Green City Force Graduates its 22nd Cohort of NYCHA Residents

In March, Green City Force (GCF) celebrated the graduation of its 22nd Cohort via Zoom, 22 members who began their service to NYCHA communities during the pandemic. GCF is an AmeriCorps program that provides NYCHA residents ages 18 to 24 with full-time service projects, training, and education on sustainability and green technologies, as well as… MORE

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NYCHA Observes World Water Day

March 22 is World Water Day, an opportunity to reflect on the importance of access to safe, fresh water. Stormwater management solutions, for example, are a vital part of NYCHA’s Sustainability Agenda, and several initiatives focused on this important work are currently underway. One of them is NYCHA’s  Climate Adaptation Plan, which outlines the Authority’s approach to… MORE

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Chair Russ Featured on “YIMBY Nation” Podcast

NYCHA’s Chair and Chief Executive Officer Greg Russ was recently featured in an episode of “YIMBY Nation,” a podcast hosted by Jimmy Lee Miller, Vincencia Adusei, and Peter J. Wood that provides a forum for affordable housing professionals to discuss their work. During the half-hour conversation, Chair Russ highlighted the Authority’s efforts to revitalize its buildings, the… MORE

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Meet Lisa Bova-Hiatt, Executive Vice President for Legal Affairs & General Counsel

Twenty-seven years ago, when Lisa Bova-Hiatt started her career at the New York City Law Department, Office of the Corporation Counsel, she didn’t know the turns her career would take over the years – but she knew for sure that she wanted to serve the city where she was born and grew up. Since then,… MORE

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Healthy Start @ NYCHA Program Launches with Baby Shower at Ingersoll Houses

On March 5, NYCHA’s Health Initiatives team, in partnership with over 20 organizations, hosted a Baby Shower Resource Fair at Ingersoll Houses in Brooklyn. Expecting and pregnant NYCHA residents from across the city received baby and child supplies such as diapers, blankets, books, baby bouncers, pajamas, stuffed animals, baby bags, medicine kits, gift cards, baby… MORE

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Presenting NYCHA’s Decarbonization Efforts

Two NYCHA leaders – Vice President for Energy and Sustainability Vlada Kenniff and Acting Deputy Director of Energy and Sustainability Edwin Mendez – discussed the Authority’s work on decarbonization and sustainability at two notable public events recently.  Edwin Mendez attended the “AEG Thought Summit 2022: Critical Infrastructure, Equity and Resilience,” where he discussed NYCHA’s energy… MORE

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PACT Partners to Provide $360M in Comprehensive Repairs for Reid Apartments and Park Rock Consolidated

Over 3,600 residents will receive renovated apartments, building infrastructure upgrades, and redesigned public spaces A team with several New York-based MBEs and the Local Development Corporation of East New York will guide the scope of repairs and coordinate social services On March 2, NYCHA formally announced the selection of BRP Companies, Urbane, and Fairstead as… MORE

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NYCHA NAACP Branch’s Black Health and Wellness Event

On February 23, NYCHA’s branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) hosted an event focused on Black health and wellness as part of their Black History Month celebrations. The event was held at NYCHA’s offices at 1200 Waters Place in the Bronx. Guest speakers included Chief Operating Officer Daniel Sherrod;… MORE

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Chair Russ Participates in Future of Construction Summit

On February 24, NYCHA’s Chair and Chief Executive Officer Greg Russ participated in a virtual panel discussion organized by “City and State,” a media organization covering New York’s local and state politics and policy. The event, titled “Future of Construction in New York,” was moderated by Deputy State Politics Reporter Rebecca Lewis. The panel consisted… MORE

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NYCHA and HDC Finalize Deal to Begin $236 Million Renovation at Harlem River

On February 17, NYCHA and the New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) closed on the financing of the latest Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) transaction to fund comprehensive renovations for 690 apartments (as well as the construction of three apartments) at Harlem River Houses and the adjoining Harlem River II campus. This latest conversion… MORE

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NYCHA Establishes PACT Resource Team to Facilitate Resident Involvement in PACT

NYCHA has partnered with local organizations to launch the new PACT Resource Team. The team is currently recruiting technical advisors who will consult with and support residents in developments selected for PACT (the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together program). NYCHA’s partners in the initiative include Local Initiatives Support Corporation New York City (LISC NYC), Public Works… MORE

