NYCHA CEO Receives Award from Women Builders Council 

For 20 years, the Women Builders Council (WBC) has been supporting women and minorities in the building industry, providing resources to help them grow professionally. On October 17, at its annual awards gala, the association put a spotlight on the many partners helping to make a difference in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

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Inspiring a Compliance Culture: Read the Compliance Department’s Fall 2024 Newsletter

During the past quarter, the Compliance Department updated four Standard Procedures and posted six new Compliance Advisory Alerts. HUD is also wrapping up the current National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) inspection cycle, which we detail below. This newsletter focuses on the key takeaways from these documents, so be sure to read the alerts, procedures, and memos for the complete information.

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NYCHA Staff Improve Inspection Scores

NYCHA’s Operations team has been very hard at work over the last year getting ready for the rollout of new inspection standards that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) implemented for public housing authorities. The National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE), which was unveiled in July 2023, marks… MORE

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It’s Italian-American Heritage & Culture Month

Congress proclaimed October as National Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month to recognize the achievements and contributions of Italian immigrants and their descendants in the United States. Over 5 million Italians immigrated to the United States between 1820 and 2000; currently, there are over 26 million Americans of Italian descent residing in the United States. The… MORE

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Guest Column: Help Us Reduce Pests at Your Development!

From Vice President of Pest Management Josey Bartlett & Pest Management Technical Advisors Lashawn Wilson & Geeton Bowier  The authors of this guest column – Josey Bartlett, Lashawn Wilson, and Geeton Bowier – lead a team of more than 300 people committed to reducing and eliminating pests from apartments, grounds, basements, and public spaces at… MORE

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Vaidehi Mody Earns ABNY Spotlight for “Powering NYC”

Congratulations to NYCHA Senior Planning Consultant Vaidehi Mody, who was recognized by the Association for a Better New York (ABNY) this month for her “behind the scenes work that helps make our city run and drives change across our city’s transportation, urban planning, parks, sanitation, and climate resiliency functions.” The ABNY is a nonprofit organization… MORE

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NYCHA CEO Delivers Keynote at Commercial Observer’s Public Projects Forum 

On June 18, NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt delivered a keynote address at the Commercial Observer’s Design and Construction Public Projects Forum, which brought together hundreds of housing professionals at the CUNY Graduate Center in Manhattan to discuss the innovative public projects shaping our city’s future.  CEO Bova-Hiatt discussed the challenges confronting New York… MORE

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Batei Tsibur’s Jewish American Heritage Month Celebration

On May 30, NYCHA’s Jewish Employee Organization (Batei Tsibur) hosted its annual Jewish American Heritage Month Celebration at the 90 Church Street Ceremonial Room. The guest speaker, retired Chaplain Colonel Jacob Z. Goldstein, spoke about his distinguished career in the United States Army. The longest serving Jewish chaplain in the U.S. military, Col. Goldstein’s 38… MORE

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June Is Pride Month!

Celebrating the LGBTQIA+ Community During Pride Month, we recognize the contributions and impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, or asexual (LGBTQIA+) individuals have made to society. We also reflect on the progress made in the fight for inclusion and equality, and NYCHA’s commitment to foster a safe and welcoming workplace. It… MORE

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NYCHA CEO Honored with Salvadori Center’s Public Service Award 

NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt was honored with the Salvadori Center’s 2024 Award for Public Service at the non-profit organization’s annual benefit on May 1.  Established in 1987, the Salvadori program teaches science, technology, engineering, arts/architecture, and math (STEAM) to youth through a collaborative, hands-on, project-based approach that uses the built environment – buildings,… MORE

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Inspiring a Compliance Culture: Read the Compliance Department’s Spring 2024 Newsletter

During the past quarter, the Compliance Department posted four new Advisory Alerts, created or updated four Standard Procedures, and made crucial changes to Management Manual, Chapter IV. This newsletter focuses on the key takeaways from these documents, so be sure to read the alerts, procedures, and manual updates for the complete information.

