January Work Anniversaries
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 January!
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Author: Michael Corwin
Meet Denise Beverly
NYCHANow is introducing a new feature in which employees write about their careers at the Authority. If you’d like to share your story, please send an email to nychanow@nycha.nyc.gov. Since October 2007, I have worked at REES’s central office at 787 Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I conduct one-on-one assessments and use… MORE
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Message from Interim Chair & CEO Kathryn Garcia
Dear Colleagues, I am excited to introduce myself as NYCHA’s new Interim Chair & CEO. For years, I have worked on behalf of my fellow New Yorkers to ensure they receive the best essential services from the City. As Senior Advisor for Citywide Lead Prevention, I led the development and launch of LeadFreeNYC, a comprehensive… MORE
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NextGen 2019: Communication & Collaboration
As part of the NextGen Office initiative, NYCHA’s IT Department continues to improve the technology available at development offices to help staff work more efficiently. Below are some programs that will launch this year; each involves virtual training, help desk support, and, in some cases, on-site training. NextGen Smart Screens: A 55-inch, interactive touch screen… MORE
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Free Tax Prep for NYCHA Residents
Thousands of NYCHA residents and other low-income families will be able to get the tax refunds they deserve thanks to a partnership between NYCHA, the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), and the Food Bank For New York City to provide free tax preparation services across the five boroughs. With over 20 NYCHA locations across… MORE
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Launching Alternative Work Schedule (AWS)
Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the launch of Alternative Work Schedule (AWS), a new way of scheduling certain front-line staff that ensures greater coverage at our developments. For the first time in about 50 years, we will have caretakers, their supervisors, assistant resident building superintendents, and resident building superintendents working at our developments… MORE
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NYCHA’s Situation Room
Watch the video below for a special look inside NYCHA’s new and improved Situation Room. Our heating staff is working 24/7 to better serve our residents. Residents should call the Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771, or use the MyNYCHA app, to report heat and/or hot water complaints.
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Moving NYCHA Forward
Dear Colleagues, On January 31, Mayor Bill de Blasio, HUD Secretary Ben Carson, and the Southern District of New York (SDNY) announced a settlement to improve the lives of the 400,000 New Yorkers who call NYCHA home. As part of this agreement, the City will invest an additional $2.2 billion in the Authority, and HUD… MORE
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First Saturday Work Blitz of 2019 Closes Nearly 1,000 Work Orders
NYCHA closed nearly 1,000 maintenance work order requests across five developments in its first Saturday blitz of 2019, marking the most closed work orders on a single Saturday since the start of the Authority’s proactive initiative to eliminate its repair backlog. While NYCHA developments have limited staffing during weekends, Wagner Houses in Manhattan, Albany Houses… MORE
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NYCHA Launches Mold Busters
Dear Colleagues, As you are all aware, the age of our buildings and the condition of our infrastructure makes NYCHA vulnerable to mold. However, the battle against mold is one we intend to win. Next week, we are launching a program to combat mold at NYCHA developments citywide called “Mold Busters.” Mold Busters originally began… MORE
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Happy New Year
Looking back on 2018, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the many achievements we have reached thanks to the dedication and hard work of each of you. The stories of the residents we serve, improving their lives and providing them with safer and decent homes, fill us with hope this holiday season… MORE
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Visiting the Past
Two staff from NYCHA’s Department of Communications, Senior Manager for Events and Communications Services Millie Molina and Photographer Leticia Barboza, toured the La Guardia and Wagner Archives, located at La Guardia Community College in Queens, on December 6. According to Ms. Molina: “We got a glimpse of the Archives’ wonderful historical collection of NYCHA photos,… MORE
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Get a Taste of NYCHA Residents’ Food Businesses at the Brooklyn Navy Yard
Red Hook Houses West resident Luquana McGriff dreams of one day opening a baked goods storefront for her business, A Cake Baked in Brooklyn, and a new opportunity is helping her prepare: In October, Ms. McGriff became the first NYCHA resident to operate the new food service kiosk in the Brooklyn Navy Yard’s Building 77. The… MORE
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Awarding NYCHA’s Gardeners
Roselina Mestric of Pomonok Houses (center ) was proud to receive one of the 2018 Master Gardener Awards at the 55th Annual NYCHA Garden & Greening Awards Ceremony. Ms. Mestric was joined by NYCHA Resident Board Member Victor Gonzalez (left) and NYCHA’s Coordinator for Special Projects Juan Santiago (right) as they celebrated the hundreds of… MORE
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Save Paper & Resources – Get Your W-2 Electronically
NYCHA employees can choose to have their W-2 tax form delivered electronically instead of by paper copy. Electronic delivery is voluntary, secure, and accurate. This paperless option supports a more sustainable New York City in accordance with Mayor de Blasio’s 80 x 50 program, which commits the City to an 80 percent reduction in greenhouse… MORE
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December Work Anniversaries
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 December!
