Digital Van Driver Will Be NYCHA’s First ‘Neighborhood Tech Supervisor’ 

Kim Maxwell, a senior driver with NYCHA’s Digital Van program, has been tapped to become NYCHA’s first Neighborhood Tech Supervisor. He will lead a new mobile team of IT technicians who will visit property management offices to help staff troubleshoot their computers and train them on new software. Mr. Maxwell has been a digital van… MORE

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Celebrating Community at the Chinese-American Association’s Holiday Luncheon

After three years of hiatus due to the pandemic, NYCHA’s Chinese-American Association (CAA) again held its annual winter holiday luncheon on December 9. “We’ve been trying to do this since 2019,” CAA President Linda “Qi” Zhang said.   More than 80 CAA members – all NYCHA employees and a few NYCHA retirees – enjoyed the… MORE

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Eight Questions for Lisa Bova-Hiatt, NYCHA’s Interim Chief Executive Officer

Lisa Bova-Hiatt was appointed NYCHA’s Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in September 2022. She was previously the Authority’s Executive Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel, a role she held for nearly three years. With more than 25 years of experience at various City and State agencies, Ms. Bova-Hiatt brings deep knowledge of how… MORE

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Guidance Regarding COVID-19 (Updated 2/8/23)

2/8/23 update (COVID-19 Vaccination Now Optional for City Employees): Dear Colleagues, Due to the success of the City’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate, over 331,000 City workers – more than 96 percent – are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. On February 6, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams announced that the City will make vaccination optional for current City employees and prospective… MORE

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Celebrating the Life Stories of NYCHA Residents

In November, a group of NYCHA’s older adult residents participated in a virtual celebration to honor three years of building community and sharing their life stories.  The event was the culmination of a program facilitated by Life Story Club (LSC), a Brooklyn-based non-profit organization and NYCHA partner that creates small social clubs where older adults… MORE

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Empowering Entrepreneurs: Graduates of NYCHA’S Construction Business Pathways Share Lessons from the Program 

When Tashika Woods moved to New York City about five years ago from New Orleans, where she’d been working as a union iron worker, she was looking forward to growing her Black female-owned business, Iron Construction and Contracting Services. But her business struggled to grow.   “Even though I’ve been in business for six years,… MORE

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Final Voting Procedures for the Public Housing Preservation Trust Now Available

We are pleased to announce that after several months of in-person and virtual public meetings with residents, resident leaders, and advocates to develop the Public Housing Preservation Trust draft voting procedures, and a nearly six-week public comment period on the draft voting procedures, the final voting procedures are now available.   Based on the valuable feedback… MORE

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NYCHA’s Language Services Unit Completes Its 10,000th Translation 

The Spanish-language flier posted at the Bronx’s Butler Houses announcing a planning meeting for basketball court and playground upgrades is no ordinary flier: It is the 10,000th document translated into a foreign language for NYCHA residents in the 14 years the Language Services Unit (LSU) has been keeping track.   “It’s a huge achievement that we… MORE

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NYCHA Seeks Resident Input on the Public Housing Preservation Trust Draft Voting Procedures 

After two months of public meetings – virtual and in-person – NYCHA is reviewing the comments and suggestions it received from residents regarding the Public Housing Preservation Trust’s draft voting procedures.   The legislation authorizing the Trust, signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul this summer, requires the establishment of a resident opt-in voting process that… MORE

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Meet Eva Trimble, NYCHA’s Chief Operating Officer

Eva Trimble was appointed NYCHA’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) in July 2022. She was previously the Authority’s first-ever Executive Vice President for Strategy and Innovation, a role in which she led efforts to develop and implement the Transformation Plan to strengthen our organization and the ways we serve residents. Read on to learn more about COO Trimble and… MORE

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Visioning the Future of Gowanus Houses and Wyckoff Gardens