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NYCHA Is Now Recycling Mattresses at Dozens of Developments

Since July 2021, NYCHA has collected and recycled more than 2,800 old mattresses (150 tons worth) from 27 developments in all five boroughs through its mattress recycling program. Instead of taking up to 90 years to decompose in landfills, 80 percent of the collected mattresses were recycled or repurposed, creating carpet padding and soundproofing materials.… MORE

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NYCHA Reopens Annual Request for Qualifications for a Range of PACT Partners

NYCHA has pre-qualified 201 entities, 37 minority- and women-owned firms, and 38 non-profit social service providers in the effort to bring comprehensive repairs and resources to 62,000 apartments with PACT On January 19, NYCHA announced the re-release of the PACT Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to solicit partners for the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program. The RFQ supports the… MORE

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NYCHA Boosts Emergency Response with Field Coordinators Program

NYCHA’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) created a permanent Emergency Field Coordinators program to improve the coordination of response to emergency incidents across the Authority. The initiative was tested in 2020 when OEM launched a six-month pilot program, hiring 12 on-call field coordinators who managed day-to-day communications between different responding agencies. After the pilot program… MORE

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Ensuring Safety at NYCHA Through Compliance Visits

Since January 2020, a team of NYCHA’s compliance, safety, and quality assurance experts have been making regular visits to NYCHA developments to inspect their buildings and grounds. Since the start of the program, 39 NYCHA developments have been inspected and assessed according to protocols.  NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety team checks for issues related to… MORE

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Inspiring a Compliance Culture

Read the Compliance Department’s Quarterly Newsletter Development Risk Scoring Assessment Background Compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations and NYCHA’s standard procedures (SP) is vital to NYCHA’s mission to provide safe and affordable housing to its residents. To help meet this goal, the Compliance Integration Reporting and Evaluation (CIRE) Unit in the Compliance… MORE

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NYCHA STAT Monthly Meetings Return

Throughout 2021, the Authority’s executive team held monthly virtual meetings to conduct a transparent review of performance at the NYCHA-wide, borough, neighborhood, and development levels.  During these NYCHA Statistics, Trends, and Tracking (STAT) meetings, over a hundred employees from various departments, including property management, gather to review and explain trends on key performance metrics such… MORE

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New PACT Projects to Bring Repairs & Quality Property Management for 3,100 Apartments

The latest Request for Expressions of Interest will maintain the Authority’s focus on proposals that showcase robust resident engagement approaches, diverse partnership teams, and community-enhancing urban designs. On December 22, NYCHA released a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) to attract development partners for new projects under the Authority’s Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program… MORE

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Hernandez Houses Residents Celebrate New Playground

On December 17, residents and staff of Rafael Hernandez Houses in Manhattan organized a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the comprehensive grounds renovations at the development. The million-dollar project, which was funded by Council Member Margaret Chin, involved renovation of the entire front yard, including replacement of the entrance stairs and handicap ramp and creation of… MORE

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NYCHA & Partners Announce Innovation Challenge for “Clean Energy” Heating/Cooling Systems

On December 20, NYCHA, the New York Power Authority (NYPA), and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) launched the Clean Heat for All Challenge (#CleanHeat4All), an industry competition directed at heating and cooling equipment manufacturers to develop a new electrification product that can better serve the needs of existing multifamily buildings… MORE

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$260 Million in Comprehensive Repairs Coming to Frederick Samuel Apartments

On December 17, NYCHA formally announced the selection of Genesis Companies and Lemor Development Group as the development team to deliver comprehensive building and apartment upgrades for nearly 1,400 residents and more than 660 apartments at Frederick Samuel Apartments in Manhattan. The selected PACT partners will further engage residents and continue to refine their plans… MORE

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Green Infrastructure Installations Help Tackle Excess Stormwater

On November 8, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced its progress on drainage upgrades at 19 NYCHA properties. The $29 million project involves the construction of “green infrastructure” installations that will capture approximately 55 million gallons of stormwater in a typical year, easing pressure on neighborhood sewers during rainstorms and extreme… MORE

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$445 Million in Comprehensive Repairs Coming to Edenwald Houses