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Making Safety Fun
Ashley Lewis is a Caretaker J at Brownsville Houses who wants to keep herself and her colleagues safe at work. As with all NYCHA developments, safety information at Brownsville Houses is posted in a location visible to all employees. However, in passing the bulletin board, Ms. Lewis felt that the information wasn’t exactly eye-catching. She… MORE
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NYCHA Supports New Affordable Housing in NYC
NYCHA’s Executive Vice President (EVP) for Leased Housing Lakesha Miller recently participated in three events hosted by partner organizations who opened or are in the process of building new affordable housing in the city. As the largest Section 8 program in the country, NYCHA is providing project-based Section 8 vouchers for these developments to help… MORE
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Safety and Security Upgrades at 7 Manhattan Developments
Seven NYCHA developments across Manhattan will receive $13 million in safety and security upgrades thanks to a new grant from the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC). More than 6,000 public housing residents will benefit from upgrades that include new facades, exterior LED lighting, and CCTV cameras at seven developments. As part of the new upgrades… MORE
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NYCHA as Classroom for a Future Leader
For five weeks, Evan Solomon experienced the ins and outs of a large, fast-paced governmental agency, when he worked at NYCHA as part of the Coro Fellows Program, a post-college leadership program where the city is the classroom. Mr. Solomon is a Public Affairs Fellow in the program, which was founded in 1942 to prepare… MORE
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All in a Day’s Work: Mentoring and Inspiring
This past summer, Joseph Luciano, Senior Digital Producer in the Department of Communications, hosted two high school interns at NYCHA, providing them valuable guidance and hands-on experience as part of Futures and Options’ internship program. Due to the students’ successful engagement, the non-profit organization invited Mr. Luciano to be part of its “Careers in Technology”… MORE
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Seniors Celebrate the Holidays at NYCHA
NYCHA’s Family Partnerships Department organized a fun-filled Senior Holiday Party at Johnson Community Center on December 14.
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Lighting the Unity Tree
South Bronx residents don’t have to travel to Manhattan to get a glimpse of a beautiful tree: They have one right in their community thanks to the efforts of NYCHA’s South Bronx Youth Leadership Council (SBYLC) and South Bronx Senior Champions. On December 10, residents of all ages joined to decorate and light the “Unity… MORE
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NYCHA Is Consolidating Central Offices in 2019
As part of NYCHA’s NextGen mission to stabilize its finances, the Authority is creating significant cost savings by consolidating its central office locations, most notably by moving all staff from 250 Broadway. Throughout 2019, staff from 250 Broadway, and a few other locations, will move into upgraded spaces at the 90 Church Street, Long Island… MORE
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Opportunity through Diversity
Chirag Patel, Senior Project Manager in NYCHA’s Capital Projects Division, was awarded the “2018 Outstanding Achiever” award by the National Association of Minority Contractors’ (NAMC) New York Tri-State Chapter during its Inaugural Gala on November 16. According to the NAMC, the award recognizes “people and organizations that have demonstrated innovative and creative strategies to remove… MORE
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Changing the Way NYCHA Does Business with a Can-Do Attitude
The Employee Engagement Committee (EEC) held its monthly meeting the week before Thanksgiving, on November 14. The first item on the agenda was requests for volunteers to deliver Thanksgiving dinners to residents experiencing gas outages. This endeavor embodies an EEC principle: giving back to the community and helping those less fortunate. Next up was a… MORE
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NYCHA’s Language Liaisons Help Provide Access to All
The Authority is committed to ensuring that all NYCHA residents, applicants, and Section 8 voucher holders, regardless of their proficiency in English, have access to quality customer service. In support of that commitment, NYCHA’s “Language Liaisons” convened on December 10 to discuss updates to the Authority’s language policies. These employees represent various departments at NYCHA… MORE
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A Bright and Joyous Festival
On December 5, Batei Tsibur, the association of Jewish employees at NYCHA, held its annual Chanukah celebration. It was the fourth night of Chanukah, and members lit the menorah and recited the traditional blessings. Guest Speaker Rabbi Ben-Tzion Krasnianski, Executive Director of Chabad of the Upper East Side of Manhattan, discussed many aspects of Jewish life, including… MORE
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Happy Holidays from NYCHA’s Hispanic Society!