Over 200 residents from Gowanus Houses and Wyckoff Gardens recently had the opportunity to share their ideas and feedback on the future repairs and renovation work coming to their development during community visioning workshops led by NYCHA’s Comprehensive Modernization (Comp Mod) team. The workshops (held in Wyckoff Gardens in October and Gowanus Houses in November)… MORE

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NYCHA’s Work Order Reform Continues Making Strides After Citywide Rollout 

Following borough-specific rollouts over the past year, NYCHA’s revamped process of scheduling work orders at developments is now underway throughout the city.   With the latest implementation launching across Manhattan in early October, the Work Order Reform program has brought some welcomed improvements in communities where stakeholders have experienced the changes firsthand. The program was first… MORE

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Meet Joy Sinderbrand, Senior Vice President for Capital Programs 

For nearly two decades, Joy Sinderbrand has been instrumental in the execution of several public-private partnership projects that have shaped the city of New York; she has a knack for ensuring project teams are on the same page so they can achieve ambitious goals.   As NYCHA’s Senior Vice President for Capital Programs, streamlining the… MORE

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Gas Restored at 17 Developments Impacting More Than 1,000 Households in Time for Thanksgiving

NYCHA additionally repaired or replaced more than 5,000 stoves in more than 150 developments and, alongside staff and volunteers, is distributing approximately 9,000 Thanksgiving meals at 210 developments NYCHA announced today that since the beginning of November, gas service has been restored at Breukelen, Coney Island I (Sites 4 & 5), Bland, East River, Gun… MORE

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With Help from NYCHA, Parkside Houses Resident Starts and Advances Public Service Career

Tytionna Peterkin was looking for a better job. Working as a caterer wasn’t what the 20-something Parkside Houses resident had in mind for herself when she attended college.  Unfortunately, financial pressures had forced her to cut short her college career at Albright College in Pennsylvania and the Borough of Manhattan Community College. But her previous… MORE

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Recognizing NYCHA’s OMAR Staff

On June 9, NYCHA’s Office of Mold Assessment and Remediation (OMAR) held a ceremony to recognize more than 50 staff who worked on NYCHA’s ventilation programs. Notably, OMAR staff completed an Authority-wide roof fan project, which involved replacing 6,188 roof fans and confirming that an additional 2,248 fans are functional and can be kept in… MORE

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NYCHA Observes ‘America Recycles Day’ Every Day of the Year

November 15 is America Recycles Day, but NYCHA recognizes the importance of recycling every day – the Authority has renewed its focus on recycling and created new programs to improve the collection of recyclables.  NYCHA’s Waste Management Department launched its Recycle First initiative in Staten Island in September 2021, working closely with development staff and… MORE

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Longtime Resident Dedicates Career to NYCHA, U.S. Army 

When Edith Taylor-Campbell makes a commitment to serve, she turns it into a career.   This can be said for both her work at NYCHA and service with the United States Army. The housing assistant joined the NYCHA workforce nearly three decades ago in 1994, while accumulating an equally impressive 26 years of military service with… MORE

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NYCHA’s Policy Advisor Presents at International Sustainability Conference 

NYCHA Policy Advisor Debora Lopes discussed the latest developments in sustainability and wellness in built spaces at the 2022 Greenbuild International Conference in San Francisco last week.   “It was fantastic to present on NYCHA’s decarbonization roadmap, especially our Clean Heat for all Challenge,” Ms. Lopes said. “Decarbonization in affordable housing requires ambitious policies and… MORE

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CFO Annika Lescott-Martinez Selected for Crain’s New York Business 40 Under 40 

NYCHA’s Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Finance Annika Lescott-Martinez has been named to the 2022 class of Crain’s New York Business 40 Under 40.  Established in 1988, the publication’s annual 40 Under 40 list celebrates the most accomplished New York City-based business professionals under 40 years old. Ms. Lescott-Martinez, 34, who joined… MORE

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NYCHA’s Capital Projects Roundup: September-October 2022 