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NYCHA Signs 2024 Project Labor Agreement for Renovation Work Involving Construction Trades

Dear Colleagues,  Since 2015, NYCHA has maintained a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) with the Building & Construction Trades Council of Greater New York (BCTC) and the unions that BCTC represents. The agreement aims to establish standardized terms and conditions of project-related employment for construction trades, improve worker pay and training, avoid shortages of skilled workers… MORE

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Inspiring a Compliance Culture: Read the Compliance Department’s Winter 2024 Newsletter

Property Management Offices: Recordkeeping Rundown Introduction NYCHA Property Management Offices are responsible for maintaining many different documents related to their development and tenants. Maintaining these records is not just a requirement; it is a commitment to upholding high standards of property management and evidence of NYCHA’s mission to provide safe and affordable housing to its… MORE

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Batei Tsibur’s Annual Chanukah Celebration

On December 11, 2023, the Organization of Jewish Employees at NYCHA (Batei Tsibur) held a Chanukah celebration in NYCHA’s Ceremonial Room at 90 Church Street (and virtually, for those unable to attend in person). Chanukah, also called the Festival of Lights, commemorates the miracle of one day’s worth of sacred oil lasting eight days (which… MORE

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First Resident Vote Certified: Nostrand Residents Select the Trust

Dear Colleagues, I am pleased to announce that a third-party election administrator has certified the results of the first resident vote at NYCHA: Nostrand Houses residents selected the Public Housing Preservation Trust as the path forward for their homes. The Trust will fully renovate Nostrand residents’ apartments and address the development’s major repair needs. This… MORE

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Holiday Safety Tips

Each year, government agencies and organizations like the National Safety Council (NSC), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Fire Protection Association, and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issue guidance to help ensure the public has a safe and joyous holiday season. NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department would like to share some… MORE

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Thank You

Let us recognize the important work that NYCHA employees do each day on behalf of public housing residents and all that you continue to accomplish to transform the Authority. I am extremely proud to lead NYCHA and this remarkable team, and grateful for your dedication and commitment to meeting extraordinary challenges and delivering quality service to our residents.

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Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

November is Native American Heritage Month, also known as American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. This is a time to recognize the history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous people. There are over 9 million Native Americans and Native Alaskans living in the United States today. And with 575 federally recognized tribes and many more vying for recognition, there… MORE

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Read “Healthy Happenings,” the EHS Newsletter

Every year, the National Safety Council and the National Elevator Safety Foundation recognize the third week of November as “Elevator Safety Week” to bring awareness to elevator safety. Elevators began revolutionizing daily life in the United States in the late 1800s, making it possible to build taller buildings in which many more people could safely… MORE

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Meet Zobeira Martinez, Senior Director of the Resident Relocation Services Department

From a very young age, Zobeira Martinez (known as Zoby) knew she wanted to help people – and continue her family’s tradition of paying forward the kindness and support they received after relocating to the United States from the Dominican Republic. As a college student living in NYCHA’s Hope Gardens development, Ms. Martinez had some… MORE

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Former NYCHA Executive Appointed Chief Equity Officer and Commissioner of the New Office of Equity & Racial Justice

On October 26, Mayor Eric Adams announced the appointments of Sideya Sherman as the City’s Chief Equity Officer and Commissioner of the newly created Mayor’s Office of Equity & Racial Justice (MOERJ) and Linda Tigani as Chair and Executive Director of the NYC Commission on Racial Equity (CORE). Both Ms. Sherman and Ms. Tigani currently… MORE

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It’s National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

Each year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes the fourth week of October as “National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week” so individuals, organizations, government agencies, and others can come together to educate the public on ways to reduce exposure to lead. Get the Facts Lead Testing for Children Is Critical Preventing Lead Exposure The EPA… MORE

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Inspiring a Compliance Culture: Read the Compliance Department’s Fall 2023 Newsletter

On July 1, 2023, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that it has replaced the Uniform Physical Condition Standards (UPCS) and Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection protocols with a completely new set of standards known as the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE).

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Celebrating the Hispanic and Latinx Community

Hispanic Heritage Month, also known as Latinx Heritage Month, is a month-long annual celebration from September 15 through October 15. These dates were selected to incorporate the independence days of Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua. Latinx Heritage Month recognizes the legacies and contributions of individuals who trace their roots to… MORE

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Operations Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor Appointments

Dear Colleagues, I am pleased to announce two new staff appointments as the final pieces in our recent organizational updates. Emma Barash is my new Chief of Staff, replacing Lauren Gray, who has taken on the role of Senior Vice President of Quality Assurance, Safety, and Technical Programs. Emma was born and raised in “our beloved… MORE

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Vlada Kenniff Named First-Ever President of the Public Housing Preservation Trust

Dear Colleagues, I am pleased to announce that after an extensive search, Vlada Kenniff has been named the first-ever President of the New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust. The Trust’s Board approved Vlada’s appointment at its September 7 meeting. Vlada is a dedicated public servant with an in-depth understanding of NYCHA’s needs and challenges.… MORE

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David Rohde Appointed NYCHA’s General Counsel

It is my pleasure to announce the appointment of David Rohde as Executive Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel. We have been hard at work making the changes and improvements necessary to strengthen our organization and deliver better for residents; David’s appointment further establishes the team of talented, committed professionals leading our transformation efforts.

