Vincent Echavaria - NYCHA Now

April 2021

NYCHA Seeks Partners to Implement Comprehensive Repairs and Investments at Fulton and Elliott-Chelsea Houses

April 23, 2021April 23, 2021 Vincent Echavaria

The RFP to address estimated $366 million in capital needs follows publication of Working Group recommendations and reflects key milestone in resident- and community-driven process On April 23, NYCHA announced a first-of-its-kind Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking proposals from teams comprised of developers, general contractors, and property managers to comprehensively address the capital needs at Fulton, Chelsea, Chelsea Addition, and Elliott Houses. The four developments, which include 2,073 apartments across 24… MORE

April 2021

NYCHA Completes Solar Installations at Queensbridge Houses

April 22, 2021March 29, 2022 Vincent Echavaria

Largest community solar project in New York City completes installation of 1.8 megawatts of solar arrays across 27 rooftops, with NYCHA residents helping to power the solar team On Earth Day, NYCHA announced the substantial completion of 1.8 megawatts of rooftop solar arrays on 27 buildings across Queensbridge North and Queensbridge South Houses, the largest public housing project in the country. This solar installation is the first to reach completion as part of NYCHA’s solar program, and is… MORE

April 2021 Employee Voices

Meet NYCHA Change Ambassador Krystal Camacho

April 20, 2021April 20, 2021 Vincent Echavaria

Having lived most of her life at a NYCHA development before joining the organization as an employee, Krystal Camacho is still looking out for her community. When the former resident of Wald Houses in Manhattan’s Lower East Side became part of NYCHA’s workforce nearly two years ago, Ms. Camacho saw the opportunity as a way to give… MORE

April 2021

Construction on Schedule for PACT Improvements at East 28th Street

April 8, 2021April 8, 2021 Vincent Echavaria

In the five years since NYCHA began implementing the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program, more than 7,500 residents have benefitted from completed major building improvements, façade upgrades, and apartment renovations. As part of its NYCHA 2.0 plan, the Authority aims to use PACT to fully renovate and preserve 62,000 apartments, bringing comprehensive repairs and building upgrades to more than 142,000 residents across the city. So far, more… MORE

March 2021

NYCHA Residents Celebrate Graduation from Construction Pre-Apprenticeship

March 23, 2021March 23, 2021 Vincent Echavaria

Upon entering a training program for a construction apprenticeship, NYCHA resident Carlos Robles only needed to think about his 8-year-old son. The resident of Manhattan’s Wald Houses – who is currently receiving unemployment assistance – is determined to find work in the construction industry that will allow him to support his son and give his family a… MORE

Blueprint for Change March 2021

Chair Russ’s Record of Success in Renovating Residents’ Homes

March 18, 2021March 18, 2021 Vincent Echavaria

Public housing across the nation is getting revitalized thanks to creative housing preservation programs like the federal Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), which converts developments from Section 9 public housing funding to project-based Section 8 funding (a form of Section 8 that provides enhanced protections for residents). This enables public housing authorities to raise significant amounts of funding to repair and upgrade their properties. At the same time, RAD ensures that homes remain permanently affordable… MORE

March 2021

NYCHA Hosts Community Safety Pop-up at Bracetti Plaza

March 12, 2021May 3, 2021 Vincent Echavaria

NYCHA’s Office of Safety and Security wants residents of Bracetti Plaza to know that safety issues always take top priority. In response to calls by residents to address some recent safety concerns at the development in Manhattan’s Alphabet City neighborhood, the Office of Safety and Security hosted a community pop-up event in the two lobbies on East Third… MORE

March 2021

New Architecture and Design Program from NYCHA & City Tech

March 5, 2021March 5, 2021 Vincent Echavaria

A new, free program from NYCHA and CUNY’s New York City College of Technology (City Tech) will give a group of NYCHA young adults a crash course on designing projects that could help improve their community. For six weeks starting in March, NYCHA residents and current architecture students from City Tech will collaborate through the virtual ARCHscholars program to research indoor and outdoor… MORE

Blueprint for Change March 2021

NYCHA’s Neighborhood Model Restructures Operations to Improve Service Delivery

March 3, 2021March 3, 2021 Vincent Echavaria

NYCHA is improving service to residents through its Blueprint for Change Transformation Plan. A key initiative of this Transformation Plan is a restructuring of the Authority’s property management operations known as the Neighborhood Model. Through this model, NYCHA aims to address various operational challenges that arise as a result of the large scale of the organization, which manages nearly 173,000 apartments in 316 developments… MORE

