NYCHA Now

Author: Michael Corwin

October 2021Sustainability

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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October 2021

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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ChangemakersExceptional ColleaguesOctober 2021

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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ChangemakersExceptional ColleaguesOctober 2021

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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ChangemakersEmployee VoicesOctober 2021

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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October 2021PACT

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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October 2021

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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September 2021Sustainability

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 PartnersSeptember 2021

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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SafeNYCHASeptember 2021

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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COVID-19Employee VoicesSeptember 2021

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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September 2021Sustainability

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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Blueprint for ChangeSeptember 2021

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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IT News and NotesSeptember 2021

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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August 2021Employee Voices

Making a Difference

Meet Elaine Nunez, Housing Manager at Straus Houses As part of a new series, 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… MORE

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Employee VoicesJuly 2021

Making a Difference

Meet Maritza Andrades, Housing Manager at Parkside Houses As part of a new series, 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… MORE

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July 2021

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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July 2021

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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July 2021

June Work Anniversaries

Kudos for Longtime Service to Residents and the City Each month, NYCHANow recognizes the staff who’ve achieved more than five years of service, in multiples of five. Congratulations to the employees who reached these milestones in June! 5 Years of Service 10 Years of Service 15 Years of Service 20 Years of Service 25 Years… MORE

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June 2021

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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Employee VoicesJune 2021

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

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June 2021

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

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June 2021

May Work Anniversaries

Kudos for Longtime Service to Residents and the City Each month, NYCHANow recognizes the staff who’ve achieved more than five years of service, in multiples of five. Congratulations to the employees who reached these milestones in May! 5 Years of Service 10 Years of Service 15 Years of Service 20 Years of Service 25 Years… MORE

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Blueprint for ChangeMay 2021

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

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Employee VoicesMay 2021

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

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May 2021

April Work Anniversaries

Kudos for Longtime Service to Residents and the City Each month, NYCHANow recognizes the staff who’ve achieved more than five years of service, in multiples of five. Congratulations to the employees who reached these milestones in April! 5 Years of Service 10 Years of Service 15 Years of Service 20 Years of Service 25 Years… MORE

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April 2021Blueprint for Change

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

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April 2021

March Work Anniversaries

Kudos for Longtime Service to Residents and the City Each month, NYCHANow recognizes the staff who’ve achieved more than five years of service, in multiples of five. Congratulations to the employees who reached these milestones in March! 5 Years 10 Years 15 Years 20 Years 25 Years 30 Years 35 Years Biegler, Karl LBreslin, Patrick… MORE

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March 2021

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

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Blueprint for ChangeMarch 2021

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

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March 2021

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

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February 2021

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

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February 2021

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

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Blueprint for ChangeFebruary 2021

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

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Blueprint for ChangeFebruary 2021

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

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February 2021

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

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February 2021

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

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January 2021

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

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December 2020

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

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December 2020

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

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December 2020

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

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December 2020

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

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Blueprint for ChangeDecember 2020

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

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December 2020

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

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December 2020

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

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November 2020

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

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November 2020

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

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