NYCHA’s Asset and Capital Management Division (A&CM) recently completed renovations for accessible parking, utility, and roofing projects across the city to bring a variety of benefits and improved services for residents.    A&CM oversees a $4.5 billion capital projects portfolio funded with federal, State, and City investments. The division works to preserve and modernize public housing… MORE

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Supply Management and Procurement Gets National Award for Service Excellence 

NYCHA’s Supply Management and Procurement Department has been recognized by a national organization for its achievements in the area of government procurement.   In early October, the department was awarded the 2022 Annual Achievement of Excellence in Procurement from the National Procurement Institute, Inc. The award, which recognizes agencies that demonstrate a commitment to procurement excellence,… MORE

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Say ‘Hola’ to NYCHA’s Newest Employee Association, OHLA

NYCHA has a new Hispanic and Latin American organization. Say Hola to NYCHA’s Employee Association, OHLA, the Organization of Hispanic and Latin American. Human Resources Department Associate Staff Analyst Franklin Velez launched this new employee association to share Hispanic and Latin American cultural celebrations with NYCHA employees.   Mr. Velez got the idea of starting… MORE

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Workplace Safety

Workplace Violence Prevention Is Everyone’s Responsibility NYCHA employees and contractors should immediately report any potential or actual workplace violence by calling the Office of Safety & Security at (212) 306-8800. In case of a workplace violence incident: Retreat from, and do not engage in, a potential workplace violence situation. Act professionally and calmly when confronted… MORE

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Free Mentor Program Helps NYCHA-CUNY Amazon Scholars with Career Planning 

NYCHA residents studying at CUNY colleges this fall are getting some guidance on how to plan for future careers from some seasoned professionals.   Thanks to a new free program, recipients of NYCHA-CUNY Amazon scholarships are receiving individualized mentoring and career development support from NYCHA employees and other professionals for post-graduation success. The program is an… MORE

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Veteran Employee Receives Assembly Commendation for Service to Residents 

In a week when customer service was top of mind for staff across NYCHA, one longtime employee received special recognition at the statewide level for her service to the community.   Donnette Atkinson, an Administrative Manager in the Resident Participation and Civic Engagement Department, was awarded an honorary citation from Assemblywoman Latoya Joyner at the recommendation… MORE

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NYC Celebrated as Finalist for C40 Cities Bloomberg Philanthropies Award

New York City was celebrated as one of 20 finalists for a 2022 C40 Cities Bloomberg Philanthropies Award at a ceremony held on October 19 at the C40 World Mayors Summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina.   The award celebrates the most impactful projects or programs spearheaded by cities from around the world to tackle the… MORE

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Customer Service Week 2022: Celebrate Service  

NYCHA departments and developments commemorated Customer Service Week 2022 from October 17 to October 21 by hosting communal activities in tribute to the theme of “Celebrate Service.” Below are some highlights of how NYCHA colleagues spent the week visiting developments, reviewing best practices, interacting with their teams, and motivating each other as the Authority demonstrated… MORE

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It’s National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

Every year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) partner to raise awareness about the risks of lead poisoning during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (October 23-29 this year). This year’s theme, “Get the Facts, Get Your Home Tested, and… MORE

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October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month

See Yourself in Cyber This year’s campaign theme – “See Yourself in Cyber” – demonstrates that while cybersecurity may seem like a complex subject, ultimately, it’s really about people. No matter what role you play – as an individual or consumer – take basic steps to protect your online information and privacy. You can do your part by reporting… MORE

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NYCHA Closes on Transfer of Manhattanville Development Rights to Adjacent Site  

On October 14, NYCHA finalized an agreement to transfer 280,000 square feet of development rights (“air rights”) and 12,500 square feet of land from Manhattanville Houses to an adjacent private property at 1440 Amsterdam Avenue.  The transaction generates $28 million in funding, which will be used exclusively at Manhattanville Houses for comprehensive building repairs and… MORE

