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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 21, 2016
Contact: media@nycha.nyc.gov, (212) 306-3322
NYCHA Releases First Quarterly Report Outlining Progress on NextGeneration NYCHA, the Authority’s 10-Year Strategic Plan
Report Outlines Strategies Implemented in Initial 8 Months— Including Development of MyNYCHA App, Improved Repair Times, Modernized Energy and Design Standards
NEW YORK— On January 21, 2016, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) released the NextGeneration NYCHA Quarterly Report citing the progress of NYCHA’s 10-year strategic plan to make fundamental changes that address how NYCHA is funded, how it does business, and how the Authority engages with residents. Over the last 8 months, NYCHA has moved forward towards this goal by focusing on 15 vital strategies.NextGeneration NYCHA was built upon 15 strategies developed to help the Authority meet the challenges of declining government funding and aging infrastructure, and ultimately generate budget surpluses instead of deficits.
At the time of the plan’s announcement, NYCHA had $17 billion in major repair needs across the portfolio. Additionally, average repair times throughout the portfolio exceeded 20 days. Today, the Authority has made significant progress in closing these gaps as well as expanding in new and innovative ways that best serve our residents. These include—
Secured forgiveness from the City for long-standing payment requirements totaling more than $100 million annually, including payments for police services.
Releasing the MyNYCHA app, which enables residents to place work orders from the convenience of their phones, and deploying a Section 8 annual recertification website tool that allows residents to recertify online.
Reducing the time it takes to complete a maintenance request to 8 days from a peak of 21.4 days, and decreasing turnaround times for apartment re-occupancy by 43 percent through Optimal Property Management Operating Model (OPMOM)— a new, decentralized property management model launched at 18 developments.
- Additionally reducing emergency service levels (the time it takes for NYCHA to address an emergency situation) by 7%.
Selecting an Energy Service Company (ESCO) to manage NYCHA’s first Energy Performance Contract (EPC) focused on lowering NYCHA’s energy consumption as part of NYCHA’s sustainability agenda. Up to eighty (80) developments will be impacted (939 buildings, 76,332 apartments) will be upgraded and retrofitted.
Developing new design standards focusing on modern and efficient design, accessibility, appeal, and safety—beginning with roofs, grounds, and building mechanical equipment such as hot water heaters and boilers. Furthermore, NYCHA will outline modernized design guidelines that will improve exterior lighting (including entryway), playgrounds, kitchen and bathroom designs, and more energy-efficient windows.
Rolling-out a new recycling program at over 99 developments, spanning over 850 buildings and serving over 150,000 residents.
Issuing requests for proposals (RFP) for 100 percent affordable new housing at three sites.
Launching the Fund for Public Housing, a 501(c)(3) that will raise funds to connect NYCHA residents to partners and opportunities focused on transforming from a direct service provider to a partnership-based model.
“From our success in reducing repair and emergency response times, to our new development plan, NYCHA is changing at every level to become a more efficient and effective landlord,” said NYCHA Chair and CEO Shola Olatoye. “We must continue to improve as we close our funding gap and make significant repairs to our aging buildings, preserving them for the next generation.”
“Fighting for affordable housing has always been a top priority for me as it remains a top concern for my constituents. I applaud NYCHA's ongoing commitment to build and improve quality housing for thousands of New Yorkers. Their initiatives to retrofit 80 buildings and construct even more modern housing will directly benefit thousands of residents as well as drastically improve our neighborhoods. I am proud to support their efforts and look forward to continue working with NYCHA to ensure families in our great City have a solid roof they can afford and be proud to call home,” said Congressman Charles B. Rangel.
“NYCHA’s implementation of the NextGeneration NYCHA 10-year plan has included an unprecedented level of engagement with residents about the future of preserving their public housing and the improving service and repairs. From the affordable development engagement, to resident-coordinated programs like the MyNYCHA app and our recycling program—NYCHA is improving on every level. This attention to resident-needs is an essential component of the success of NextGen,” said Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez.
“NYCHA has made progress in the work to revitalize a housing system that has too often been put on the backburner,” said New York State Senator Daniel Squadron. “I particularly want to thank NYCHA for real progress in resident engagement and communication, in addition to many of the goals highlighted today. I thank the City, Chair Olatoye, and NYCHA overall for their strong progress, and look forward to continuing to work with the Administration on improvements for residents.”
“These accomplishments show that NYCHA is serious about fulfilling its Next Generation goals and improving residential living standards. Sharing with the public the ongoing progress of Next Generation NYCHA and how goals are being met is essential to transparency and engagement,” said Council Member Ritchie Torres.
“Allowing residents to place work orders with their smart phone and to apply for Section 8 recertification online allows NYCHA residents to access necessary services that would normally require them to jump through too many hoops,” said Council Member Donovan Richards. “Lowering the energy consumption of NYCHA buildings with the Energy Performance Contract is also a crucial investment, because it will help contribute to the city’s goal of drastically reducing carbon emissions. I’d like to thank NYCHA Chair Shola Olatoye for working to make necessary improvements that will benefit NYCHA residents, as well as the entire city.”
“We applaud the strides that NYCHA continues to make, particularly with enhanced environmental initiatives, helpful new technologies that support tenant needs, and RFPs for new affordable housing developments,” said Council Member I. Daneek Miller.
In May 2015, NextGeneration NYCHA was announced as the Authority’s plan to protect and strengthen public housing for the 400,000 public housing residents and for the next generation of New Yorkers.
Read the full report at http://on.nyc.gov/ngn
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