Employee Voices March 2021

Making a Difference for Residents

March 1, 2021March 1, 2021 Vincent Echavaria

Meet Karina Reid, Caretaker at South Jamaica Houses 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 Karina Reid, Caretaker J at South Jamaica Houses in Queens. A resident of Brooklyn’s Howard Houses for… MORE

Blueprint for Change March 2021

NYCHA Seeks Community Partners to Join PACT Program

March 1, 2021March 1, 2021 Vincent Echavaria

On February 23, 2021, NYCHA announced the re-release of the PACT Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to solicit prospective rehabilitation partners. The RFQ supports the Authority’s aim to undertake the largest Section 8 conversion program in the country through NYCHA’s Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) initiative. The PACT RFQ enables NYCHA to streamline the PACT procurement process by… MORE

February 2021

NYCHA Residents Get Good Jobs After NRTA Graduation

February 17, 2021February 17, 2021 Vincent Echavaria

NYCHA resident Shakeema Scott was working as a federal officer for 10 years when she decided to take a “leap of faith” and enroll in training for the construction trades. Fellow NYCHA resident Chris Bishop had been unemployed and searching for jobs for nearly a year when he looked to construction training for a solution. The two former construction… MORE

Blueprint for Change February 2021

Chair Russ’s Record of Success in Rehabilitating Residents’ Homes

February 12, 2021February 12, 2021 Vincent Echavaria

NYCHA Chair Greg Russ knows that improving and preserving NYCHA’s aging buildings through PACT and Blueprint for Change aren’t risks for residents but instead bring great benefits. That’s because his efforts as head of the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority – his previous position – are bringing beautiful, modern apartments to residents there. A recent article in the Star Tribune describes how the federal… MORE

February 2021

Virtual Summit Spotlights Community Safety Projects at NYCHA

February 10, 2021February 10, 2021 Vincent Echavaria

“Love where you live.” That was one of the messages from NYCHA residents who produced videos detailing how they are helping to shape safety interventions in their communities. Led by the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, a virtual summit held in late January brought together NYCHA resident leaders, local government officials, and policy makers to discuss how these safety interventions can influence policy. … MORE

February 2021

Outdoor Space Serves as Community Resources Hub for Stapleton Residents

February 3, 2021February 3, 2021 Vincent Echavaria

Residents of Staten Island’s Stapleton Houses may soon notice some brightly colored signs promoting health and wellness, family support, youth programming, and career opportunities while walking the grounds. The yellow and black directories are not calling attention to self-help services but rather to a dedicated outdoor space where residents can get access to a variety of information on beneficial community resources. Dubbed “Stapleton… MORE

January 2021

Federal Monitor Approves NYCHA’S Pest and Waste Management Action Plan

January 26, 2021January 26, 2021 Vincent Echavaria

The Federal Monitor approved NYCHA’s initial Pest and Waste Management Action Plan for improving the Authority’s benchmarks for waste and pest control across NYCHA’s 316 developments. The approval of the plan follows several improvements the Authority has made over the past two years, from the creation of a dedicated Waste Management department that prioritizes prevention and intervention… MORE

January 2021

Federal Monitor Approves NYCHA’S Initial Lead Action Plan

January 21, 2021January 28, 2021 Vincent Echavaria

Over the past two years NYCHA has developed a sophisticated online system for tracking lead activities; conducted more than 91,000 visual assessments; and organized several outreach campaigns to better identify apartments where children under the age of six are present The Federal Monitor has approved NYCHA’s initial lead-based paint Action Plan for improving the Authority’s benchmarks for lead compliance and abatement. NYCHA has already proactively been implementing many of the initiatives in this Action Plan. The Monitor’s approval will… MORE

Blueprint for Change January 2021

Progress on NYCHA’s PACT Program

January 20, 2021February 17, 2021 Vincent Echavaria

To date, more than 7,500 NYCHA residents have benefitted from major building improvements, facade upgrades, and apartment renovations completed since 2016. The work was accomplished as part of the Authority’s Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program, which is a key component of the NYCHA 2.0 strategy to repair and preserve over 62,000 apartments while safeguarding… MORE

January 2021

NYCHA, Green City Force Inventory Thousands of Trees Across 18 Campuses

January 8, 2021April 8, 2021 Vincent Echavaria

Equipped with tape measures and a mobile app, a group of current and former NYCHA residents were on a mission this past fall to document a segment of the Authority’s tree canopy to better examine the trees’ positive impacts on the surrounding community. Over the course of two months, the crews inspected more than 3,000 trees of varying species… MORE