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EHS Fire Safety Oversight Team Honored for Exemplary Customer Service

On October 6, the NYCHA Environmental Health and Safety Department’s Fire Safety Oversight Team (FSOT) was recognized with this year’s Excellence in Customer Service Award from the Mayor’s Office of Operations.  The annual awards, which are presented across City agencies, recognize “outstanding City workers and teams that demonstrate their dedication and commitment to New York… MORE

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It’s Fire Prevention Week

The theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Week – Fire won’t wait; plan your escape – highlights the importance of creating a home fire escape plan. In observation of this national event and to promote your family’s safety, NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department would like to provide the following information. NYCHA Fire Safety Notice:          … MORE

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Hispanic Heritage Month: David Soto

National Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15 to October 15, a time to recognize the contributions, achievements, and culture of Americans who descend from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. NYCHA employee David Soto lives, breathes, and sings his Puerto Rican culture and Lower East Side community, working to celebrate and showcase… MORE

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Mayor Adams Honors NYCHA Employee for Supporting Resident Associations

It’s not every day that one gets singled out by the mayor of New York City for doing a great job. But earlier this month, Mayor Eric Adams honored Jacqueline Howard, a 32-year veteran NYCHA employee, for her work as project coordinator in the Resident Participation & Civic Engagement department. The ceremony took place at… MORE

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Long Island City Machinist Shop Crew ‘Keep NYCHA Going’ 

When an elevator breaks down at one of NYCHA’s developments, requiring a traction pulley or bearing to be repaired, NYCHA’s machinist shop in Long Island City will likely get the call.  In the basement of one of NYCHA’s satellite offices, the shop houses specialized machinery such as a CNC (computer numerical control) lathe and vertical… MORE

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Senior Affordable Housing Complex Holds Ribbon Cutting Near Mill Brook Houses 

On September 13, the Bronx’s Mott Haven community celebrated the official opening of a 158-unit affordable housing complex for low-income senior residents.  Mill Brook Terrace sits on the site of a former NYCHA parking lot near Mill Brook Houses, where seniors now have access to an 8,700-square-foot senior center, supportive services, green spaces, and other… MORE

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Advancing NYCHA’s Transformation Plan with an Updated Leadership Structure

Dear Colleagues, Over the last several years, we have made significant changes across NYCHA. As part of NYCHA’s Transformation and Implementation Plans, earlier this year the Board amended NYCHA’s by-laws to separate the roles of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chair of the Board of Directors. This leadership model is what we have been working toward… MORE

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Climate Corps Fellows Study Sustainable Food Waste Solutions at NYCHA 

How much food waste would it take to power an electric bicycle?  Two graduate school students worked to find a solution to such an inquiry this summer while studying organic waste collection at NYCHA. Abigail Brown and Jed Higdon served as Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) Climate Corps fellows who helped advance the Authority’s environmental goals… MORE

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NYCHA Performs Milestone Crane Lift for Sandy Recovery Program 

As the city approaches the 10th anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, NYCHA has reached a milestone in its efforts to upgrade its infrastructure, improve storm surge protection, and prevent power outages and other storm-related impacts in the future.   On August 24, the 144th, and final, crane lift of NYCHA’s Sandy recovery program was performed for a… MORE

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Longtime NYCHA Law Employee Sam Mordi Lauded for Service Upon Retirement 

Sam Mordi might be moving on from his longtime career at NYCHA, but not without taking with him a wealth of appreciation from his colleagues.  After working for 30 years in the Law Department, Mr. Mordi is retiring from his position as Deputy General Counsel for housing litigation on August 31. In recognition of his… MORE

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NYCHA Distributed Welcome Baby Bags to Expecting Families

More than 205 bags with baby essentials and toys were distributed to NYCHA families who registered their expecting status through the Authority’s Self-Service Portal. NYCHA’s Resident Engagement Department, in cooperation with Health Initiatives and the Fund for Public Housing (the Fund), partnered with Baby2Baby and Moms for Moms to purchase, assemble, and deliver door to… MORE

