NYCHA Now
A group of five individuals, including one holding a certificate, stand together in a room with a “New York City Housing Authority” logo on their shirts.
August 2026Exceptional Colleagues

Veteran Brooklyn Caretaker Named DeCarlo Award Runner-Up 

Vincent Echavaria

On August 3, longtime NYCHA Caretaker Andrew Adams was honored as this year’s runner-up for the John DeCarlo Memorial Award. 

Mr. Adams, who has served at Taylor Street-Wythe Avenue Houses for nearly seven years, was joined by colleagues and NYCHA executives, including Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt and Chief Operating Officer Eva Trimble, to celebrate the recognition during a luncheon ceremony at the Brooklyn development. 

Named after a veteran NYCHA Caretaker who lost his life while on duty at Brooklyn’s Marlboro Houses in 1997, the John DeCarlo Memorial Award is presented each year to two exemplary Caretakers with a minimum of five years of service. The runner-up honoree also receives a $500 check. Grant Houses Caretaker Elizabeth Reynoso was presented with the award’s grand prize on August 5. 

Mr. Adams’ extensive NYCHA career began 31 years ago at Williams Plaza in Brooklyn, where he served passionately as a Caretaker for more than two decades. During the development’s 50th anniversary in 2017, he was part of a team of employees whose dedication to local residents was recognized with a commendation from Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez. 

A person receives a large ceremonial check for $1,500 from another individual in a community center setting, with others observing and applauding.
NYCHA executives and fellow staff gather to celebrate Caretaker Andrew Adams’ dedicated service to the Taylor-Wythe Houses community.

After Williams Plaza converted to the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program, Mr. Adams was reassigned to nearby Taylor-Wythe Houses in October 2019. Supervisor of Housing Caretakers Lyasia Saunders noted that Mr. Adams is always willing to lend a hand to help residents, whether by removing bulk items and discarding them at a drop site or ensuring outdoor spaces are properly maintained for resident activities. 

“He regularly interacts with residents during his shift, taking time to greet them,” Ms. Saunders said. “His efforts also contribute to enhancing safe spaces for residents and their children, allowing them to enjoy our outdoor areas.”  

The supervisor lauded the experienced Caretaker’s work ethic, calling him a “high-performing over-achiever” who takes immense pride in his job.  

“He is totally committed to performing his daily tasks with grace,” Ms. Saunders said. “His attention to detail, while having a proactive mindset and positive attitude, only seeks to enhance his professional characteristics.”  

A group of people in an office setting pose with a large ceremonial check and framed certificates, smiling for the photo.
Andrew Adams has served as a Brooklyn Caretaker for 31 years.

Across the Taylor-Wythe campus, Mr. Adams is well known by residents and often sought out by colleagues for his expertise in troubleshooting equipment or resolving a variety of other issues. As evidenced by the compliments received from residents, visitors, and NYCHA leadership, the supervisor added, Mr. Adams’ devotion to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment has left a noticeable imprint on the community.  

“His individual effectiveness, dedication, and daily contributions to our day-to-day operations are enormous,” Ms. Saunders said.