January 2021

Senior Receives First Tablet Computer as Christmas Gift from NYCHA

January 4, 2021January 4, 2021 Vincent Echavaria

For many people across the world, digital communication was the only way to have face-to-face family gatherings this holiday season. But for those lacking the technology, the holidays may have been even less of a family occasion than usual. One NYCHA senior, however, was able to get connected this Christmas, thanks to the quick actions of NYCHA staff. Justine Samuel, who said… MORE

Blueprint for Change December 2020

NYCHA’s Skilled Trades Pilot Increases Productivity by 18%

December 31, 2020December 31, 2020 Vincent Echavaria

NYCHA’s Skilled Trades Pilot Program, developed as part of the Authority’s Blueprint for Change’s Transformation Plan, is already transforming how NYCHA operates. Since its implementation on October 26, overall productivity has increased by 18 percent for maintenance and skilled trades repairs. The program focuses on decentralizing the skilled trades, which includes staff who make apartment repairs, such as painters, plasterers, carpenters, plumbers and electricians, and changing the work order system, so staff have… MORE

December 2020

Chelsea Nonprofit Honors NYCHA Residents for Helping Neighbors During Pandemic

December 30, 2020December 30, 2020 Vincent Echavaria

At its 64th annual celebration of its founder, the nonprofit Hudson Guild honored NYCHA residents who took action during an unprecedented time to assist their neighbors in the Chelsea community with essential services. The virtual awards ceremony was held on December 9 to commemorate Hudson Guild founder Dr. John Lovejoy Elliott by recognizing Chelsea neighborhood leaders for outstanding… MORE

December 2020

NYCHA Farms Close Out Holiday Season with Winter Cheer Festivities

December 28, 2020December 28, 2020 Vincent Echavaria

NYCHA’s farms celebrated the holiday season with winter-themed events where residents offered their visions on the future of local Eco-Hubs in addition to receiving healthy food donations. The free Winter Cheer events also provided the NYCHA community with holiday decorating and hot cocoa, as well as raffle prizes for those attendees who shared feedback on Eco-Hub programs. Approximately… MORE

December 2020

Housing Lottery Underway for 100% Affordable Van Dyke III Development

December 22, 2020December 24, 2020 Vincent Echavaria

Construction is nearly complete and a housing lottery is underway for a new 180-unit affordable apartment building on NYCHA’s Van Dyke campus in Brooklyn. The 100 percent affordable housing project, known as Van Dyke III, includes 179 permanently affordable residential apartments and one superintendent’s unit, and will set aside 54 apartments for formerly homeless residents in the Brownsville neighborhood. Approximately 90 percent of the 12-story building… MORE

December 2020

NYCHA Resident Educates Fellow Seniors on the Wonders of Technology

December 22, 2020December 22, 2020 Vincent Echavaria

NYCHA resident Adrienne Gregoire calls them the “aha” moments. They are the times when Ms. Gregoire sees her fellow seniors learn to use digital gadgets like tablets and discover the wide-ranging benefits of technology. “It’s incredible that there’s always something to learn, and it gives you hope,” said Ms. Gregoire, 69, who grew up in NYCHA housing in… MORE

Blueprint for Change December 2020

‘Ambassadors’ Join Employee Network to Support Change at NYCHA

December 18, 2020December 18, 2020 Vincent Echavaria

A force of hundreds of staff from across the Authority is now working with their colleagues to share news about the organization’s plan for the future and help ensure that various issues are resolved for the NYCHA community. Known as Change Ambassadors, these employees have committed to a voluntary role to support the Change Network under NYCHA’s Transformation Plan. As NYCHA implements its Blueprint… MORE

December 2020 Employee Voices

Meet John Williams, NYCHA Safety Associate

December 8, 2020December 16, 2020 Vincent Echavaria

They are on the front line of helping to identify potential safety hazards for NYCHA workers and the larger community. NYCHA’s Safety Associates take on a volunteer role in addition to their regular job duties to ensure that safety-related issues are reported to their supervisors and help prevent on-the-job injuries. They also serve as advocates for safer working conditions, and with… MORE

Blueprint for Change December 2020

Boiler System Upgrades on Track for Winter Debut

December 1, 2020December 1, 2020 Vincent Echavaria

New heating system upgrades are nearly complete for NYCHA residents living at two Brooklyn developments and one property in Manhattan. All new equipment has been installed and is awaiting final testing for boiler replacement projects at Fiorentino Plaza and Long Island Baptist Houses in Brooklyn as well as Robinson Houses in Harlem. All three projects are more than 90 percent complete and are… MORE