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Meet the EHS Lead Oversight Team (LOT)

NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department’s (EHS) Lead Oversight Team (LOT) oversees all lead-based paint (LBP) activities to identify, prevent, or correct any non-compliance with the applicable requirements. The team consists of three U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-certified Risk Assessors who are led by a certified Field Supervisor. As part of NYCHA’s Lead Compliance Assurance program,… MORE

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NYCHA Conducts Coastal Storm Preparedness Tabletop Exercise

On August 4, NYCHA’s Emergency Management and Services Department conducted a coastal storm preparedness tabletop exercise with Operations’ borough vice presidents and neighborhood administrators at the Emergency Operations Center in Long Island City. The tabletop exercise and dialogue with Operations leadership was designed to provide a better understanding of preparedness issues or gaps that impact… MORE

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NYC Selected as Finalist for C40 Cities Bloomberg Philanthropies Award, Spotlighting NYCHA’s Sustainability Agenda

Recognizing its leadership in addressing climate change, New York City was selected as one of 20 finalists for the 2022 C40 Cities Bloomberg Philanthropies Award. The awards celebrate the most ambitious and impactful projects or programs spearheaded by cities from around the world to tackle the climate crisis. The theme of this year’s awards is… MORE

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The Clean Energy Academy Will Prepare Residents for Green Careers

The Fund for Public Housing (the Fund) and NYCHA, in partnership with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), National Grid, New York Power Authority (NYPA), Trinity Church Wall Street Philanthropies, NorthLight Foundation, and Rise Light & Power, recently announced the launch of the Clean Energy Academy. Over two years, the $2… MORE

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Meet Shanna Castillo – Senior Director of NYCHA’s REES Office

For almost a decade, Shanna Castillo and her team have worked to continue to develop NYCHA’s Office of Resident Economic Empowerment & Sustainability (REES) — which connects residents to employment and career advancement, adult education and vocational training, financial empowerment, and business development — into a model of how partnership and access to opportunities can… MORE

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Meet Brian Honan, Senior Vice President of Intergovernmental Relations 

Like many who have worked extensively in government, Brian Honan knows that building relationships is key to advancing legislation and solving complex problems for people in the community.    As Senior Vice President of NYCHA’s Office of Intergovernmental Relations, the bonds he has formed with NYCHA residents, members of the public, and elected officials are… MORE

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NYCHA Plumber Organizes Workshops for Girls

“Jobs don’t have genders,” says Judaline Cassidy, who first picked up plumbing tools 25 years ago and has been working in the industry ever since. Five years ago, she founded Tools and Tiaras, a non-profit committed to advancing the participation of females in traditionally male-dominated industries such as electrical, carpentry, plumbing, and auto mechanic trades.… MORE

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$70M Initial Investment Will Decarbonize NYCHA Buildings with New Electric Heat Pumps

Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams joined the NYCHA, New York Power Authority (NYPA), and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to announce the Clean Heat for All Challenge (#CleanHeat4All or #CH4A) — making an initial $70 million investment in the development and production of 30,000 new heat pump units for use in New York City public housing facilities.

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NYCHA’s “M/WBE In Action” Virtual Procurement Fair

NYCHA’s “M/WBE In Action” virtual event was hosted by the Authority’s Supply Management and Procurement Department on July 13, 2022, with over 100 City-certified Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) firms from various industries in attendance. “M/WBE In Action” commemorated the one-year anniversary of the launch of NYCHA’s formal M/WBE program and was the first… MORE

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NYCHA’s Comprehensive Modernization Program Hosts Networking Event

On June 29, NYCHA’s Comprehensive Modernization (Comp Mod) Program hosted a networking event, “Rebuilding NYCHA Housing,” at the NYC College of Technology in Brooklyn. The event, geared specifically towards Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOB), and Section 3 businesses, welcomed over 250 attendees to learn more about Comp Mod and how… MORE

