NYCHA - NYCHA Launches New Public Safety Advisory Committee 20160301

NYC Housing Authority


Press Release


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 1, 2016
Contact: media@nycha.nyc.gov, (212) 306-3322

NYCHA Launches New Public Safety Advisory Committee; Kicks Off Search For Resident Committee Members

Collaboration between NYCHA, NYPD, residents & citywide stakeholders will develop the NextGen Public Safety Blueprint, an integrated plan to create safer, cleaner and more connected public housing communities

NEW YORK— The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) today announced the launch of the Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) and the search for resident committee members, specifically young NYCHA resident voices to serve on the committee. As part of NextGeneration NYCHA— the Authority’s 10 year strategic plan— the Public Safety Advisory Committee will engage a variety of stakeholders to develop a NextGen Public Safety Blueprint, a plan that will incorporate current public safety efforts with additional initiatives to address crime, youth and community engagement, emergency response and preparedness, lease enforcement, and quality of life issues ranging from littering to dog owners that fail to curb their pets.
The Public Safety Advisory Committee will be led by NYCHA Vice President for Public Safety Gerald Nelson, NYPD Housing Bureau Chief James Secreto, and President of the NYCHA Citywide Council of Presidents Ann Cotton Morris. It will also include two NYCHA resident youth. The Advisory Committee will build on the vision of NYCHA’s existing Resident Watch Groups— comprised of resident volunteers who give their time to enhance development security— and ensure that resident voices continue to be the central focus of NextGeneration NYCHA’s safety agenda.
The Advisory Committee will seek participation from other city agencies and stakeholders, including the District Attorneys representing each of the boroughs. The committee will also hold four public meetings to engage other resident voices and the larger community.
“NYCHA is serious about changing how we do business at every level, including public safety,” said NYCHA Vice President for Public Safety Gerald Nelson. “Effectively tackling safety and quality of life issues begins with strong collaboration with public housing residents, in addition to NYPD and NYCHA leadership. Together, we can create a strong framework that best serves both residents and the larger community.”
“Public safety is a shared responsibility and is best achieved through joint participation by all stakeholders in developing effective policies and practices,” said NYPD Housing Bureau Chief James Secreto.​
“NYCHA tenant associations are often the first line for information regarding potentially dangerous activity in public housing. We are proud that NYCHA is opening a direct line of communication with our leaders to better ensure a streamlined response, and better protect public housing residents,” said NYCHA Citywide Council of Presidents Ann Cotton Morris.
Since more than 41 percent of NYCHA residents are under the age of 25, elevating the voice and input of young adults living in NYCHA communities will be crucial to shaping the direction of the Public Safety Advisory Committee. NYCHA is accepting applications from public housing residents ages 18 to 24 to serve on the Public Safety Advisory Committee. Applicants must be a current NYCHA resident and commit to participating on the Advisory Committee for a year.
Applications will be accepted through March 31st and resident advisory committee member selections will be announced in April. Application deadline has passed.

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