On December 10, NYCHA formally announced the selection of Camber Property Group, Henge Development, and SAA | EVI Development as the development team to deliver comprehensive building and apartment upgrades for nearly 4,800 residents and more than 2,000 apartments at Edenwald Houses in the Bronx. The selected partners will further engage with residents and continue… MORE

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$366 Million in Investments Coming to Four NYCHA Developments in Chelsea

On December 1, NYCHA and resident leaders for Elliott-Chelsea and Fulton Houses announced the selection of Essence Development and The Related Companies as the development team that will deliver comprehensive building and apartment upgrades for nearly 4,500 residents living in more than 2,054 apartments at four NYCHA campuses: Chelsea, Chelsea Addition, Elliott, and Fulton Houses… MORE

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NYCHA Residents Take Construction Business Training

Twenty NYCHA public housing and nine Section 8 residents were selected to participate in the Construction Business Pathways (CBP) program, which is helping them build and grow their own construction businesses. The program is being implemented by the Fund for Public Housing (the Fund) and NYCHA’s Office of Resident Economic Empowerment and Sustainability (REES), with… MORE

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Making a Difference

Meet Janine Rodriguez, Housing Manager in Manhattan Property Management We’re periodically featuring the female property managers who help NYCHA carry out its mission to better serve residents and strengthen our partnership with them. NYCHA supports and encourages women in leadership positions in all departments, including property management. Currently, there are about 260 women working as… MORE

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Read the Privacy Office’s First newsletter

Greetings from the Privacy Office Welcome to the Privacy Office’s first newsletter! Who are we? NYCHA’s Privacy Office was established to ensure the Authority meets its ongoing responsibility to safeguard and properly handle personally identifiable information (“PII”). The Privacy Office is the focal point for NYCHA’s privacy compliance-related activities and partners with all of NYCHA’s… MORE

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NYCHA Employees Participated in Business Engagement Learning Lab

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic earlier this year, when unemployment was at record highs and many employers were operating primarily on a remote platform, Workforce Professionals Training Institute (WPTI) launched its 2021 cohort of the Business Engagement Learning Lab (BELL) development series, which focused on the theme of “Refining Employer Marketing & Outreach.”… MORE

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NYCHA Installs Flood Panels to Protect Developments from Heavy Rain

Since 2018, 16 NYCHA campuses have been outfitted with storm surge protection measures (over 8,200 deployable components at a total of 103 buildings). For the 2021 Hurricane season, NYCHA installed 3,700 deployable floodproofing panels at 67 buildings at 12 developments to protect them from flood risks, as part of the Authority’s Recovery and Resilience program. These… MORE

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NYCHA Releases Climate Adaptation Plans for Addressing Extreme Weather Hazards

The strategic plans informed by NYCHA’s climate resiliency work on developments affected by Hurricane Sandy take a three-pronged approach to retrofitting buildings against rising sea levels, hotter temperatures, and heavier rainfalls expected in the coming decades. On October 25, NYCHA announced the release of three major reports outlining the Authority’s approach to protecting its portfolio… MORE

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Residents’ Ideas Included in NYCHA’s Sustainability Agenda

Mott Haven Houses resident Brigitte Vicenty has been an advocate for a greener NYCHA for a long time. Ten years ago, Ms. Vicenty founded a non-profit organization called “Inner City Green Team” to address low recycling rates and teach and promote recycling education among NYCHA residents. Recently, after completing a five-part workshop series called “Network for Climate Action,”… MORE

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Personnel Announcements

Dear Colleagues,   We are pleased to announce the following new appointments to NYCHA’s executive team:  Ester Tomicic-Hines was appointed Vice President of the Public Housing Tenancy Administration on October 18. In this role, Ester will focus on developing and implementing key initiatives to improve service delivery, streamline workflows, and create a more efficient administration process.… MORE

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Making a Difference for Residents

Meet Shekeiva King NYCHA is celebrating National Customer Service Week 2021 during the week of October 18-22. This year’s theme, “Power of Service,” reaffirms and celebrates our commitment to excellent customer service. As part of the celebrations, we are highlighting NYCHA Changemakers – employees who use our core values to create meaningful, sustainable change in… MORE

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Making a Difference for Residents

Meet Linda Padilla NYCHA is celebrating National Customer Service Week 2021 during the week of October 18-22. This year’s theme, “Power of Service,” reaffirms and celebrates our commitment to excellent customer service. As part of the celebrations, we are highlighting NYCHA Changemakers – employees who use our core values to create meaningful, sustainable change in… MORE