At its monthly meeting in December, members of NYCHA’s Hispanic Society and their families ushered in the holiday season with a holiday dinner and toy drive. It was a charitable and fun-filled occasion for all!
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Citi Bike Is Reimbursable via the Management Benefits Fund
Hop on a Citi Bike and take advantage of the 2018 Management Benefits Fund (MBF) before the end of the year! Did you know that your Citi Bike membership counts as an eligible fitness expense? If you join Citi Bike, you can have the cost reimbursed through MBF. It’s easy – fill out the reimbursement form and… MORE
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Second Saturday Work Order Blitz
NYCHA closed more than 950 maintenance work order requests in one day at five developments in its second Saturday blitz, as part of the Authority’s proactive initiative to eliminate repair backlogs and effectively engage and assist residents. NYCHA will continue to hold its Saturday blitz effort twice a month to address residents’ repair work order backlogs… MORE
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Kicking Off the Senior Champions Program
NYCHA now has 82 new resident leaders who have volunteered to make a difference in the lives of their fellow senior residents. On November 30, NYCHA held the first meeting for its new Senior Champions, older adult residents who will work with NYCHA and community members on actively engaging their fellow seniors across the city,… MORE
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Piloting a New Way to Recycle at Brownsville Houses
Brigitte Vicenty gets excited when she sees bags full of recyclables collected outside the Brownsville Houses Community Center, because her dream of increasing recycling participation at NYCHA and citywide is coming true. Ms. Vicenty is a Mott Haven Houses resident and the Recycling Coordinator for Mothers on the Move, a nonprofit based in the South… MORE
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NYCHA 2.0: New Comprehensive Plan to Fix & Preserve Public Housing
Today, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Interim Chair and CEO Stanley Brezenoff unveiled NYCHA 2.0, a comprehensive plan to preserve public housing. This plan will address $24 billion in vital repairs to New York City’s aging public housing and ensure residents have the safe, decent, and affordable homes they deserve. The 10-year plan will deliver… MORE
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Creating Opportunity for All
As part of Mayor de Blasio’s OneNYC goal to make New York the most equitable city in the world, City government has pledged to award $20 billion in contracts to minority- and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBE) by the year 2025. NYCHA is an important contributor to this effort: Since the goal was announced, it has… MORE
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Saturday Work Order Blitz
NYCHA closed more than 800 maintenance work order requests in one day at five developments as part of the Authority’s proactive initiative to eliminate repair backlogs. While developments have limited staffing during most weekends, Patterson Houses in the Bronx, Kingsborough Houses in Brooklyn, Baruch Houses in Manhattan, Ravenswood Houses in Queens, and West Brighton Houses… MORE
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“NYCHA Cares”: Over 13,000 Work Orders Closed
More than 13,000 work orders have been completed during the first round of the recently launched NYCHA Cares initiative. Mayor Bill de Blasio committed $20 million for Fiscal Years 2019 and 2020 to target the more than 50,000 open work order requests across the five boroughs for repairs that require skilled trades workers, which include… MORE
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An Outstanding Collaborator
As part of a lively celebration at City Hall on December 5, Kim Truong, Community Coordinator for NYCHA’s Health Initiatives unit, received the “Outstanding Agency Collaboration” award from the City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) for her work on Thrive NYC’s Mental Health First Aid program. ThriveNYC is a multi-agency initiative spearheaded by First Lady… MORE
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November Work Anniversaries
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 November!
