NYCHA Now

Author: Vincent Echavaria

CelebrationsJuly 2023PACT

Edenwald Staff Celebrate PACT Progress, Employee Retirement 

NYCHA staff at Edenwald Houses, the largest development in the Bronx, gathered for some recent causes for celebration.   Along with the closing of financing for the latest Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) modernization project at the end of June, Supervisor of Housing Caretakers Nelson Andrades kicked off his retirement after 27 years of service.   With… MORE

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June 2023

Whitman Houses Breaks Ground for Upgraded Recreation Space  

On June 15, the Whitman Houses community celebrated the future opening of a revitalized recreation area, featuring both basketball and handball courts.   Resident leaders and community members were joined by NYCHA representatives and local elected officials, including City Councilmember Crystal Hudson and Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest, to ceremoniously break ground for the renovation project at… MORE

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May 2023

NYCHA’s Capital Projects Roundup: Spring 2023 

Upgraded play spaces were among the newly renovated facilities and grounds improvements recently welcomed by NYCHA developments in Manhattan and Brooklyn. This spring, NYCHA’s Asset and Capital Management Division (A&CM) marked the completion of these and other capital projects to bring a variety of community benefits and improved services for residents.     A&CM oversees a multi-billion-dollar… MORE

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HighlightedMay 2023NYCHA Leadership

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Meet Chief Administrative Officer Kerri Jew 

As someone who relishes taking on a diversity of tasks, Kerri Jew welcomes a NYCHA job portfolio that can be “extremely varied.”   “I really like to do lots of different things at once,” Ms. Jew said about her responsibilities as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer. “I think it’s exciting and interesting to learn… MORE

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May 2023

NYCHA Healthy Homes Staff Participate in ‘Stand-Down’ for Construction Safety Week 

In recognition of Construction Safety Week (May 1 to 5), NYCHA Healthy Homes field staff and contractors participated in group discussions promoting various ways to ensure workplace safety.   The sessions, also known as “toolbox talks,” supported the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) National Safety Stand-Down campaign, which aims to raise awareness about fall… MORE

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April 2023Exceptional ColleaguesHighlighted

Honoring NYCHA’s Administrative Professionals

NYCHA appreciates the hard work of our administrative staff who support residents and employees across the five boroughs. In honor of National Administrative Professionals Day, celebrated during the last week of April, we recognize the contributions of Red Hook West Houses Secretaries Brenai Campbell and Laura Gonzalez, two of the many administrative employees whose dedication… MORE

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April 2023NYCHA PartnersSustainability

Earth Day Spirit Thrives at NYCHA 

The spirit of Earth Day was on full display in neighborhoods across NYCHA, where residents, employees, and community partners joined together to help the environment, support green programs, and promote a sustainable future.     Through volunteer plantings, community celebrations, guest speeches, and new environmentally friendly initiatives, NYCHA is advancing the mission of its Sustainability Agenda, a… MORE

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Exceptional ColleaguesFebruary 2023HighlightedNYCHA Leadership

Celebrating Black History Month  

Meet Annika Lescott-Martinez, NYCHA’s Chief Financial Officer  Managing the funds of the nation’s largest public housing authority might seem daunting, but Annika Lescott-Martinez isn’t one to be intimidated.   “I’m used to dealing with big numbers; big numbers don’t scare me,” stated Ms. Lescott-Martinez, NYCHA’s Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Finance.  Her… MORE

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Exceptional ColleaguesFebruary 2023

Meet George Gomez, Supervisor of REES Job Generation 

Connecting NYCHA residents to sustainable employment has a deeper meaning for George Gomez.  As the Supervisor of Job Generation in NYCHA’s Office of Resident Economic Empowerment and Sustainability (REES), Mr. Gomez works with NYCHA departments, development partners, and contractors to provide residents with a variety of economic opportunities, including training and employment.   “I’ve definitely found… MORE

