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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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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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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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

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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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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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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

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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

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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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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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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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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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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

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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

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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

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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

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NYCHA Staff Receive Mayor’s Customer Service Award

This year, the theme for Customer Service Week is “Dream Team,” highlighting the employees who work together to provide excellent customer service while adapting to an ever-changing work and world environment. Staff members from NYCHA’s dream team were recently singled out for their outstanding customer service when they were awarded the Mayor’s Office 2020 Excellence… MORE

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Recognizing Exemplary Members of NYCHA’s Team

The Mayor’s Office of Operations announced its individual and group winners of the 2020 Excellence in Customer Service Awards. The awards, which are presented across City agencies, recognize “outstanding City workers and teams that demonstrate their dedication and commitment to New York City through their customer service achievements.”  Representing NYCHA this year is individual award… MORE

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NYCHA Unveils Strategic Roadmap for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

NYCHA recently released its Climate Mitigation Roadmap, a portfolio-wide strategic plan for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from NYCHA operations. It’s the Authority’s most ambitious effort in more than 25 years of energy conservation programs.  NYCHA developed the Roadmap to meet the City’s Local Law 97 requirement of a 40 percent reduction in GHG emission… MORE

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October Is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Resources for Survivors During COVID-19 October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In the United States, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men experience severe physical violence by their partners. In 2019, the NYPD responded to over 245,000 domestic violence incidents. Domestic violence affects people from all walks of life and includes intimate partner violence and family violence. … MORE

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NYCHA Employee Awarded for Care of Older Adults

On October 1, 2020, CABS Home Care, a nonprofit, licensed home care service agency, honored NYCHA Service Coordinator Ginette Scafidi with an award for her commitment to caring and advocating for vulnerable older adult NYCHA residents.  Since 2019, CABS has partnered with NYCHA’s Family Partnerships Department to provide home care resources to disabled and elderly residents.   CABS celebrated Ms. Scafidi and others with the “Circle of Care Award” during an online awards… MORE

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New Smoke-Free NYCHA Liaisons

Helping NYCHA Residents Create Healthier Communities Two years ago, NYCHA and public housing authorities across the country went smoke-free to help create healthier environments for public housing residents by curbing exposure to secondhand smoke.  A major part of the Smoke-Free NYCHA initiative is educating residents about the policy and providing resources and referrals to residents who want to stop smoking. NYCHA’s smoke-free policy prohibits the use of cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and hookahs anywhere inside… MORE

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NYCHA’s New Digital Signage Pilot at Polo Grounds Towers

NYCHA recently launched a Digital Signage Pilot at Polo Grounds Towers in Manhattan to expand communications to residents, providing them with an additional, convenient platform to learn about NYCHA news, outages in their building, work being done on the grounds, capital projects underway, important health and safety information, and available activities and programs.   The first digital monitors have been installed and the remaining… MORE

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Public Art Project Launches at Red Hook Houses

Red Hook Houses is the first NYCHA campus to host a new public art project that repurposes temporary construction fencing and sidewalk sheds into a wide range of large-scale photography, digital print works, murals, and mixed-media art installations to improve the pedestrian experience and increase opportunities for artists.   Red Hook’s new art is thanks to a multi-part series of artist fellowships through the City Canvas pilot… MORE

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NYCHA’s Connected Communities Initiative Wins Wellbeing Cities Award

Dear Colleagues,  We’re excited to present Connected Communities, a powerful NYCHA initiative that prioritizes community-centered urban design for the largest housing authority in North America. Today, NYCHA was named as one of five award-winning laureates from across the world for the 2020 Wellbeing Cities Forum by the New Cities Foundation for our work supporting cohesive… MORE

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Learn More About NYCHA’s “A Blueprint for Change” Ideas

Dear Colleagues, This summer,  NYCHA released A Blueprint for Change, a set of ideas for improving residents’ home while protecting their rights. At the core of this work are NYCHA’s efforts to deliver better services to residents in a range of critical areas, transform as an organization, and bring our buildings the capital investment they… MORE