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Managing through Adversity
The years of disinvestment have eroded our buildings and, in a similar fashion, our morale. The conditions and the times we face can be summed up in one word: adversity. NYCHA is facing a critical time of adversity and all of us in the room for the Employee Engagement Committee’s (EEC) monthly meeting were aware.… MORE
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NYCHA Celebrates Hispanic Heritage
NYCHA residents celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month with an event showcasing the people, history, music, food, dance, and achievements of the Latino community – emphasizing the fact that, regardless of country, todos somos familia(“we are all family”). On October 25, more than 200 NYCHA residents filled the Johnson Community Center in Harlem, where the celebration was… MORE
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Message from Interim Chair & CEO Stanley Brezenoff
Dear Colleagues, Since my appointment as Interim Chair and CEO of NYCHA earlier this year, I have taken a good, hard look at the Authority’s significant challenges and how they can be addressed. My top priority is to improve the state of our buildings and residents’ quality of life and ensure that public housing remains… MORE
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Giving Turkeys, Giving Thanks
On November 13, New York Yankees pitcher Dellin Betances brought Thanksgiving cheer to NYCHA families at the Polo Grounds Cornerstone, a community center operated by the Police Athletic League. Mr. Betances, who grew up at Lillian Wald Houses, helped volunteers distribute 500 turkeys as well as a variety of healthy side dishes. The turkey drive… MORE
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Save Money with the Commuter Benefits Program
Did you know that you can save hundreds of dollars in taxes each year by taking advantage of the Commuter Benefits Program? You can deduct up to $260 from your taxable income each month for the NYC Subway, Long Island Rail Road, New Jersey Transit, and other mass transit options, and up to $260 a… MORE
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NYCHA Residents Become First-Time Homeowners
NYCHA, in partnership with the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development and local non-profit organizations, is connecting residents to homeownership opportunities. Watch this video to learn more:
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$105 Million in Energy-Efficiency Upgrades Coming to 15 Developments
As part of NYCHA’s Energy Performance Contact (EPC) program, $104.6 million in upgrades are coming to 15 developments in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens, home to 15,000 families. In partnership with Ameresco, an energy services provider, NYCHA will upgrade heating, lighting, and building ventilation systems and implement water conservation measures at these developments. Over… MORE
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Happy Halloween from NYCHA’s Hispanic Society!
NYCHA’s Hispanic Society celebrated Halloween a little early at their monthly meeting on October 10 at 90 Church Street, dressing up for the occasion and sharing treats. Some of the members’ children also came out to celebrate!
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Announcing New Risk Management Website
The Risk Management Department’s (RMD) mission is to protect NYCHA from the risk of financial loss. RMD partners with and assists every department and NYCHA employee with risk and insurance-related matters. Our team relies on our NYCHA colleagues to share information about potential risks arising from their operations so RMD can provide resources to protect the… MORE
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October Work Anniversaries
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 October!
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NYCHA Staff Get Educated about Intimate Partner Violence
On October 30, Kevin Morris, a community liaison from the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV) presented a workshop, Intimate Partner Violence 101, for property management and community center staff at Van Dyke Houses in Brooklyn. Since many NYCHA residents regularly meet with and confide in property management staff, NYCHA partnered with… MORE
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Connecting Communities at NYCHA
NYCHA is working to update its urban design with residents and their neighbors in mind. Through the Connected Communities initiative, the Authority is comprehensively addressing the community connectivity of over 300 public housing developments across New York City. NYCHA’s new Connected Communities initiative seeks to make big changes to better connect NYCHA residents physically to… MORE
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MyNYCHA Wins Government Digital Experience Award
The MyNYCHA portal and mobile app was recently recognized as a digital tool that improves services for residents when it was named winner of a 2018 Government Experience Award by the Center for Digital Democracy. The Center is a national organization focused on technology policy and best practices in government. Its Government Experience Award is… MORE
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Comprehensive Repairs for 62,000 Apartments
Innovative public-private partnerships, including the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program, are bringing extensive repairs to 62,000 NYCHA apartments, home to about 140,000 residents. This will address nearly $13 billion of much-needed repairs. These apartments will be converted to Section 8 funding and will remain permanently affordable. Residents will keep all their rights as public housing… MORE
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Sharing Is the Key to Good Communication
The Employee Engagement Committee’s (EEC) October meeting was filled with enthusiasm. Meeting once a month with colleagues in all lines of work can be the best way to learn how to improve our workday. Chatting before the meeting started, EEC members shared stories of what each of us does at NYCHA. Although we were unaware that the… MORE
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Customer Service Week 2018
NYCHA departments and developments celebrated Customer Service Week 2018 from October 15 to 19 by hosting events on the theme of “Exceeding Expectations.” Below are some highlights of how NYCHA colleagues spent the week reviewing best practices, motivating each other, and sharing tips and resources as the Authority renewed its commitment to providing great customer… MORE
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Six Years Since Superstorm Sandy
Watch this video about NYCHA’s Sandy recovery and resiliency efforts.