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January 2023

NYCHA’s Capital Projects Roundup: December – January 

A NYCHA development in Brooklyn recently welcomed dozens of sustainable lighting fixtures, while other developments in Brooklyn and Manhattan received new fire alarms and gas and ventilation system renovations. NYCHA’s Asset and Capital Management Division (A&CM) marked the completion of these capital projects throughout December and January to improve services for residents.     A&CM oversees a… MORE

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January 2023NYCHA PartnersSustainability

Resident Groups Awarded Climate Action Grants for Community Sustainability Projects  

Rejuvenating local gardens with new crops and green features, promoting energy efficiency in the community with sustainable lighting, and developing a “one-stop-drop” site for recyclables.   Such resident-led efforts at NYCHA are among the sustainability-focused projects that have been selected to receive funding under the Resident Climate Action Grants Program, an initiative of NYCHA and the… MORE

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HighlightedJanuary 2023NYCHA PartnersSustainability

NYCHA Celebrates Key Landmarks for Sustainability in 2022 

In a year when climate policy advancements took shape across the globe, NYCHA and its partners celebrated several local achievements that continue the Authority’s progress toward a more sustainable future.  From the launch of a Clean Energy Academy and other programs supporting green careers, to the awarding of several grants and development of innovative projects,… MORE

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January 2023

Mariner’s Harbor Houses to Receive Upgraded Entrance Doors for Improved Safety 

Former State Assemblyman Michael Cusick announced in late December that his office secured $2.7 million in funding to replace dozens of entrance doors at Mariner’s Harbor Houses.   The project funding – acquired through the State and Municipal Facilities Program – will help provide enhanced security at the Staten Island development.   Assemblyman Cusick, who… MORE

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November 2022

NYCHA’s Work Order Reform Continues Making Strides After Citywide Rollout 

Following borough-specific rollouts over the past year, NYCHA’s revamped process of scheduling work orders at developments is now underway throughout the city.   With the latest implementation launching across Manhattan in early October, the Work Order Reform program has brought some welcomed improvements in communities where stakeholders have experienced the changes firsthand. The program was first… MORE

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November 2022NYCHA Leadership

CFO Annika Lescott-Martinez Selected for Crain’s New York Business 40 Under 40 

NYCHA’s Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Finance Annika Lescott-Martinez has been named to the 2022 class of Crain’s New York Business 40 Under 40.  Established in 1988, the publication’s annual 40 Under 40 list celebrates the most accomplished New York City-based business professionals under 40 years old. Ms. Lescott-Martinez, 34, who joined… MORE

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November 2022

NYCHA’s Capital Projects Roundup: September-October 2022 

NYCHA’s Asset and Capital Management Division (A&CM) recently completed renovations for accessible parking, utility, and roofing projects across the city to bring a variety of benefits and improved services for residents.    A&CM oversees a $4.5 billion capital projects portfolio funded with federal, State, and City investments. The division works to preserve and modernize public housing… MORE

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November 2022

Supply Management and Procurement Gets National Award for Service Excellence 

NYCHA’s Supply Management and Procurement Department has been recognized by a national organization for its achievements in the area of government procurement.   In early October, the department was awarded the 2022 Annual Achievement of Excellence in Procurement from the National Procurement Institute, Inc. The award, which recognizes agencies that demonstrate a commitment to procurement excellence,… MORE

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November 2022NYCHA Partners

Free Mentor Program Helps NYCHA-CUNY Amazon Scholars with Career Planning 

NYCHA residents studying at CUNY colleges this fall are getting some guidance on how to plan for future careers from some seasoned professionals.   Thanks to a new free program, recipients of NYCHA-CUNY Amazon scholarships are receiving individualized mentoring and career development support from NYCHA employees and other professionals for post-graduation success. The program is an… MORE

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October 2022

Veteran Employee Receives Assembly Commendation for Service to Residents 

In a week when customer service was top of mind for staff across NYCHA, one longtime employee received special recognition at the statewide level for her service to the community.   Donnette Atkinson, an Administrative Manager in the Resident Participation and Civic Engagement Department, was awarded an honorary citation from Assemblywoman Latoya Joyner at the recommendation… MORE