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“The Rebirth NYCHA Needs Now”

Read this September 17 editorial in The Daily News by Rebecca Karp, CEO of urban planning consultancy Karp Strategies, and Nicholas Bloom, professor of Urban Policy and Planning at Hunter College: “[NYCHA’s Connected Communities] Guidebook offers a new set of equity-focused, community-driven guidelines for improving the living experience of NYCHA residents — among whom are… MORE

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Celebrating Hispanic Heritage

Every year from September 15 to October 15, National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated to acknowledge the contributions made to America by Hispanic people and Americans with ancestry from Spanish-speaking countries. To commemorate the month, The NYCHA Journal is highlighting the Authority’s developments named after prominent Hispanic people.   Bracetti Plaza: Mariana Bracetti (1825-1903) – She was a leader of the Puerto Rican independence movement in the 1860s and known as “Arms of… MORE

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Comment on NYCHA’s Proposed Improvements to Its Criminal Justice Policies

Dear Colleagues, NYCHA is working to modernize criminal justice-related policies to create a fairer system for our residents – one that promotes healthy families and stable housing while ensuring community safety at our developments and within our communities.  NYCHA is committed to improving policies that keep employees and residents safe while addressing the challenges faced by justice-involved applicants and residents, as well as their family members.    We have already incorporated policies that make it possible for individuals re-entering the community from… MORE

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New Boilers Will Bring Comfort and Conservation

The Energy and Sustainability group in NYCHA’s Capital Projects Division recently paved the way for new boilers at Patterson Houses by completing the required chimney liner installation. The work is part of a $16 million heating system upgrade through HUD’s Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) program. EPCs use future utility cost savings to fund capital improvements,… MORE

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Design Charrette Looks to the Future

Since its announcement on July 28, NYCHA’s Blueprint for Change has generated a significant amount of discussion, and in the process underscored the importance of “thinking outside the box” to renew and rebuild the country’s largest public housing portfolio.   With this in mind, NYCHA’s Capital Projects Division recently brought together industry experts, government partners,… MORE

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Responding to COVID-19 During My National Guard Service

By Nekoro Gomes, NYCHA’s Department of Communications As a member of NYCHA’s Department of Communications, a large part of my job calls for being able to find the right words to convey what’s happening across the Authority’s more than 300 developments at any given time. That task involves quickly sourcing, verifying, and accurately relaying information… MORE

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100,000 Face Masks Donated to Manhattan NYCHA Residents

Thanks to a generous donation of 100,000 three-ply surgical masks from SC Health, a medical supply vendor based in South Carolina, NYCHA residents in Manhattan will have the additional supplies they need to help keep themselves and their neighbors safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.  “During this crisis, SC Health has had the privilege of being able to donate more than 300,000 masks to citizens in communities throughout… MORE

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Astoria Houses Invests in Children’s Futures

Through its campaign to raise $134,000 to support the college savings plans of its youngest residents, the Astoria Houses Tenant Association is expanding the well-known African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” to show that, sometimes, it takes a community to send children to college.  Led by President Claudia Coger, the Tenant Association is raising money to deposit $1,000 into the college savings accounts… MORE

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Remembering Brandon Hendricks

On July 7, family, friends, and neighbors of the late Brandon Hendricks held a memorial event at the Jackson Houses basketball court in the Bronx to honor his life on what would have been his 18th birthday.  The day’s events included a basketball tournament, cookout, vigil, and balloon release. Members of local community organizations called for an end to gun violence.  Mr. Hendricks had recently graduated from high school and was excited about attending college in the… MORE

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Transforming NYCHA: New Staff Appointments and New Departments

Dear Colleagues, As part of our ongoing work to transform the structure and business operations of the Authority, we are pleased to announce new staff appointments in NYCHA’s Department of Operations. We are committed to improving NYCHA operations and services for our residents. Therefore, we have implemented three new departments reporting to the General Manager… MORE