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Meet the EHS Integrated Pest Management Oversight Team (IPMOT) 

NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department’s (EHS) Integrated Pest Management Oversight Team (IPMOT) oversees pest mitigation and extermination measures to ensure compliance with best practices and existing standard procedures, in accordance with the principles of NYCHA’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. As part of its work, the IPMOT:  Conducts oversight inspections of staff providing pest… MORE

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NYCHA Tips Off New Season of Junior Knicks Basketball League 

The Junior Knicks are back at NYCHA.   Following its inaugural season last year, the Junior Knicks Basketball League has returned with 25 sites across NYCHA slated to host games and skills and drills clinics this summer.   In partnership with the Junior Knicks and the NYPD, NYCHA kicked off the 2022 league season with a community… MORE

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Making a Difference 

Meet Ernesto Rodriguez, Administrative Training Coordinator at Learning & Development’s Maintenance Training Center Whenever Ernesto Rodriguez goes to a NYCHA development, he recognizes most of the property management and maintenance staff – because he trained them. Mr. Rodriguez is the Administrator of HR’s Maintenance Training Center, which equips assistant superintendents, superintendents, and field staff with… MORE

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NYCHA Employee Elected Treasurer of the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association

Raquel Miranda, Agency Attorney in NYCHA’s Law Department, was recently elected Treasurer of the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association (BWBA). The BWBA was established more than a century ago by nine women lawyers to achieve equality, diversity, fairness, and opportunities for women. It is affiliated with the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York… MORE

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NYCHA Begins Design and Construction of State-of-the-Art Pneumatic Waste Collection System at Polo Grounds Towers

On Thursday, June 30, NYCHA officially gave a Notice to Proceed (NTP) to a construction team comprised of Navillus Contracting, Dewberry Engineers Inc., Marvel Architects, Landscape Architects, Urban Designers, PLLC, and Atreo (Pneumatic Waste Collection Systems), for work on a $31 million large-scale installation of a pneumatic waste collection system that will serve the NYCHA… MORE

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Announcing New Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Operating Officer Appointments

Dear Colleagues,  As we continue our work to strengthen and transform NYCHA, it’s important that we have continuity in the leadership vision needed to achieve these shared goals. Therefore, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Eva Trimble as NYCHA’s Chief Operating Officer and Marvin Walton as Deputy Chief Operating Officer effective July 25.… MORE

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PACT: ‘A Better Way of Living’ for NYCHA Residents 

In just six years, NYCHA’s Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program has generated more than $3.4 billion in capital funding for comprehensive apartment renovations and building infrastructure improvements for nearly 15,500 households across the city.   An additional 19,700 NYCHA households are slated to receive the enhancements at properties that are currently in the process of… MORE

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NYCHA Thought Leader Events in June Address Energy, Sustainability  

As the largest public housing authority in the country, NYCHA is served by numerous thought leaders, employees whose expertise in a specific field can help shape policies and develop innovative solutions to challenging problems.   NYCHA regularly participates in a variety of thought leadership events, which provide opportunities for staff to promote programs and initiatives… MORE

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Twin Parks West Reopens Courtyard Play Area with PACT Improvements  

On June 28, the Twin Parks West community in the Bronx celebrated the reopening of the inner courtyard and recreational area after renovations were completed under NYCHA’s Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program.  Representatives from NYCHA and Gilbane Development Company were joined by project staff and Twin Parks West residents to mark the completion of… MORE

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Nominate Yourself or a Colleague for a Safety Award

​In celebration of National Safety Month, which is every June, NYCHA is re-launching the Safety Awards Program. This year’s theme is “Safety Starts with Me,” which reaffirms the Authority’s commitment to preventing workplace injuries and to promoting workplace safety awareness. NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department (EHS) is accepting nominations for the NYCHA Safety Awards… MORE

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