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October 2022

Customer Service Week 2022: Celebrate Service  

NYCHA departments and developments commemorated Customer Service Week 2022 from October 17 to October 21 by hosting communal activities in tribute to the theme of “Celebrate Service.” Below are some highlights of how NYCHA colleagues spent the week visiting developments, reviewing best practices, interacting with their teams, and motivating each other as the Authority demonstrated… MORE

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October 2022PACT

NYCHA Closes on Transfer of Manhattanville Development Rights to Adjacent Site  

On October 14, NYCHA finalized an agreement to transfer 280,000 square feet of development rights (“air rights”) and 12,500 square feet of land from Manhattanville Houses to an adjacent private property at 1440 Amsterdam Avenue.  The transaction generates $28 million in funding, which will be used exclusively at Manhattanville Houses for comprehensive building repairs and… MORE

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Health & SafetyOctober 2022

EHS Fire Safety Oversight Team Honored for Exemplary Customer Service

On October 6, the NYCHA Environmental Health and Safety Department’s Fire Safety Oversight Team (FSOT) was recognized with this year’s Excellence in Customer Service Award from the Mayor’s Office of Operations.  The annual awards, which are presented across City agencies, recognize “outstanding City workers and teams that demonstrate their dedication and commitment to New York… MORE

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NYCHA PartnersSeptember 2022

Senior Affordable Housing Complex Holds Ribbon Cutting Near Mill Brook Houses 

On September 13, the Bronx’s Mott Haven community celebrated the official opening of a 158-unit affordable housing complex for low-income senior residents.  Mill Brook Terrace sits on the site of a former NYCHA parking lot near Mill Brook Houses, where seniors now have access to an 8,700-square-foot senior center, supportive services, green spaces, and other… MORE

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September 2022Sustainability

Climate Corps Fellows Study Sustainable Food Waste Solutions at NYCHA 

How much food waste would it take to power an electric bicycle?  Two graduate school students worked to find a solution to such an inquiry this summer while studying organic waste collection at NYCHA. Abigail Brown and Jed Higdon served as Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) Climate Corps fellows who helped advance the Authority’s environmental goals… MORE

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August 2022Exceptional ColleaguesHighlighted

Meet Brian Honan, Senior Vice President of Intergovernmental Relations 

Like many who have worked extensively in government, Brian Honan knows that building relationships is key to advancing legislation and solving complex problems for people in the community.    As Senior Vice President of NYCHA’s Office of Intergovernmental Relations, the bonds he has formed with NYCHA residents, members of the public, and elected officials are… MORE

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Health & SafetyHighlightedJuly 2022

Meet the EHS Integrated Pest Management Oversight Team (IPMOT) 

NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department’s (EHS) Integrated Pest Management Oversight Team (IPMOT) oversees pest mitigation and extermination measures to ensure compliance with best practices and existing standard procedures, in accordance with the principles of NYCHA’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. As part of its work, the IPMOT:  Conducts oversight inspections of staff providing pest… MORE

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FeaturedJuly 2022PACT

PACT: ‘A Better Way of Living’ for NYCHA Residents 

In just six years, NYCHA’s Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program has generated more than $3.4 billion in capital funding for comprehensive apartment renovations and building infrastructure improvements for nearly 15,500 households across the city.   An additional 19,700 NYCHA households are slated to receive the enhancements at properties that are currently in the process of… MORE

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July 2022Sustainability

NYCHA Thought Leader Events in June Address Energy, Sustainability  

As the largest public housing authority in the country, NYCHA is served by numerous thought leaders, employees whose expertise in a specific field can help shape policies and develop innovative solutions to challenging problems.   NYCHA regularly participates in a variety of thought leadership events, which provide opportunities for staff to promote programs and initiatives… MORE