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NYCHA’s New Physical Needs Assessment

NYCHA’s Physical Needs Assessment (PNA) is a critical resource for effectively evaluating capital investment needs, as well as for planning and prioritizing capital investments, across NYCHA’s properties. Conducted approximately every five years as recommended by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the PNA involves assessing when in the next 20 years the… MORE

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Inspiring a Compliance Culture: Read the Compliance Department’s Summer ’23 Newsletter

The Compliance Department: A Vital Part of NYCHA Staying in Touch The Compliance Department was created in 2019 as part of the federal Agreement between NYCHA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. NYCHA employees have made a lot of progress… MORE

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Meet Michael Sills, Housing Manager of LHD Central Office Operations

June is National Pride Month, which commemorates the 1969 Stonewall uprising and recognizes the impact and contributions of individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+). In honor of Pride Month, we highlight the work of NYCHA’s LGBTQIA+ employees.

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Transforming and Strengthening NYCHA 

As part of NYCHA’s efforts to strengthen our organization and improve service to residents, several structural improvements and new leadership appointments are underway across the Authority.   In line with our Transformation Plan, we are restructuring our Operations and other divisions to create more connections among our teams, expand subject-matter expertise, and evolve and improve as… MORE

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Meet Amanda Moore, Assistant Director of Intake, Assessment, and Zone Coordination  

Growing up in Tilden Houses in Brownsville, Brooklyn, Amanda Moore always knew she wanted to work in public service. In the summers, she went to camp through her development’s community center and took part in the center’s after-school program: “The center gave us a place to go, and the staff were amazing! I’ll never forget… MORE

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Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month: Henry Street Settlement Offers Vital Mental Health Resources

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an opportunity to recognize NYCHA’s partnerships with organizations and nonprofits throughout New York City that provide crucial mental health resources to residents. One such partnership is with Henry Street Settlement, a 130-year-old community-based organization that supports Lower East Side residents and other New Yorkers through social services, the arts,… MORE

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It’s Air Quality Awareness Week

Every spring, during Air Quality Awareness Week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) partners with federal agencies such as the National Weather Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the U.S. Department of Energy to raise awareness about efforts to protect and improve air quality, highlight available resources, and encourage people to incorporate… MORE

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It’s National Poison Prevention Week

Chemicals are an important part of the workplace, from specialized industrial chemicals to everyday cleaning products. However, for everyone’s safety, they must be handled properly. In recognition of National Poison Prevention Week, which is March 19 to 25, NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department would like to share the following guidance on properly handling and… MORE

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NYCHA and Resident Leaders Select PACT Partners to Address $85M in Repair Needs at Metro North Plaza and Gaylord White Houses

891 residents will receive comprehensive repairs and upgrades to all 523 apartments, common areas, public spaces, heating and cooling systems, elevators, security systems, and other building systems. The PACT project builds on the more than $2 billion driven in 2022 to renovate over 8,500 apartments across 17 developments, with support from the Adams administration.

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Celebrating Black History Month

During Black History Month, we are reminded of the opportunity that public housing has provided to countless families since its foundation and its role in fostering a society that is more fair and just. We spoke with Marvin Walton, NYCHA’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer, who has spent decades working in public housing, to get his thoughts on the institution, what it’s like to help run the largest public housing authority in the nation, and what the future may bring.

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Read “Healthy Happenings,” the EHS Newsletter

Happy New Year!

I hope this latest edition of the Environmental Health and Safety Department’s (EHS) newsletter finds you and your family well.

Because we all play a part in creating and maintaining a healthy and safe environment at NYCHA, EHS engages with residents, colleagues across the Authority, and the Federal Monitor to develop long-term solutions that address any environmental health and safety-related issues.

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Celebrating Chanukah

NYCHA’s Organization of Jewish Employees (Batei Tsibur) held its annual Chanukah celebration via Microsoft Teams on December 20, 2022 (26 Kislev on the Jewish calendar). Chanukah, the eight-day Festival of Lights, celebrates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in the year 139 BCE.  Guest speaker Rabbi Aaron L. Raskin, co-founder of Congregation B’nai Avraham in… MORE

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