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October Is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
NYCHA is joining with the Department of Homeland Security to raise cybersecurity awareness for the 15th annual National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This year’s theme is “Cybersecurity is our shared responsibility and we all must work together to improve our nation’s cybersecurity.” Be on the lookout for NYCHA’s new Cyber Awareness Training program, courtesy of the… MORE
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Domestic Violence Awareness for Seniors
Domestic violence does not discriminate; it affects people of all races, cultures, genders, socioeconomic groups, and ages. During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, NYCHA’s Community Engagement and Partnerships department held events to shine a light on how domestic violence can affect older adults. Approximately 500 seniors from various NYCHA developments attended two domestic… MORE
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Heating Improvements for NYCHA Residents in Advance of Winter
On October 18, Mayor Bill de Blasio, Interim Chair Stanley Brezenoff, and General Manager Vito Mustaciuolo announced heating improvements made this summer and fall across NYCHA to prepare for cold weather. “Every NYCHA resident deserves heat in the winter. Our new leadership at NYCHA have delivered major improvements that will reduce outages and get the… MORE
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Personnel Announcements from the EVP of Operations
Dear Colleagues, As public housing Operations continues to build its leadership team, I want to share the following management appointments: Joey Koch as Senior Vice President for Operations Support Services, Javier Almodovar as Director of Heating Management Services, Sylvia Aude as Director of Management Services, and Robert Mallamo as Acting Director of Maintenance, Repair &… MORE
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Heating Season Is Here
From October 1 through May 31, New York City building owners must maintain an indoor temperature of at least 68 degrees between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. when it’s below 55 degrees outside. From 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., indoor temperature must be at least 62 degrees regardless of the temperature outside. Hot water must… MORE
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Customer Service Week at NYCHA Is October 15-19
NYCHA’s Customer Service Week 2018 will take place October 15-19. Now’s the time to start thinking about Customer Service Week activities! Providing the best possible service to our residents is at the heart of NextGeneration NYCHA’s vision of safe, clean, and connected communities. This year’s Customer Service Week theme is “Exceeding Expectations” – every customer,… MORE
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Getting Their Groove On
In partnership with the Police Athletic League, NYCHA hosted the “Senior Health and Musical Festival” at Polo Grounds Towers’ community center in September. Seniors from a variety of developments got everyone moving by performing jazz, blues, gospel, and opera classics. Participants also got access to a range of health resources, including blood pressure, asthma, and… MORE
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Join the NYCHA Board
Around November/December 2018, Mayor Bill de Blasio will appoint one resident as a member of the NYCHA Board to fill a vacancy. Board members represent the more than 400,000 people who call NYCHA home when voting on contracts, resolutions, policies, rules and regulations, and other administrative matters. This is not a full-time position, but you should… MORE
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A Historic Effort at Randolph Houses
The total renovation of Harlem’s historic Randolph Houses is now complete, thanks to the efforts of NYCHA and a range of partners from the public and private sectors. Randolph Houses’ 36 buildings on West 114th Street were built in the 1890s and acquired by NYCHA in the 1970s. The first phase of the renovations, which… MORE
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Exceptional Customer Service
NYCHA Management Trainer Sue Ellen Doria kicked off a recent “Exceptional Customer Service” training class with an essential, and not so theoretical, question: “What does exceptional customer service mean to you?” She then summed up the purpose of the day: “We want you to have the courage, wisdom, and heart to provide that service. We… MORE
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September Work Anniversaries
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 September!
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NYCHA Partners to Design Rooftop Solar Gardens
Rooftop solar gardens will be built on 189 NYCHA buildings at 28 developments across the city to increase New Yorkers’ access to low-cost solar power. Construction is expected to begin by winter 2019. NYCHA is partnering with five teams led by local non-profits and small businesses that will design the first rooftop solar gardens as… MORE
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Resident Leadership Academy in the News
NYCHA’s Resident Leadership Academy was featured on the WABC-TV show “Here and Now” on September 23. The Resident Leadership Academy was launched earlier this year to provide training and build leadership skills for residents interested in taking a more active role in civic life within their development and/or community. It is done in partnership with the… MORE
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Flu Season Is Coming
Flu season is almost here! Getting your flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu and its complications. WorkWell NYC offers free flu shots for all City employees, dependents, and retirees. Worksite flu clinics provide employees with a quick, convenient, and effective way to protect themselves from this… MORE
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August Work Anniversaries
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 August!