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July 2022PACT

Twin Parks West Reopens Courtyard Play Area with PACT Improvements  

On June 28, the Twin Parks West community in the Bronx celebrated the reopening of the inner courtyard and recreational area after renovations were completed under NYCHA’s Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program.  Representatives from NYCHA and Gilbane Development Company were joined by project staff and Twin Parks West residents to mark the completion of… MORE

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Exceptional ColleaguesFeaturedJune 2022

Veteran Caretakers Presented with John DeCarlo Award for Exemplary Service 

NYCHA Caretaker Angel Martinez can often be seen wearing a smile as he works each day to maintain a safe and clean environment for residents and employees at Smith Houses in Manhattan.   Fellow veteran Caretaker Rebecca Miranda is well regarded for her customer service, which has helped make hers a familiar name among the residents… MORE

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June 2022

The Fund for Public Housing Names New Executive Director 

Alex Zablocki, a veteran public servant with experience working with nonprofit organizations and government agencies at all levels, was recently appointed Executive Director of the Fund for Public Housing.    Mr. Zablocki will be supported by Deputy Director Claire McLeveighn in leading the nonprofit Fund for Public Housing in its mission of enhancing opportunities and quality… MORE

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June 2022

Refurbished Basketball Court Opens for Play at Patterson Houses 

A newly upgraded basketball court dubbed by residents as “Patterson Square Garden” recently made its debut at Patterson Houses in the Bronx.  The court located near East 143rd Street received improvements such as new hoops, seating, surfacing, court markings, and painting. The approximately $500,000 project was funded by City Councilwoman Diana Ayala.   The court renovations… MORE

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April 2022

Basketball Court, BBQ Spaces Support Connected Communities at Pomonok Houses

NYCHA’s Connected Communities initiative is focused on activating and improving open space, through efforts to enhance physical and social connections between residents and their communities.  One development where this initiative is taking shape with the support of an active resident community is Pomonok Houses in Queens. An outreach effort that was launched a few years… MORE

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April 2022

Meet the EHS Elevator Oversight Team (EOT)

NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department’s (EHS) Elevator Oversight Team (EOT) has extensive knowledge about the maintenance, repair, and inspection of passenger elevators as well as regulations and safety requirements related to elevators.     The EOT ensures that NYCHA’s Elevator Service and Repair Department (ESRD) is providing safe and reliable elevator operations for NYCHA… MORE

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April 2022Sustainability

Earth Week Commemorated with Events Across NYCHA

NYCHA is celebrating the spirit of Earth Week in a variety of ways, with residents, employees, volunteers, and community partners doing their part to help the environment and encourage a sustainable future.    From green events and activities to speeches on environmentally friendly programs, such efforts support the mission of NYCHA’s Sustainability Agenda, a roadmap for… MORE

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April 2022Sustainability

Bronx Development Gets First Induction Stoves in Move to Become Fully Electrified

Ten Bronx residents have joined NYCHA’s efforts for a cleaner environment at their building and beyond by shifting their cooking to electric-powered stoves.   The residents of 1471 Watson Avenue received their free induction stoves in February, thanks to a partnership between NYCHA and the nonprofit WE ACT for Environmental Justice. The 10 initial stove… MORE

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April 2022NYCHA Partners

NYCHA’s Open Space Masterplan Recognized by the American Society of Landscape Architects

A landscape architecture and urban design firm has been recognized by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) for its contributions to two NYCHA initiatives, including the Open Space Masterplan.   NYCHA partner Grain Collective, a minority- and women-led firm, was selected by ASLA’s New York City chapter to receive Merit Awards honoring the firm’s site… MORE

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April 2022Exceptional Colleagues

Capital Projects Division Employees Honored for Exemplary Service

NYCHA’s Capital Projects Division (CPD) presented six staff members with its 2021 Employee Recognition Award to honor their exemplary efforts toward meeting the department’s mission. CPD is committed to preserving and modernizing public housing for NYCHA residents by providing professional design and construction services efficiently and with the highest degree of safety and quality.    The… MORE

