Building Stronger, Healthier Communities

Five years ago Superstorm Sandy devastated many New York City neighborhoods, impacting 80,000 NYCHA residents at 33 developments and 400 buildings. Last month, we broke ground on our largest Sandy Recovery to Resiliency project, a $550 million program at Red Hook Houses East and West. The first phase is a $63 million replacement of all 28 roofs at the developments.

Five years ago Superstorm Sandy devastated many New York City neighborhoods, impacting 80,000 NYCHA residents at 33 developments and 400 buildings.

Last month, we broke ground on our largest Sandy Recovery to Resiliency project, a $550 million program at Red Hook Houses East and West. The first phase is a $63 million replacement of all 28 roofs at the developments. 

To date, preliminary work has been done at 23 Sandy-damaged developments and major recovery work has begun at 15 developments. It’s our responsibility to make sure our developments are safe and protected against future severe weather events and climate change. 

We all know how devastating hurricanes have been so far this year; many of you have family and loved ones still suffering the damaging effects of Harvey, Irma, and Maria. Our thoughts are with all those who have been impacted.

It’s up to each of us to be prepared. Think about the things you can you do to keep yourself, your family, and your community safe, including knowing your evacuation zone, creating an evacuation plan, and packing go bags for your family. 

Every New Yorker has a role to play when it comes to building stronger, safer, and healthier communities. 

NYCHA residents throughout the five boroughs are doing their part to fortify our communities. In this issue of the Journal, you’ll read about the recipients of the 2017 NYCHA-CUNY scholarships, many of them first-generation and the first in their families to attend college; they all have big dreams for the future. 

You’ll meet Angie Pitts, a survivor of domestic violence who now works in teaching self-defense and spreading awareness about domestic violence. 

And you’ll learn about residents who are beautifying their communities, creating gorgeous murals at Tompkins and Castle Hill Houses, as well as children at Pomonok Houses who are helping to design their dream playground.

Let’s all of us keep up this good work!

Shola Olatoye

Chair and CEO