 2010 customers to receive consistent “It is very important for resi- in the schedule. The customer service from trained service dents to know that any delays service representative does not October 13, 2010 December 8, 2010 representatives who can attend in performing maintenance or dispatch staff; Development October 27, 2010 December 22, 2010 better to their needs. Service making repairs in their apart- Management is responsible for representatives are available ments are not caused by the assigning staff to appointments. Any changes to the schedule above will be posted here anytime for emergency main- Customer Contact Center,” Based on the type of emer- and on NYCHA’s website at www.wnyc.gov/nycha to the tenance requests, and from said NYCHA General Manager gency and availability of staff, the extent practicable at a reasonable time before the meeting. 6:00 a.m. to midnight Monday Michael Kelly. “We have had Authority has set a target first re- These meetings are open to the public. Pre-registration through Friday for scheduling to accommodate significant sponse within 24 hours for these of speakers is required. Those who wish to register must maintenance appointments. funding reductions over the calls. For example, an emergen- do so at least forty-five (45) minutes before the scheduled The CCC manages more than past several years, especially cy call for a clogged bath tub Board Meeting. Comments are limited to the items on the 10,000 calls daily and more in skilled trades, which have drain called in at 3:00 p.m. on Calendar. Speakers will be heard in the order of registration. than two million calls annually. led to cutbacks in staff. We Monday will be responded Speaking time will be limited to three (3) minutes. The public The Authority manages are very concerned about the to by 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday. comment period will conclude upon all speakers being heard more than 178,000 apartments effect this has on the appoint- Emergencies include: or at the expiration of thirty (30) minutes allotted by law for in more than 2,600 buildings, ments schedule and are work- • Danger or potential danger public comment, whichever occurs first. most of which are more than 40 ing to address it.” to life or limb caused by a maintenance problem Copies of the Calendar are available on NYCHA’s years old and require ongoing Scheduling at the CCC • Explosions / Fires (Fire Depart- website or can be picked up at the Office of the Secretary improvement work to preserve is separated into two main ment also must be notified) at 250 Broadway, 12th floor, New York, New York, no its availability for future gen- categories: emergencies and • Gas leaks earlier than 3:00 pm on the Friday before the upcoming erations. Some skilled trades non-emergencies. Non-emer- • Elevators out of order Wednesday Board Meeting. Copies of the Disposition are work orders, such as carpentry, gencies are routine mainte- • Floods also available on NYCHA’s website or can be picked up at A Typical Call to the Customer Contact Center (CCC) • Power failures and apartments the Office of the Secretary no earlier than 3:00 pm on the without electricity Thursday after the Board Meeting. • Main sewer and stack Resident calls CCC Call Taker stoppages Any person requiring a reasonable accommodation in at 718-707-7771. asks ques- order to participate in the Board Meeting, should contact Call Taker should answer tions to fully • Apartment door and door the Office of the Secretary at 212-306-6088 no later call within 30 seconds. understand knobs not working 1 2 Resident’s • Toilet stoppages than five (5) business days before the Board Meeting. needs. Call Taker should For additional information, please visit NYCHA’s website be knowledgeable to ask • Heat and hot water complaints the right questions. or call 212-306-6088. Created in 2005, the CCC has made significant Resident is provided with improvements in technology response time to improve its performance information dramatically. Real-time and 4 by Call Taker. Non-emergencies historic reports allow the CCC are scheduled based Call Taker enters to drive improvements – over on the next available Resident’s request into time, determined by the past year, answer speed is system. Call Taker the number of Property down from an average of more should enter Management Department 3 information accurately than three minutes to less than or Development staff so system can provide in a particular title that 30 seconds. The system makes an accurate are available. The Call response time. reminder calls 48 hours in Taker does not dispatch staff; Development advance of the scheduled date Management is (residents should make sure responsible for assigning that NYCHA has their up-to- staff to appointments. Emergency conditions date contact information). In have a target first addition, the system conducts response within 24 hours. automated customer service satisfaction surveys upon the completion of services Call Taker requests; the current customer confirms satisfaction rate is 89.7%. 5 appointment. Residents can call the Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771. 6 September 2010 The Housing Authority Journal

continued from page 4 NYCHA Fatherhood Initiative Builds Bonds Between Dads and Their Kids NYCHA Youth Chorus YCHA’s effort includes hosting monthly Nworkshops throughout the year for fathers Make Their Voices Heard and their children, where fathers will learn life By Brent Grier This moment, captured at a and child development skills. NYCHA Resident “ ard work!” exclaimed Chorus rehearsal and repeated Employment Services will offer education and HNYCHA Youth Chorus a couple of more times, job skill training and assist with job placement Director Larry Matthew. exemplifies the dedication opportunities. Working with CUNY, the Initia- “Pays off!” responded his the members of the chorus tive will offer pre-college courses for teenagers charges. continued on page 7  and young fathers, enabling the participants to potentially acquire transferable college credits. There will be additional locations for these Fatherhood workshops in community centers around the five boroughs that are scheduled to come onboard over the next year. For more information and to register,

A father and son learn about NYCHA’s Fatherhood Initiative contact NYCHA’s Brooklyn Community at the kick-off event on July 31, 2010. Operations office at 718-453-1296.