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Calling All Changemakers
Are you making a difference in the lives of your colleagues or our residents? Do you know someone who has taken our core values and applied them to projects, programs, or services? You can nominate yourself or a co-worker to become a NYCHA Changemaker; residents may nominate NYCHA employees too. NYCHA’s Changemakers campaign highlights employees… MORE
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Announcing the 2018 NYCHA-CUNY Scholars
They are the next generation of community advocates, social workers, medical staff, teachers, accountants, and public servants. But first, they’re NYCHA residents in pursuit of their educational dreams at City of University of New York colleges — and the 2018 recipients of NYCHA-CUNY Resident Scholarships. The scholarships are given to residents who are full-time CUNY students displaying… MORE
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A Look at First Houses, the Birthplace of Public Housing
Although it was a sweltering day in August, the Employee Engagement Committee (EEC) was out in full force for a walking tour of First Houses in Manhattan, NYCHA’s first development. This was our first activity as a group since the EEC’s initial cohort “passed the torch” to us, the second cohort, in July. At first… MORE
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On-the-Job Experience for Young NYCHA Residents
Whitman Houses resident Skye Carson, 14, wants to be a writer or a lawyer in the future, two careers that require good communication skills. This summer, she greatly improved those skills while working at NYCHA through the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). SYEP, which is is operated by the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development, provides… MORE
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A Home Run for the Skyliners
For the first time in their five-year history, NYCHA’s softball team, the Skyliners, made it to the top of the NYC Government Softball League, with 10 wins and only 2 losses! For the team’s players, it’s not just about playing a softball game but a way to get together after work, relieve some stress, and… MORE
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NYCHA’s Sandy Recovery Work Sometimes Comes with a History Lesson
Before NYCHA’s Sandy Recovery and Resiliency team could begin major work at Baruch Houses in June, they called in urban archaeologist Dr. Joan Geismar to ensure that nothing of historical significance would be disturbed during construction. Baruch Houses is located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan near the East River. Like most of New York City’s neighborhoods, it… MORE
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Deeply Committed to Public Housing
This summer, Interim Chair and CEO Stanley Brezenoff met with property managers representing every borough, including NGO and mixed-finance properties, to discuss some of the Authority’s challenges and how they can be overcome. Here is a condensed version of his remarks: I wanted to talk with you about the consent decree with the federal government,… MORE
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A Better Place to Work and a Place That Works Better
NYCHA: a better place to work and a place that works better. This concept embodies the work of the Employee Engagement Committee (EEC). We are NYCHA employees from many different titles and backgrounds working together to help change NYCHA. Our strengths derive from our diversity. Our first meeting for new members – the second group… MORE
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National Night Out at NYCHA
National Night Out events bring together residents and their local police precincts to strengthen relationships and promote safer communities. On August 7, NYCHA General Manager Vito Mustaciuolo and other NYCHA executives celebrated the 35thAnnual National Night Out with residents, NYPD officers, community board representatives, and elected officials in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens. At… MORE
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Staten Island Hosts City Hall in Your Borough
NYCHA staff and residents welcomed Mayor Bill de Blasio and city officials as City Hall moved its headquarters to Staten Island for a week in late July. Staten Island was the first location for this year’s “City Hall in Your Borough,” which included a resource fair hosted by Mayor de Blasio and Staten Island Borough… MORE
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A Nice Place to Play
NYCHA General Manager Vito Mustaciuolo (third from right in the top row above) and Council Member Antonio Reynoso (left of GM Mustaciuolo) celebrated Hylan Houses’ new playground alongside some happy kids from the neighborhood. The $325,000 playground renovation, which was funded by Council Member Reynoso, features a new sprinkler, equipment, hop-scotch court, game tables, benches, pavement, and safety surfacing.
