NYCHA - NYCHA Announces CCTV Camera Installation Complete at Amsterdam Houses

NYC Housing Authority


Press Release


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 22, 2012
Contact: media@nycha.nyc.gov, (212) 306-3322

NYCHA & New York State Senator Thomas K. Duane Announce CCTV Camera Installation Complete at Amsterdam Houses

Senator Duane provides $300,000 in State Capital Funds for safety and security enhancements

New York State Senator Thomas K. Duane, New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Chairman John B. Rhea, and Amsterdam Houses Resident Association President Margarita Curet formally announced the completed installation of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in targeted areas of NYCHA’s Amsterdam Houses. Having the cameras in place greatly enhances security and reduces the likelihood and incidence of crime. NYCHA is only able to provide this additional security because of discretionary funding provided by elected officials such as Senator Duane.

“I am pleased that the installation of CCTV security cameras at Amsterdam Houses, for which I secured $300,000 in New York State capital funds, is now complete,” said Senator Thomas K. Duane (D, WFP – Manhattan). “In addition to providing a measure of safety and security to the residents of this Upper West Side development, these cameras should deter acts of vandalism that harm the quality of life in the area and cost NYCHA precious operating funds. I have been honored to represent Amsterdam Houses, Amsterdam Addition and the entire Lincoln Square community, and to work with the New York Police Department’s 20th Precinct, for many years. The installation of these cameras will benefit the entire community for a long time.”

“The safety and security of our residents is of great importance to NYCHA, and installing CCTV cameras deters crime and enhances the quality of life of our residents,” said NYCHA Chairman John Rhea. “Through our roadmap for providing safe and secure housing for our residents, Plan NYCHA, we have been actively working with all public housing community stakeholders, including the NYPD, to ensure that issues of safety and security are addressed through a more collaborative approach. State Senator Duane’s work in securing funds for the cameras is a key example of such collaboration, and we appreciate and salute his support of the NYCHA community.”

“I’m very happy with the cameras and I believe they will be very helpful in adding protection, especially for our seniors,” said Amsterdam Houses Resident Association president Margarita Curet.

The state capital funding at the Amsterdam Houses provides for 21 cameras located in several buildings at the development. NYCHA, the NYPD and Resident Association leaders work together to determine camera locations at each development. The CCTV security systems are strategically placed to monitor key areas such as building entrances, street corners, elevators, and equipment rooms. The NYPD can access footage in cases of reported criminal activity.

“I know that the residents of Amsterdam Houses and Addition appreciate the installation of CCTV cameras in and around their buildings," said New York City Councilmember Gale A. Brewer. “The community will be much safer as a result of these cameras. I commend State Senator Tom Duane and staff member Jared Chausow for allocating the funding, and I congratulate them on their tireless efforts to work with NYCHA and make the cameras a reality.”

“I am grateful that NYCHA has installed the CCTV cameras which will substantially increase the safety, peace of mind and quality of life for all those who call Amsterdam Houses their home,” said Councilwoman Rosie Mendez, who is also Chair of the Council’s Public Housing Committee. “I look forward to many more events like this one as NYCHA works hard to complete all pending CCTV projects by the end of 2013. Special commendations are due to my good friend and colleague, Senator Tom Duane who had the foresight to fund this project, which only adds to his substantially rich and historically significant tenure as a public official.”

Since the inception of the CCTV surveillance program in 1997, NYCHA has installed 6,680 security surveillance cameras of varying scale at 538 buildings in 101 developments citywide. NYCHA is on track to complete installation of CCTV, along with layered access control, at 85 development sites by the end of 2013.

About the New York City Housing Authority:
NYCHA is committed to increasing opportunities for low- and moderate-income New Yorkers by providing safe, affordable housing and facilitating access to social and community services. More than 400,000 New Yorkers reside in NYCHA’s 334 public housing developments around the five boroughs, and another 235,000 receive subsidized rental assistance in private homes through the NYCHA-administered Section 8 Leased Housing Program.