A Fresh Start

NYCHA’s New Year’s resolution: Continue to work tirelessly on our NextGeneration NYCHA commitment to create safe, healthy communities for our residents and connect them to exceptional services and programs throughout the five boroughs.

You may have heard about NYCHA’s issues with compliance with local and federal lead-based paint regulations. Please know that your health and safety is our top priority and we have taken immediate action to improve our lead-based paint inspection program and ensure our residents have lead-safe homes.

In 2018, we’ll continue our work to improve resident quality of life. Crime was down at NYCHA developments citywide in 2017, thanks to the work of the NYPD and capital improvements like new exterior lighting, CCTV cameras, and more secure entryway doors.

What are your New Year’s resolutions? If you’re having trouble deciding what to do, this issue of The NYCHA Journal is full of articles that can inspire you to achieve important goals. For example, there’s no time like right now to quit smoking. In July, NYCHA, along with public housing authorities across the country, is going smoke free. Read about one NYCHA resident’s triumph over this habit.

If your resolution is to start exercising, biking is a great exercise and a speedy way to travel around the city. Whitman Houses resident Shaquana Boykin has gotten healthier since she started biking with Citi Bike in 2016, thanks to the discounted NYCHA resident Citi Bike membership.

Maybe your resolution is to start your own business. Or do you want to go back to school or get a better job in 2018? Now, you can take advantage of opportunities that will open doors, thanks to REES’s Opportunity Connect.

I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with you on the Authority’s NextGen goals. As we start 2018, I promise to you and our 500,000 residents that NYCHA will continue working hard every day until we’ve achieved safe, clean, and connected communities for this generation and the next.

Best wishes for a happy, healthy, prosperous new year,

Shola Olatoye

Chair and CEO