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Blueprint for ChangeMarch 2022

Stakeholders Give Thumbs-up to NYCHA’s Work Order Reform in Queens, Staten Island

A new process of scheduling work orders in NYCHA buildings is already making strides in Queens and Staten Island communities, according to several of those who have experienced the changes firsthand.   After an initial pilot period, NYCHA launched its Work Order Reform program across Queens and Staten Island late last year, seeking to improve the… MORE

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March 2022Sustainability

Youth Council Presents Ideas for Improved Waste Management at NYCHA

Some young NYCHA residents are thinking more critically about how NYCHA can improve its waste management practices.   Calling for the use of large trash and recycling bins with wraparound designs and messaging as well as strategically placed signage at developments, the residents proposed such improvements for the culmination project of a new sustainability-focused youth council. … MORE

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March 2022NYCHA Leadership

Mayor Adams Meets with NYCHA Staff in First Visit to Emergency Operations Center

Mayor Eric Adams visited NYCHA’s Emergency Operations Center in Long Island City on March 1 to get updates on heating systems and various infrastructure needs across the Authority.  In his first visit to the emergency center since taking office, the Mayor met with NYCHA leaders and operations staff, including Chair and Chief Executive Officer Greg… MORE

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February 2022

NYCHA, City Tech Program Brings Urban Design Case Study to Washington Houses

Nurturing their passion for the fields of architecture and urban design, a group of young NYCHA residents looked to the campus of Manhattan’s Washington Houses for some inspiration.   The young adults were part of the second cohort of ARCscholars, a seven-week virtual youth leadership program funded by the Fund for Public Housing. ARCscholars pairs NYCHA residents with architecture students from CUNY’s New York City College of… MORE

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February 2022

NYCHA’s Capital Projects Roundup: January

NYCHA’s Woodson Houses is now fully equipped with a new network of security cameras to help improve safety for residents and employees at the Brooklyn development.  In January, the Capital Projects Division (CPD) completed the installation of 127 new interior and exterior closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras throughout the two buildings at the senior development.    CPD oversees more than $1… MORE

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Employee VoicesExceptional ColleaguesJanuary 2022

Making a Difference for Residents

Meet Devon Boyd, Contract Specialist in Procurement Operations  When handling priority assignments for NYCHA’s Procurement Operations, Contract Specialist Devon Boyd is prepared to put in the time to get the jobs done.   A former NYCHA resident who lived in Cypress Hills Houses for most of his life, Mr. Boyd said he knows how important it is to address repairs… MORE

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January 2022

New Retractable Goal Posts Create Multi-Sport Space at Butler Houses

Soccer or basketball? It’s a choice for youth to consider when they step onto a court at NYCHA’s Butler Houses in the Bronx.   Thanks to a project of the nonprofit Over Under Initiative, a space that was once just a basketball court now offers a multi-sport opportunity with retractable goal posts that rise from underground. The innovation was first implemented at… MORE

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December 2021

Chair Russ Joins Furman Center Panel Discussion on NYCHA’s Future

The challenges and opportunities NYCHA faces in transforming itself were the focus of a virtual panel discussion recently presented by the NYU Furman Center.   Titled “Transforming NYCHA: Federal Funding, Oversight, and the Blueprint for Change,” the discussion featured panelists including NYCHA Chair & CEO Greg Russ; New York Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin; Daniel Sherrod, Director of Federal Monitorships for… MORE

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December 2021PACT

$1.4 Billion in Major Repairs Coming for Nearly 10,000 NYCHA Brooklyn Residents

PACT partners will oversee comprehensive repairs, property management, and social services while NYCHA remains owner of the properties On December 28, NYCHA and New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) closed on the financing of three Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) transactions to fund comprehensive renovations for 5,226 apartments across six NYCHA campuses in Brooklyn:… MORE

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December 2021Exceptional Colleagues