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Improving the Repair Process

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce exciting changes at NYCHA: We are rolling out a new repair process, starting with Queens and Staten Island. This project primarily impacts Maintenance Workers, Skilled Trades, and Planners. Lengthy unfinished work orders are a challenge for NYCHA residents and employees alike. Residents are often frustrated with the delays… MORE

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New Fitness Hub for Seniors at Pink Houses

On October 13, NYCHA leadership joined representatives from East New York Restoration Local Development Corporation (ENYRLDC), the Department for the Aging (DFTA), Maimonides Medical Center/Community Care of Brooklyn, Assembly Member Charles Barron, and New York City Councilwoman Inez Barron to celebrate the opening of a Fitness Hub for seniors at Pink Houses. The outdoor area… MORE

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Making a Difference for Residents

Meet Vincent Donohue NYCHA is celebrating National Customer Service Week 2021 during the week of October 18-22. This year’s theme, “Power of Service,” reaffirms and celebrates our commitment to excellent customer service. As part of the celebrations, we are highlighting NYCHA Changemakers – employees who use our core values to create meaningful, sustainable change in… MORE

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New PACT Projects to Deliver Comprehensive Repairs & Quality Property Management for 5,900 Bronx & Manhattan Apartments

On October 8, NYCHA released a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) to attract development partners for new projects under the Authority’s Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program to repair and preserve more than 5,900 apartments in the Bronx and Upper Manhattan. The latest RFEI will maintain the Authority’s focus on proposals that showcase robust… MORE

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NYCHA Will Require More Minority and Women Business Participation in its Contracts

As part of its efforts to maximize the participation of Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) in the Authority’s procurement, starting July 1, 2021, NYCHA implemented a mandatory 30 percent M/WBE subcontracting goal. This means that all vendors who want to bid on a NYCHA contract will be required to subcontract 30 percent of that… MORE

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NYCHA and Baby2Baby Give Away Baby and Child Supplies

On September 29, NYCHA’s Health Initiatives team, in partnership with the national nonprofit Baby2Baby, organized a giveaway of baby and child supplies at Saint Nicholas Houses in Upper Manhattan. NYCHA families from across the city received diapers, clothing, backpacks, toys, and other essential items to help kick off the new school year. About 1,100 children… MORE

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Making a Difference for Residents

NYCHA is celebrating National Customer Service Week 2021 during the week of October 18-22. This year’s theme, “Power of Service,” reaffirms and celebrates our commitment to excellent customer service. As part of the celebrations, we are highlighting NYCHA Changemakers – employees who use our core values to create meaningful, sustainable change in every aspect of… MORE

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Heating Season Has Begun

The winter heating season runs from October 1 through May 31 in New York City. In preparation for the upcoming cold weather, NYCHA’s Heating Management, Operations, Emergency Management, and Capital Projects departments have been working collaboratively throughout the year to repair and maintain the Authority’s extensive network of boilers, distribution equipment, and hot water systems… MORE

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Protecting Public Housing from the Impacts of Climate Change

On September 24, Joy Sinderbrand, NYCHA’s Vice President for the Recovery and Resilience Department in Capital Projects, participated in a virtual panel organized by Enterprise Community Partners and Resilience 21. The panel, titled “Climate Change and Housing – How NYC Is Protecting Its Affordable Housing,” was part of New York City’s Climate Week events, and… MORE

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NYCHA and HPD Finalize Deal to Build 101 Affordable Apartments in the Bronx

On September 28, NYCHA and the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) finalized a $60 million deal that will bring 101 new affordable apartments to the Mott Haven neighborhood of the Bronx through the upcoming groundbreaking of the Betances Family Apartments project. Construction on the 101-unit Betances Family Apartments building at… MORE

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Making a Difference for Residents

NYCHA is celebrating National Customer Service Week 2021 during the week of October 18-22. This year’s theme, “Power of Service,” reaffirms and celebrates our commitment to excellent customer service. As part of the celebrations, we are highlighting NYCHA Changemakers – employees who use our core values to create meaningful, sustainable change in every aspect of… MORE

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Meet NYCHA’s Employee Safety Oversight Team

