NYCHA also invites public comment on the proposed plan at a public hearing to be held on Thursday, August 15, 2002, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM at

 The Hilton New York

1335 Sixth Avenue

(Use Entrance on 54th Street)

New York, New York

 Each location listed above is both handicapped accessible and can be reached using public transportation

 Written comments regarding the draft plan are encouraged.  To be considered submissions must be received not later than August 15, 2002.  Comments may be sent either through the internet address set out above or via ordinary mail (fax submissions will not be accepted) to the address set forth below:

 New York City Housing Authority

Public Housing Agency Plan Comments

Church Street Station

P.O. Box 3422

New York, New York 10008-3422

 February 2001

 HUD Approves Housing Authority's Plan for 2001

By Allan Leicht

 NYCHA's plan for 2001, which was developed with the participation of the 41-member elected Resident Advisory Board (RAB), has been approved by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  Known as the Agency Plan, it was the subject of nine community-based town hall meetings from April through June 2000  and a public hearing held last August.  Following the hearing NYCHA revised its draft of the plan and submitted it to the RAB for one last review.  Under the law, if HUD makes no objections to the plan within 75 days of submission, the plan can be considered to have been approved.  That came to pass on December 26, 2000.

 1n 1998, Congress passed the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act (QHWRA).  This law requires housing authorities, working with their residents, to issue comprehensive plans for the future - a five-year plan that describes the long-term goals of the authority and a one-year plan that addresses activities for the coming year. 

Highlights of the most significant aspects of the 2001 Annual Plan follow:

 RENT

 There will be no change in the way NYCHA determines rent during the coming year.  The Authority will, however, review the ceiling rent program to determine if the amounts charged to higher income families are sufficient to cover operating expenses, and how they compare to rents charged in other affordable programs.  In any case, federal law provides that no family residing in public housing shall pay more than 30% of their income for rent. 

 COMMUNITY SERVICE

 Under QHWRA, certain residents of public housing are required to provide eight hours a month of Community Service or to participate in self-sufficiency training for the same period of time. 

NYCHA expects that many, if not most, residents will be exempt from Community Service on the basis of one or more of the exemptions listed in the box below:

 The residents themselves will choose the kind of service they will perform.  Individuals will be able to select from a wide variety of options.  For example, one  may choose to participate in a local tenant patrol, assist the elderly, provide assistance at a local school, or volunteer service with a municipal agency such as the Parks Department.  NYCHA hopes that similar opportunities will be available to residents in programs administered by community-based organizations including service organizations, educational canters, settlement houses and church or civic organizations. 

PETS

 NYCHA has revised its lease to comply with changes in the new federal law, and now allows limited pet ownership in its development.  The program will go into effect shortly, and will not affect residents who live in developments specifically for seniors. 

Residents will be allowed to own either one dog or one cat.  They will be required to register their pets with the Authority, and provide veterinary proof that the animal has been neutered and inoculated.  A veterinarian must also certify that the animal will weigh 40 lbs.  or less when fully grown.  Pet owners must meet all the other requirements of New York City law, such as licensing, leashing, cleaning up after their pets, and so forth.  And each household (other than in senior developments) seeking pet ownership will be required to pay a one-time, non-refundable pet-ownership fee of $100. 

 These are just three features of the 2001 Annual Plan, which covers 17 areas of management.  The complete plan is available on NYCHA's Web site at: nyc.gov/nycha.

 April 2001

Summary of Exemptions From Community Service

 Age

Individuals below the age of 18

Individuals above the age of 62

 Disability

 Persons who are either blind or disabled and unable to perform community service or self--sufficiency activities.  The primary caretaker of an individual exempt due to blindness or disability. 

Welfare Work Programs

Participants in the New York City Work Experience Program (WEP).  Welfare recipients determined by HRA as exempt from performing work activities. 

 Welfare Assistance

 Members of a family receiving welfare and determined by HRA to be in compliance with federal or state welfare programs. 

 Employment

 An individual employed at least 30 hours per week.  A single adult, residing with a child below the age of 13, employed for at least 20 hours per week.  Two adults, residing with a child below the age of 13, with a combined employment of 35 hours per week.  The 35-hour figure is a total that may be divided between both adults.  Individuals engaged in job search, but for no more than six weeks during the community service period.  Unemployment benefits qualify as job search.  Adult homemakers residing with a second adult and a child below the age of 13, where the second adult is either employed or providing community services. 

 Education

 Individuals enrolled in vocational training, but not exceeding a maximum of 12 months.  Individuals receiving job readiness assistance (training preparing the individual for employment).  Includes job-seeking skills, such as preparation  of resumes or job applications, interviewing skills, job clubs and other activities that help an individual to secure competitive employment.  Job skills training directly related to employment.  Education directly related to employment , where the individual  has not received a high school diploma or certificate of high school equivalency.  Full-time attendance at a secondary school.  Full-time attendance in a course of study leading to a certificate of general equivalency, if the individual has not completed secondary school or received such a certificate.  Attendance at a junior or community college, at a senior college or university for the minimum period required by the school.   

 June 2001

NYCHA Residents Meet With Congress In Washington, D.C.

DOG DAYS AHEAD?  Resident Advisory Board Member Juanita Stokes of Highbridge Gardens asked Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney about pet policy.  Congressional members who spoke with NYCHA's residents on May 24 are (clockwise from top) Barney Frank, Carolyn Maloney, Charles Rangel, Gregory Meeks, Nydia Velazquez, Eliot Engel, Jose Serrano, Anthony Weiner, Jerrold Nalder and Major Owens.

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