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

Read more

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

Read more

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

Read more

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

Read more

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

Read more

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

Read more

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

Read more

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

Read more

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

Read more

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

Read more

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

Read more

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

Read more

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

Read more

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

Read more

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

Read more

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

Read more

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

Read more

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

Read more

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

Read more

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

Read more

Residents Hired to Install Solar Panels on NYCHA Rooftops

In April 2021, NYCHA announced the substantial completion of solar installations at Queensbridge Houses, the first NYCHA developments to host solar panel installations on its rooftops. As part of its Sustainability Agenda, NYCHA is committed to host 25 megawatts of solar power by 2025, which will make it the largest community shared solar project in New York City.  Solar… MORE

Read more

Meet Theresa Bethea, Neighborhood Administrator in the Bronx

June is National Pride Month, which commemorates the 1969 Stonewall uprising and recognizes the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) people have made and continue to make on American history. In honor of Pride Month, we’re highlighting the work of NYCHA’s LGBTQ+ employees.    In 1984, Theresa Bethea was only 18 when she started to… MORE

Read more

The Goal of a Greener NYCHA

On May 17, NYCHA’s Vice President of Energy and Sustainability Vlada Kenniff participated in a White House virtual roundtable organized by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The event, titled “Accelerating Building Decarbonization: A White House Roundtable with Government & Industry,” was moderated by Mark Chambers of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. As… MORE

Read more

Get Key Details about NYCHA’s Blueprint for Change

A Blueprint for Change is a set of proposals for how NYCHA will strengthen as an organization and improve the quality of life for residents through top-to-bottom building renovations. Blueprint includes a Transformation Plan: potential strategies for restructuring NYCHA’s business model and operations to improve the delivery of services to residents. Blueprint also includes a… MORE

Read more

NYCHA’s Working Mom Employees: Making a Difference in the Community

We’re periodically featuring staff members for their dedication and exemplary service to NYCHA residents. In this Mother’s Day installment, meet three employees who have been coordinating work and home responsibilities throughout the pandemic.    Shana Brown has worked as a Housing Assistant at Bronx River Houses since 2013. She was also a first-time mom of… MORE

Read more

Making a Difference for Residents

Meet Dyni Joseph, Housing Assistant for Queens and Staten Island We’re periodically featuring the hardworking staff members who provide excellent service to residents. Learn more about how we’re improving residents’ homes and becoming a better landlord through their perspective. In this installment, meet Dyni Joseph, Housing Assistant for Queens and Staten Island, who assists residents… MORE

Read more

Changes to Empower NYCHA’s Board & Strengthen Oversight

Dear Colleagues,  We are pleased to announce that at its April 28 meeting, NYCHA’s Board approved changes that strengthen the management of our organization. These improvements are part of NYCHA’s Transformation Plan, which outlines how the Authority will become a stronger organization and better serve residents.   Specifically, new Board Committees were created so that… MORE

Read more

NYCHA’s Family Partnerships Department Connects Residents to Vital Services

Besides being the largest provider of affordable housing in the nation, did you know that NYCHA also offers an array of critical services to its residents? Thanks to the regular online info sessions held by NYCHA’s Family Partnerships Department (FPD), more and more New Yorkers are learning about these offerings.   The FPD connects residents to invaluable services and implements programs and policies that support and enhance household stability, tenancy, individual advancement, and aging-in-place. It… MORE

Read more

NYCHA Improves Design of Annual Recertification Portal

As part of its Transformation Plan to become a better and more responsive organization, NYCHA recently released a redesign of the online portal that residents use to complete their Annual Recertification. The new portal represents what Lakesha Miller, Executive Vice President for Leased Housing, calls a “win-win” for NYCHA and residents: “Resolving and eliminating hurdles… MORE

Read more

NYCHA’s Transformation Plan Released

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the release of NYCHA’s Transformation Plan. Developed as part of NYCHA’s 2019 agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Transformation Plan outlines various ways that the Authority will become a stronger organization and better serve residents. The plan was released today with the… MORE

Read more

Meet Wendy Diaz, Smoke-Free NYCHA Analyst

Wendy Diaz, Smoke-Free NYCHA Analyst, is on a mission to create healthier homes for residents and healthier working environments for NYCHA employees. As a leader in NYCHA’s work to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and support residents and employees who want to quit smoking, she is responsible for various Operations–based elements of implementing NYCHA’s Smoke-Free policy. In accordance with HUD regulation, the policy took effect in 2018, and the Smoke-Free NYCHA team is driven by HUD… MORE