The Environmental Health and Safety Department’s Employee Safety Oversight Unit (ESOU) provides guidance to NYCHA staff on how to foster a safe workplace. With a combined 50 years in the employee safety industry as certified professionals, ESOU team members fully understand the importance of safety in the workplace. The team investigates employee safety complaints, conducts… MORE

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NYCHA Employee Recognized by News 12 During Hispanic Heritage Month

Marina Oteiza, Social Services Administrator in NYCHA’s Family Partnerships Department, was recognized by News 12 during the network’s Hispanic Heritage Month coverage for her work to connect NYCHA residents to COVID-19 vaccines. You can watch the segment here: And you can read more about Ms. Oteiza’s accomplishments at NYCHA here: https://nychanow.nyc/nycha-brings-vaccination-sites-to-residents/ https://nychanow.nyc/helping-feed-nycha-residents-during-covid-19/ https://nychanow.nyc/supporting-seniors-needs/ Photo caption:… MORE

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NYCHA’s Clean Vents Initiative Generates Jobs & Improves Air Quality

In the last 10 months, the Authority cleaned vents in more than 31,000 of its apartments across 72 developments as part of the Clean Vents Initiative (CVI), which aims to improve ventilation and air circulation in NYCHA apartments by cleaning bathroom and kitchen vents. Dust and debris that build up in vents over the years contribute to a… MORE

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Making a Difference

Meet John Rubbo, Senior Program Manager in the Management Services Department We’re periodically featuring the hardworking staff members who are making a difference for residents. Learn more about how we’re becoming a better landlord through their efforts. In this installment, meet John Rubbo, Senior Program Manager in the Management Services Department. Mr. Rubbo started working… MORE

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NYCHA Celebrates Climate Week with Updated Sustainability Agenda

The Sustainability Agenda Is a Roadmap to Curbing Climate Impacts, Improving Homes for Residents, and Expanding Green Jobs On September 20, NYCHA announced an ambitious recommitment to addressing climate change and meeting the City’s mandate for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the release of the 2021 Sustainability Agenda. NYCHA’s updated Sustainability Agenda will center on… MORE

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NYCHA Chair Russ Discusses Housing Preservation at Panel

On September 15, NYCHA’s Chair and Chief Executive Officer Gregory Russ participated in a virtual panel discussion organized by “City and State,” a media organization covering New York’s local and state politics and policy. The event, titled “Design & Construction in a Post-Pandemic Era,” was moderated by former Queens Borough President Sharon Lee, from Ichor… MORE

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Meet NYCHA’s Lead Oversight Team

The Lead Oversight Team (LOT) in NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department is committed to identifying and correcting any non-compliance with lead-based paint requirements across the Authority. The team also develops strategies to prevent lead issues from reoccurring. As part of its work, the LOT conducts oversight inspections of: renovation, repair, and painting jobs; lead… MORE

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Low-Cost Internet Installed at 3 NYCHA Developments

On September 3, NYCHA celebrated one of the first major expansions of free and low-cost internet service options outlined under the City’s Internet Master Plan for Universal Broadband, with a back-to-school giveaway and ribbon-cutting event at NYCHA’s Atlantic Terminal Houses in Brooklyn. Released in January 2020, the Internet Master Plan for Universal Broadband was rapidly… MORE

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Meet NYCHA’s Elevator Oversight Team

The Elevator Oversight Team in NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department understands the importance of maintaining safe and reliable elevator service for our residents and employees. The team’s elevator industry professionals represent a combined 65 years of experience and have extensive knowledge of elevator construction, maintenance, and repair as well as elevator regulations and safety… MORE

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NYCHA Finalizes Deals to Construct 393 Affordable Apartments for Seniors in the Bronx & Brooklyn

NYCHA, the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), and the NYC Housing Development Corporation (HDC) finalized two deals that will bring 393 new affordable senior apartments to the Soundview neighborhood in the Bronx and the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood in Brooklyn through the pending groundbreakings of the Casa Celina and Atrium at Sumner housing development… MORE

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NYCHA Activates Emergency Operations Center for Extreme Heat & Is Ready for 2021 Summer Heat Season

To keep NYCHA residents safe during extreme heat, NYCHA has activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and is coordinating with New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) and other City agencies to inform and protect NYCHA residents, vulnerable individuals, and all New Yorkers. NYCHA’s EOC assists in disseminating information and preparedness and safety messaging to public… MORE

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