NYCHA Workers, Residents Help Teens Escaping Fire

Just after a fire was extinguished at Riis Houses, word soon spread about how a group of good Samaritans met tragedy with heroism: the NYCHA employees, residents, and construction contractors who sprang into action with a quick-thinking solution to keep two young residents out of harm’s way.    The incident unfolded after a fire broke out on the fourth floor of the Manhattan development at about 7:15 a.m. on December 16. Resident Building… MORE

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December 2021Sustainability

Leadership Council Seeks NYCHA Youth Voice on Climate Change, Sustainability

NYCHA young adults who want to take a more active role in addressing how climate change and sustainability impact their communities now have a chance to make their voices heard.   This month, in partnership with the National Grid public utility, the Authority is launching the GreenNYCHA Youth Leadership Council for residents ages 16 to 24. The free, 12-week program will be held… MORE

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December 2021

HUD Secretary Fudge Meets with Residents in First Visit to NYCHA

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia Fudge visited NYCHA for the first time on December 13, meeting with residents and touring two developments in the Bronx.   Joined by NYCHA Chair & CEO Greg Russ and Congressman Ritchie Torres, Secretary Fudge visited Patterson and Betances Houses to discuss the urgent need to transform and preserve public housing.… MORE

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December 2021Neighborhood Administrators

Meet Carlos Falu, Neighborhood Administrator in Staten Island

With a combined 45 years as either a NYCHA resident or employee, Carlos Falu has been connected with the Authority for most of his life.   He grew up at Moore Houses in the South Bronx and has been a member of NYCHA’s workforce for nearly 30 years: he started out as a heating plant technician and is currently a neighborhood administrator overseeing all… MORE

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December 2021

Vlada Kenniff Named to Top 100 List of Environment and Energy Leaders

Vlada Kenniff, NYCHA’s Vice President for Energy and Sustainability, was recently selected as an honoree on the “Environment+Energy Leader 100” list for 2021.   Environment+Energy Leader is a publication that covers environmental, energy, and sustainability news. Now in its fifth year, the “Environment+Energy Leader 100” recognizes environment and energy professionals who are pioneering new solutions, programs, platforms, best practices, and products to help their organizations – or their partners – achieve greater success with environment and energy management.    “The… MORE

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November 2021

NYCHA and Partners Celebrate Ribbon-Cutting for Van Dyke III Affordable Housing Project

On November 10, NYCHA Chair & CEO Greg Russ and NYC Housing Development Corporation (HDC) President Eric Enderlin joined with Trinity Financial and a group of business, nonprofit, and community leaders to celebrate the opening of Van Dyke III, a supportive and affordable housing development in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn. The 100 percent affordable housing project was realized… MORE

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November 2021Sustainability

NYCHA Eco-Hubs Host Free Harvest Festivals

Another season of Harvest Festivals celebrated fall-themed activities for families at NYCHA’s Eco-Hubs.  Held on Saturdays throughout October, the free events featured pumpkin carving/decorating, games, raffles, arts and crafts, as well as a DJ, photo booth, dancing, and a variety of healthy snacks.   A total of 445 visitors attended the festivities at the five Eco-Hub sites operated… MORE

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October 2021

NYCHA’s Capital Projects Roundup: October

In October, NYCHA’s Capital Projects Division (CPD) completed two projects that will bring improved heating systems for residents and parking access for persons with disabilities, as well as two other projects to restore gas service to 79 apartments in the Bronx and 60 apartments in Manhattan.    CPD oversees more than $1 billion in construction projects across the Authority’s portfolio that are funded with federal,… MORE

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October 2021

Chair Russ Speaks at Annual Conference of Minority Contractors

NYCHA Chair Greg Russ was among the featured speakers at the National Association of Minority Contractors’ (NAMC) 52nd Annual Conference in Queens on October 14-15.   The conference, hosted by the NAMC New York Tri-State Chapter at Terrace on the Park, covered key issues affecting Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) construction… MORE

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