Read more

Meet Sergio Paneque, NYCHA’s New Chief Procurement Officer

Sergio Paneque was tailor-made for his job. With three professional degrees under his belt (in building construction management, accounting, and law), he knows exactly what it takes to step into the role of NYCHA’s Chief Procurement Officer.  In the past, he led procurement for some of the largest government organizations in the country. His most recent government job before NYCHA was serving as the Chief Procurement Officer for… MORE

Read more

NYCHA’s Housing Choice Voucher Program Receives HUD’s Higher Performance Award for 2020

For the sixth time in six years, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has recognized NYCHA as a “high performer” for its administration of the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program.   According to Lakesha Miller, NYCHA’s Executive Vice President for Leased Housing, “administering a high-performing program is critical to making sure that we have adequately served the needs of low–income residents in New York.”   “The Leased Housing Department (LHD) administers the nation’s largest… MORE

Read more

NYCHA 2.0 PACT Program Brings $261M in Renovations to 3 Developments

NYCHA and the New York City Housing Development Corporation announced the completion of two major rehabilitation efforts: first, Baychester and Murphy Houses by Camber Property Group, L+M Development Partners, and MBD Community Housing Corporation; second, Betances Houses by RDC, a joint venture between MDG Design + Construction and Wavecrest Management. Both located in the Bronx,… MORE

Read more

Meet David Rohde, NYCHA’s Senior VP for Legal Affairs & Managing Attorney

If you ask an attorney for their opinion, don’t be surprised if they have a “law-centric” response. “The law touches on every aspect of what we do at NYCHA. From purchasing to public hearings, and from capital initiatives to providing testimony on everything from safety to RAD/PACT, the Law Department is involved in everything NYCHA… MORE

Read more

A Blueprint for Change in the News

On July 28, NYCHA Chair and CEO Greg Russ introduced A Blueprint for Change, a set of ideas that outlines potential pathways for the Authority’s reorganization and investing of capital to stabilize and improve its properties, with additional impacts that could drive jobs and recovery strategies. Several media outlets, elected officials, housing professionals, and advocates have reported on… MORE

Read more

Making a Difference

Meet Andre Gonzalez, Employee Safety Oversight Advisor We’re periodically featuring the hardworking staff members who are making a difference for our organization. In this installment, meet Andre Gonzalez, Employee Safety Oversight Advisor in the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Department. A NYCHA employee since 2012, he is also a former resident of the Longfellow Avenue… MORE

Read more

Patti Bayross, NYCHA’s New Chief Information Officer

Patti Bayross, NYCHA’s newest Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO), is somewhat of an anomaly. For starters, she is a woman in an industry largely populated by men*. She prefers public service to private industry, and she doesn’t believe in technology for technology’s sake alone. “While new technologies arise all the time, their… MORE

Read more

Daily News Op-Ed: “NYCHA’s Last Hope”

The Daily News Editorial Board published an op-ed on February 1 in support of NYCHA’s A Blueprint for Change ideas titled “NYCHA’s last hope: A public housing trust is the best chance to save New York’s beleaguered authority.” A Blueprint for Change is a set of proposals to transform and invest in the Authority’s properties, residents, and organization. The Editorial Board writes: “…it’s refreshing to see an… MORE

Read more

Making a Difference for Residents

Meet Yelena Tkach, Indoor Air Quality Oversight Team Administrator We’re periodically featuring the hardworking staff members who are making a difference for residents. Learn more about how we’re improving residents’ homes and becoming a better landlord through their efforts. In this installment, meet Yelena Tkach, Indoor Air Quality Oversight Team Administrator in the Environmental Health… MORE

Read more

NYCHA Finalizes Deal to Construct 182 Affordable Apartments in the Bronx

NYCHA, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, and the Housing Development Corporation recently announced the closing of Twin Parks Terrace, a new development that will consist of 182 affordable apartments on underutilized NYCHA-owned land in the Bronx. Construction is anticipated to start in January 2021. Twin Parks Terrace will be located… MORE

Read more

Marvin Walton, New Operations VP, Brings Two Decades of Housing Authority Experience to NYCHA

Marvin Walton, the new NYCHA Vice President of Operations for Manhattan, certainly knows the ins and outs of managing public housing developments. For over two decades, Mr. Walton has played a critical role at four different housing authorities, helping to identify challenges and opportunities for improvements that directly benefit the residents of the communities he… MORE