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A New Community Center for Marcy Houses
Before she introduced Mayor Bill de Blasio at a construction kick-off event for Marcy Houses’ new community center, young resident Alexis Pender spoke about what she was most looking forward to doing at the center: dancing with friends. “I’m 11 years old and I love to dance, and for a very long time I didn’t… MORE
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NYCHA Celebrates New Affordable Housing for Veterans and Young Adults
NYCHA staff helped cut the ribbon at the grand opening for Walton House, a new supportive housing development in the Bronx for formerly homeless veterans and young adults. NYCHA provided project-based Section 8 vouchers for the entire development. Walton House is New York City’s first supportive housing development to open under Mayor Bill de Blasio’s… MORE
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July Work Anniversaries
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 July!
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Safety Symposium Puts Spotlight on Safety
About 300 NYCHA employees attended the Authority’s fifth annual Safety Symposium on June 28 at the Johnson Community Center in East Harlem. Interim Chair and CEO Stanley Brezenoff and Teamsters Local 237 President Gregory Floyd and Vice President Ruben Torres welcomed attendees – property managers, supervisors, and safety associates from across the city as well… MORE
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The Eyes of the Authority
You may have met him – for 35 years, Senior Photographer Pete Mikoleski, armed with his trusty Canon camera, has chronicled important events at the Authority, capturing also the hard work of the employees who make it all happen. His work appeared in The NYCHA Journal, this publication, and a variety of informational materials for… MORE
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Getting Prepared
One of the goals of NYCHA’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is to help residents stay resilient and safe when faced with emergencies or disasters. OEM partnered with the New York State Citizen Preparedness Corps, which offers courses led by National Guard troops on how to prepare for emergencies. On June 19, seniors at the… MORE
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NYCHA Goes Smoke-Free
NYCHA developments are now smoke-free, a policy that provides healthier homes for residents and healthier working environments for employees. The “Smoke-Free NYCHA” initiative was developed as part of a new U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rule for public housing nationwide that prohibits smoking in apartments and buildings or within 25 feet of… MORE
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Passing the Torch
NYCHA’s Employee Engagement Committee (EEC) strives to create a more inclusive environment for staff. The EEC partners with NYCHA leadership to champion a cohesive, collaborative organization that can bring about the Authority’s goals to change the way we do business as a landlord and create safe, clean, and connected communities for residents. EEC members are… MORE
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New NYCHA Farm in Staten Island
Mariners Harbor Houses is home to NYCHA’s newest farm, which will provide residents and other members of the community with free, fresh, and local produce. The farm was built by Green City Force Corps Members, young NYCHA residents ages 18 to 24 who worked with NYCHA staff to get resident input on what the farm should… MORE
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Personnel Announcements
Dear Colleagues, I am excited to announce the appointment of new senior executives to our leadership team: Plachikkat V. (PV) Anantharam as Executive Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Kelly MacNeal as Executive Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel, and Vilma Huertas as Executive Vice President for Compliance and Chief Compliance… MORE
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“NYCHA Cares” Kicks Off
The Authority launched NYCHA Cares, a new program that will address the backlog of more than 50,000 open skilled trades work orders in NYCHA apartments. Specialized work, such as repairs that require plumbers, electricians, plasterers, carpenters or painters, is in the highest demand due to long wait times. NYCHA Cares will pilot dedicated programming at… MORE
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June Work Anniversaries
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!
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Community Conversations on Smoke-Free NYCHA
If you haven’t already heard, all public housing across the country—including NYCHA homes—will go smoke-free as of July 30, 2018, following a requirement from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development. Smoke-Free NYCHA is designed to create healthier homes for residents and healthier working environments for employees by reducing exposure to secondhand smoke. The program… MORE
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Driving Success
Waldina Benedith, a Section 8 voucher holder in Brooklyn, was so pleased with her recent experience using one of NYCHA’s Digital Vans that she took the time to send NYCHA an email praising the van’s operator, Malin Bey: This morning I found out about the Digital Van through NYCHA’s website, including its location on Warren… MORE
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Housing Court 101
NYCHA employees are getting some valuable information about housing court proceedings. This spring, Deputy General Counsel Sam Mordi, along with Landlord and Tenant Division Chief Tracy Forrest, brought some clarity to a complicated process. In nine sessions covering all five boroughs, more than 500 property managers, assistant property managers, and housing assistants got tips on… MORE
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A Watchful Eye
A series of large screens on the wall monitor the CCTV security camera feeds from NYCHA’s central offices (250 Broadway, 90 Church Street, and Long Island City) as well as from the walk-in centers in Brooklyn and the Bronx; on the computer monitors below, footage from security cameras at 40 developments across the city can… MORE
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