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Free Masks Distributed at Baruch Houses

New York City continues to make progress during the COVID-19 pandemic and is now in Phase III of reopening. However, it’s still important for New Yorkers to be safe and cautious by practicing good hand hygiene, maintaining social distance, and wearing a mask or face covering that covers both the nose and mouth.  NYCHA is helping ensure residents have the face coverings they need to keep themselves and their neighbors safe. On July 7, free masks were distributed to residents… MORE

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Checking in With Each Other

NYCHA’s Community Engagement & Partnerships Staff Make 100,000 COVID-19 Wellness Calls The dedicated and hardworking staff from NYCHA’s Community Engagement & Partnerships Department have made over 100,000 “wellness check” phone calls during the COVID-19 pandemic to date, resulting in nearly 60,000 personal conversations with our most vulnerable residents, including seniors, to make sure that they… MORE

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Kudos to Marcia Babb-Rhine, Administrative Manager in Community Development

Anette Barry, Financial Officer of the Saint Mary’s Park Houses Tenant Council (pictured above), sent the below letter about Marcia Babb-Rhine, Administrative Manager in NYCHA’s Community Development Department, who is enrolling seniors in the GetFoodNYC program during the pandemic. Regarding her efforts, Ms. Babb-Rhine noted: “The seniors I enroll in the GetFoodNYC program are very… MORE

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Thanking NYCHA’s Essential Workers

New York Knick Taj Gibson grew up at Ingersoll Houses in Brooklyn and has never forgotten the people or place that helped shape his childhood. In May, he went back to Ingersoll to acknowledge staff members —part of NYCHA’s team of 9,000 essential workers — for their hard work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through his Taj Gibson Foundation, he provided them with free lunches as a thank you.  “We thought it would be a… MORE

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Complete the 2020 Census!

There’s still time to complete the 2020 Census! The more New Yorkers who complete the census, the more money our neighborhoods get.  Completing the census is critical for the future of New York City. The census determines how important resources and political power are distributed, including funding for affordable housing, hospitals, public education, senior centers, roads, and more.   The census is easy, safe, confidential, and takes… MORE

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Working Together for Residents

NYCHA is working with a number of partners, including the Mayor’s Office and various government agencies, non-profits, elected officials, and resident associations, to ensure residents have the resources they need during the COVID-19 pandemic, including food, masks, and hand sanitizer.  In mid-April, Mayor Bill de Blasio’s office announced that all residents in NYCHA’s senior buildings would be enrolled in the City’s food delivery program… MORE

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Practicing Tennis at Home

Children across the city are adapting to a new normal brought about by COVID-19: online learning, closed playgrounds, and being indoors a lot more. Kings County Tennis League (KCTL), a non-profit that provides tennis and youth development to children living in and around NYCHA developments in Brooklyn, has been trying to provide its students with a sense of continuity and normalcy through virtual tennis sessions at home, as well as by making sure students’ families have the food and other resources they need during… MORE

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NYCHA ThankstThe Shawn Carter Foundation and #startsmall for Helping Residents Buy Groceries

Thanks to a generous donation from the Shawn Carter Foundation and #startsmall, every household at Marcy, Sumner, and Tompkins Houses received a supermarket gift card to assist in purchasing the food they need.  The COVID-19 pandemic has caused hardships for many New Yorkers, including NYCHA residents, and access to food has been the most basic necessity that… MORE

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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 Bartlett, Josephine Anne Boundy, Emma Catherine Buckland, Douglas Charles Canady, Katrina Cesar, Kerly Davis,… MORE

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Summer Resources

Summer in New York City is going to be different this year. As the city begins slowly re-opening, we still need to wear face coverings, maintain social distancing, and practice good hand hygiene, though there are still many ways to have fun this summer.  Here are some resources to help you have a safe and enjoyable summer.  Recreation  There are miles of city streets that are closed to through-traffic so that pedestrians, bicyclists,… MORE

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