Read more

New Supportive and Affordable Housing Coming to The Bronx

NYCHA, the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development, and the NYC Housing Development Corporation recently finalized a deal that will bring 171 new affordable and supportive apartments to the Morrisania section of The Bronx. Construction on the new Melrose North development will begin in January 2021, on previously underutilized NYCHA-owned land. When completed, Melrose… MORE

Read more

NYCHA’s Recycling Reset Pilot Boosts Recycling Rates 

Through the Recycling Reset pilot program, 12 of NYCHA’s developments in neighborhoods with high pest activity were able to improve their waste management procedures by establishing recycling programs. Maintained continuously throughout the pandemic, the recycling program has become a model for how NYCHA can improve its recycling rates and help increase the overall cleanliness of… MORE

Read more

NYCHA Chair Russ Discusses “Blueprint for Change” with the State Assembly

On December 8, NYCHA Chair & CEO Greg Russ testified before the New York State Assembly about legislation that would establish a Public Trust as part of NYCHA’s recapitalization strategy for upgrading 110,000 apartments. The Public Trust, an innovative solution to raise much-needed capital funding, would enable NYCHA to access valuable federal vouchers, have flexible… MORE

Read more

Queens Public Library Provides Invaluable Programming During the Pandemic

Founded in 1896, Queens Public Library is one of the largest and busiest public library systems in the United States, dedicated to serving the most ethnically and culturally diverse area in the country. With 63 branches, the non-profit organization offers free access to more than 5 million books and other materials in multiple languages, technology… MORE

Read more

Making a Difference for Residents

Meet Krzysztof Wasik, Heating Oversight Team Specialist 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 Krzysztof Wasik, a Heating Oversight Team Specialist in the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Department. An employee since… MORE

Read more

Taking Care and Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving is about being thankful for what we have and sharing resources with our community. Experiencing a stressful year is all the more reason to be more thankful and giving, taking care of those in need during the holiday season.    NYCHA, resident associations, businesses and community organizations, and elected officials provided NYCHA residents across the city with donations of turkeys, groceries, and prepared meals to ensure a… MORE

Read more

New PACT Projects Bringing Major Repairs to Another 10,000 NYCHA Residents

On November 18, 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 4,400 apartments in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx.  This RFEI is the first step in unlocking funds necessary to address critical… MORE

Read more

Announcing the 2020 NYCHA-CUNY Scholars

This year’s recipients of the NYCHA-CUNY Resident Scholarships are training to be the next generation of advocates, public servants, social workers, nurses, and journalists – and, amidst a global pandemic, they’re demonstrating adaptability in pursuit of their degrees, by adjusting to online classes and learning from home.   On October 29, NYCHA and CUNY virtually celebrated 22 residents for their academic excellence,… MORE

Read more

Final “Where We Live NYC” Plan Released

Mayor Bill de Blasio and Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Vicki Been released the final Where We Live NYC Plan, the City’s blueprint for fair housing in the five boroughs.   Where We Live NYC is the City’s five-year plan to break down barriers to opportunity and build more integrated, equitable neighborhoods. Updated to reflect the disproportionate impact the COVID-19… MORE

Read more

Former NYCHA Resident Awarded $200K Grant for Sustainability Activism

As a young man growing up at NYCHA developments across all five boroughs, Domingo Morales never used to think about the best uses for his trash.   It wasn’t until he came across a Green City Force (GCF) training program flyer at his mother’s home in Wilson Houses that he was put on a pathway toward promoting a more sustainable future. GCF partners with NYCHA’s Office… MORE

Read more

NYCHA’s Targeted Relief for Pests

NYCHA staff is actively working to address pest issues for residents. There are numerous strategies the Authority has implemented to improve pest conditions at NYCHA developments, including Targeted Relief. Targeted Relief focuses on inspecting apartments where residents have had two or more verified pest complaints and making repairs during the inspections. It also includes addressing… MORE

Read more

Fire Safety Tips

NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) Department works to ensure decent, safe, and sanitary environments for our residents and employees. To promote safe and healthy environments, EH&S inspects work performed at NYCHA related to mold, lead, asbestos, heat, elevators, fire safety, and pests. EHS&S also maintains a complaints forum and investigates reports of unsafe EH&S… MORE

Read more