NYCHA to Begin Testing 174 Community Centers for Lead-Based Paint Deficiencies as Part of HUD Agreement and Regulations

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 30, 2020

CONTACT: media@nycha.nyc.gov

NYCHA TO BEGIN TESTING 174 COMMUNITY CENTERS FOR LEAD-BASED PAINT DEFICIENCIES AS PART OF HUD AGREEMENT AND REGULATIONS

NYCHA will test community centers that run programs for children under the age of six for lead-paint deficiencies to meet March 31st deadline

NEW YORK – NYCHA will begin visual assessments and XRF-testing community centers for lead-based paint deficiencies as part of ongoing compliance efforts this weekend. The Authority is working to assess the community centers for any evidence of lead materials by March 31.

The January 2019 Agreement states that NYCHA must comply with HUD regulations, which include visual assessments in common areas. The Authority is also doing X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) testing as an added measure to definitively determine the presence of lead-based paint and correct any deficiencies.

NYCHA has identified 189 community centers that run programs with children under the age of six. Of those, 15 have been XRF tested with negative results, 24 need visual assessments and full XRF testing, and 150 will have visual assessments and partial XRF testing.

This week, families who utilize the community center will receive a joint letter from NYCHA, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the Department of Education and the Department of Youth and Community Development outlining the process.

Testing will be done on weekends or after-hours to be the least intrusive to programs that run out of the centers. All parties that utilize the affected centers will receive a Notice of Evaluation 15 days after NYCHA receives the final results and it will be posted on the building entrance.

If deficiencies are found and corrective action is needed, additional notices and EPA information will be posted and distributed.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene encourages families to speak with their healthcare provider about blood lead testing. It is important that families establish a relationship with a health care provider so there is ongoing care for their child following test results.

If families do not have a health care provider or health insurance, they can call 311 to find a provider near them for low-or no-cost care. Families can also get connected to NYC Health + Hospitals for an appointment to see a doctor obtain a blood lead test by calling 347-507-3684.

For more information on lead-based paint hazards, please visit EPA’s Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information Pamphlet for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools.

For more information about when your community center will be tested, please visit: www.nyc.gov/leadfree.

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About the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)

NYCHA’s mission is to increase opportunities for low- and moderate-income New Yorkers by providing safe, affordable housing and facilitating access to social and community services. Over 390,000 New Yorkers reside in NYCHA’s 316 public housing developments and PACT/RAD developments formerly managed by NYCHA around the five boroughs. Over 190,000 receive subsidized rental assistance in private homes through the NYCHA-administered Section 8 Leased Housing Program. For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/nycha, and for regular updates on NYCHA news and services, connect with us via Facebook and Twitter.