Latin Media and Entertainment Week Begins October 4 he New York City Latin Media and Entertainment Commission (LMEC) is launching the first- Tever Latin Media and Entertainment Week from October 4-10. LMEC’s mission is to make New York a leading hub for Latin media and entertainment, and works closely with industry leaders in the Latin and mainstream media, entertainment, technology, Hispanic advertising, marketing, educational and public relations communities. Latin Media and Entertainment Week will include Latin events from film, theater, music, dance, concerts, art and more, to showcase the best of Latin culture in New York. The week captures the heart, essence and diversity of Latin New York and provides opportunities for people to come together and explore new ventures. For more information, go to www.nyc.gov/lmew.

Comments? Questions? E-mail [email protected]. The Housing Authority Journal September 2010 7

Chorus has performed at ven- To learn more about the website at www.nyc.gov/ ues such as City Hall, Yankee NYCHA Youth Chorus, go to nycha. Anyone interested in Stadium and Disney World. the “Music Programs” page in auditioning for the Chorus The Chorus performs through- the “Community Programs and can call 212-427-6648 or out the year all over the City. Services”section of NYCHA’s 212-427-8603. Members of the NYCHA Youth Chorus gather around their donated new piano with the Chorus Director Larry Matthew (seated). continued from page 6 ear training and sight reading NYCHA Youth Chorus skills. Using computer software, Make Their Voices Heard piano books and other materi- have for their craft. “For me, als, they will receive instruction this is it,” said Ebony Johnson, on the basics of playing piano. of Manhattan’s King Towers, In July, the Chorus peformed who at 19-years-old has sung at an event for the nonprofit her share of solos for the Sing for Hope in Lincoln Chorus. “The commitment Center. The organization’s is big, but it’s not a burden summertime public art project, if you love it.” “Play Me, I’m Yours,” featured That commitment is often 60 pianos in public spaces noticed and rewarded. Most throughout New York City for recently, the Afia Foundation people to play. The Chorus awarded the Chorus a received one of these pianos $10,000 grant to assist them as a donation, which they now in establishing a piano lab at use in their rehearsal space. Taft Houses. The grant was Created in 1997, the secured through the work of NYCHA Youth Chorus provides NYCHA’s Office of Public- residents from ages nine to 21 Private Partnerships. with intensive vocal training The Piano Lab will allow and lessons in music history members of the Youth Chorus and choreography. And while to learn the basics of music they practice inside a modest notation, rhythm, harmony, room at Taft Houses, the Youth 8 September 2010 The Housing Authority Journal NYCHA Celebrates Summer 2010!

NYCHA Family Days always offer opportunities to dance.

The NYCHA Citywide All-Star Basketball Game featured impressive athletic skills.

A father and daughter share an enjoyable moment during a NYCHA Family Day.

State Assemblyman Vito Lopez hosted his two annual summer pic- nics for seniors who live in NYCHA housing in his Brooklyn district on July 22 and August 19. Shown here are Shirley Marshall (Hylan Houses), NYCHA Chairman John B. Rhea, NYCHA Vice Chairman Earl Andrews, Jr., Gloria Bonilla (Bushwick Houses), Assemblyman Lopez, Veronica Gersie (Hylan Houses), NYCHA General Manager Michael Kelly and Willie Smith (Bushwick Houses).

NYCHA youth run the bases during Staten Island Yankee Day at Richmond County Bank Ballpark on August 13.

Liliana Billini, Development Manager at Clason Point Gardens; Mary McGee, Tenant Association President at Soundview Houses; and Lilithe Lozano, Tenant Association President at Parkside Houses and Enjoying face painting during the Night Out Against Crime at Red President of the Police Service Area #8 Resident Precinct Council; Hook Houses in Brooklyn. proudly display Certificates of Appreciation from the New York City Police Department during the Night Out Against Crime on August 3 at Soundview Houses in The Bronx. The Housing Authority Journal September 2010 9

More NYCHA Family Day fun.

More than two dozen NYCHA youth give their all in a tug of war at one of the Education Through Sports Days, held throughout August in all five boroughs.

Bay View Houses residents, NYCHA staff and elected officials cut the ribbon at the new Bay View Houses Community Center in Brooklyn on July 31. In attendance were New York State Assemblywoman Inez Barron, New York State Assemblyman Alan Maisel and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. The facility includes a gymnasium, classroom wing, multi-purpose room, arts & crafts room, dance studio, atrium and exterior plaza.

NYCHA Family Days allow residents to show off many different types of abilities.

Reaching the top of an air castle at one of NYCHA’s Citywide Carnivals.

Residents at Tompkins Houses in Brooklyn receive informational materials from the New York City Police Department at the Night Out Against Crime.

Cold refreshments are a staple at NYCHA Family Days to help revelers stay cool. NYCHA’s Citywide Carnivals offer children the chance to enjoy alternative forms of exercise. 10 September 2010 The Housing Authority Journal