Blueprint for Change December 2020

NYCHA Closes $271  Million PACT Deal to Renovate 16 Sites

December 1, 2020December 1, 2020 Vincent Echavaria

More Than  2,900 Manhattan Residents to Benefit On November 30, NYCHA  announced a Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) deal with PACT Renaissance Collaborative (PRC) to provide more than $271  million in major repairs and renovations for  1,718  NYCHA apartments throughout  Manhattan.  The money will be used to modernize apartments and buildings at each of the 16 selected sites, while also providing residents with access to employment opportunities affiliated with… MORE

November 2020

Virtual Open Mic Promotes Clean Air for Everyone

November 24, 2020November 24, 2020 Vincent Echavaria

The issue of clean air took center stage at a NYCHA virtual open mic event for youth on November 19. Hosted by NYCHA’s smoke-free liaisons, the interactive event promoted the importance of living in a smoke-free environment and allowed participants to share their vision of clean air for all. The open mic was held in sync with the… MORE

Employee Voices November 2020

NYCHA’s Deputy Press Secretary Highlights the Rewards of Military Service

November 23, 2020November 23, 2020 Vincent Echavaria

The NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) celebrated Veterans Day this year with a Veterans in City Government CityTalk Panel. The virtual event featured a panel of veterans who now work at City agencies such as NYCHA, ACS, DORIS, DOT, DoITT, FDNY, and DVS. The five inspiring panelists discussed their professional journeys, from enlisting… MORE

Blueprint for Change November 2020

Skilled Trades, Work Order Reform Pilot Underway in Queens

November 20, 2020November 20, 2020 Vincent Echavaria

NYCHA residents at four Queens developments may start to notice faster repairs and fewer delays with skilled maintenance jobs, as well as a more efficient work order process, under a new pilot program that has taken effect in the community. The Authority’s Skilled Trades Pilot Program – which launched in late October at Astoria Houses, Ravenswood Houses,… MORE

November 2020

ESCAPE from Smoking with this Free Resource

November 18, 2020November 20, 2020 Vincent Echavaria

Thinking about quitting or cutting back on your tobacco use? In recognition of the Great American Smokeout campaign, NYCHA is encouraging all employees who are seeking cessation information to enroll in the City’s Employee Smoking Cessation Assistance Program (ESCAPE). The American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout is observed this year on November 19 and encourages smokers to take an important step toward a healthier life and reducing the risk… MORE

November 2020

NYCHA-CUNY Scholar: Connie Aleman

November 12, 2020November 17, 2021 Vincent Echavaria

Like many students her age, Connie Aleman planned to attend college away from home. The resident of Saint Mary’s Park Houses was all set to enroll at Ithaca College during the summer of 2015 when those plans suddenly had to be pushed aside. Shortly after her high school graduation, Ms. Aleman’s mother passed away, forcing the then-17-year-old aspiring college student to step in… MORE

November 2020

Marcy Houses Celebrates Opening of New Community Center

November 12, 2020November 12, 2020 Vincent Echavaria

A new community center has been dedicated at NYCHA’s Marcy Houses, creating a safe activity space for youth and adults that will bring educational and cultural programming to the neighborhood. City officials, including Mayor Bill de Blasio, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, and City Council Member Robert Cornegy, Jr., marked the opening on November 6 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the development in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Also in attendance… MORE

November 2020

Harvest Festivals Celebrate Fall Fun with Safety in Mind

November 6, 2020November 6, 2020 Vincent Echavaria

With a range of health and safety protocols in place, the Harvest Festivals at NYCHA’s farms delivered another season of fall-themed family fun this October. The free events provided the NYCHA community with pumpkin carving/decorating, arts and crafts, as well as music, potato sack races, and a variety of healthy snacks. A total of 435 visitors, including more than 250 children, participated in the festivities at five Farms at NYCHA sites. The… MORE

COVID-19 November 2020

Digital Vans Get Health & Safety Makeover for Service in Pandemic

November 4, 2020November 4, 2020 Vincent Echavaria

The pandemic may have temporarily forced them out of service, but NYCHA’s Digital Vans are now hitting the road again. And residents can feel safe to jump on board the free computer-labs-on-wheels, thanks to a variety of health and safety measures put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We realize our obligation to ensure the safety of our residents and staff… MORE