New York City Council
Committee on Aging
Apr 04, 2024
·
01:00 PM
2 hr 5 min
Summary
A hearing on enhancing interagency coordination to better serve older adults in New York City and Introduction 689 to codify the Cabinet for Older New Yorkers. Discussions focused on the Cabinet's origins, structure, recent initiatives like anti-ageism training, and focus on housing, healthcare and transportation. Concerns were raised about issues like repairs at older adult centers, transportation barriers, and gaps in relocation assistance during evictions. Features testimony from the NYC Department for the Aging, advocates like AARP, LiveOn NY, legal service providers, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Crystal Hudson opens oversight hearing on interagency coordination for older adults
Council Member Crystal Hudson opens an oversight hearing focused on interagency coordination for older adults in New York City, presenting Introduction number 689 to codify the cabinet for older New …
0:00:39
·
7 min
Lorraine Cortes-Vazquez, Commissioner, New York City Department for the Aging on Enhancing Services for Older New Yorkers through Interagency Coordination
Lorraine Cortes-Vazquez, Commissioner of the New York City Department for the Aging, testifies on enhancing services for older New Yorkers through interagency coordination and combating ageism. - Describes the establishment …
0:08:22
·
24 min
What is the launch date for NYC Aging's Older New Yorker Needs Assessment Survey, and what will the findings be used for?
The NYC Aging's Older New Yorker Needs Assessment Survey is set to launch on April 15th, with the aim of identifying and addressing the needs of older adults city-wide. - …
0:32:36
·
3 min
Does the Department for the Aging collaborate with the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) on housing initiatives for older adults?
The Department for the Aging works with the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) on housing initiatives for older adults, focusing on universal design and community integration. - Collaborations …
0:35:57
·
71 sec
What is the update on the implementation of Local Law 2023 regarding legal representation for older persons facing eviction?
The Department for the Aging is in compliance with Local Law 2023, providing full legal representation and case management services to elders at risk of eviction or foreclosure. - A …
0:37:16
·
115 sec
What is the status of appointments for the commission for LGBTQIA+ older adults, and how are vacancies in the Department for the Aging's advisory council affecting this process?
The Department for the Aging is currently unable to meet the deadline for appointing members to the commission for LGBTQIA+ older adults due to ongoing vacancies in its advisory council. …
0:39:11
·
178 sec
What is NYC Aging doing to address service providers' difficulties with city agencies when seeking repairs, renovations, or acquiring new equipment for their facilities?
The Department for the Aging acknowledges issues in coordinating with city agencies and outlines efforts to improve processes, particularly with NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA). - The Department is aware of …
0:42:09
·
3 min
Are city agencies working with NYCHA to promptly address building violations and streamline programs?
Council Member Crystal Hudson queries if dialogues are ongoing with city agencies to rapidly resolve building violations and other issues at NYCHA facilities. - The Department for the Aging confirms …
0:45:34
·
42 sec
What information can NYC Aging provide on complaints related to Older Adult Centers (OAC) on NYCHA properties for the past three years?
The Department for the Aging is tracking complaints about Older Adult Centers (OAC) on NYCHA properties but needs to follow up with specific data regarding investigations and resolutions. - Commissioner …
0:46:24
·
52 sec
Who is the public housing liaison within NYC Aging and what are their duties?
The New York City Department for the Aging has two liaisons responsible for maintaining relations and addressing issues related to older adult clubs. - One liaison is an unnamed associate …
0:47:17
·
49 sec
What recommendations have been made to better serve older adult residents in NYC Aging programs, and how have these recommendations been implemented?
HVAC system improvements have been highlighted as a major advance in serving older adult residents in NYC Aging programs. - The recommendations include significant enhancements to HVAC systems, specifically air …
0:48:09
·
47 sec
What are the plans to support the transportation needs of seniors?
The New York City Department for the Aging is aware of the transportation needs for seniors and has previously acquired 44 vans to address vehicle disrepairs. - The Department replaced …
0:50:00
·
152 sec
What is being done to educate and protect seniors about their rights during NYCHA developments' conversions?
Council Member Chris Banks asks what measures are being taken to ensure seniors are educated about their rights and protected from displacement during NYCHA developments' conversions. Commissioner Lorraine Cortes-Vazquez acknowledges …
0:52:56
·
123 sec
How do RAD PACT conversions affect NYC Aging Contracted Providers' use of spaces in previously NYCHA-owned properties?
The Department of the Aging is developing a licensing agreement to address issues arising from RAD PACT conversions for NYC aging contracted providers using spaces in previously NYCHA-owned properties. - …
0:55:05
·
62 sec
How is the city addressing the need for funding essential maintenance?
The NYC Department for the Aging acknowledges the lack of dedicated funding for essential facility maintenance but is developing a plan to address this. - A unit is established to …
0:56:18
·
130 sec
Who are the current liaisons for the aging under Local Law 75, 2021, and is their information accessible to seniors?
Steven Wilkinson and Marlene Shadow are named as the current liaisons for the aging under Local Law 75 2021, available to assist seniors with specific issues. - Steven Wilkinson and …
0:58:44
·
43 sec
Why is Mount Ararat senior center closed and what efforts are being made to redirect its funds?
The Mount Ararat senior center remains closed, with Council Member Mealy seeking reasons and Commissioner Cortes-Vazquez suggesting a plan for the center's funds. - Mealy inquires about the closure of …
1:00:16
·
146 sec
How can Breveport Senior Center in NYCHA be utilized for senior and young adult programs?
Commissioner Lorraine Cortes-Vazquez expresses willingness to explore the use of a closed medical center in NYCHA for senior and young adult programming. - Darlene Mealy suggests using the vacant space …
1:02:49
·
95 sec
How can NYC Council assist in increasing senior housing where it's needed most?
NYC's Department for the Aging is ready to collaborate with City Council members on increasing senior housing in high-needs districts. - Commissioner Cortes-Vazquez expresses willingness to work with Council Member …
1:04:55
·
39 sec
What models of communal housing is NYC Aging exploring, and is there collaboration with HPD?
Council Member Linda Lee asks about communal housing models for older adults in lower density areas and the NYC Department for the Aging's collaboration with the Department of Housing Preservation …
1:05:44
·
44 sec
How can the MTA's Queens bus redesign be influenced to consider older adults and avoid negative impacts?
Council Member Linda Lee emphasizes the need for community feedback on the MTA's Queens bus redesign to mitigate negative impacts on older adults and the disabled due to reduced bus …
1:06:28
·
159 sec
How is NYC Aging enhancing intergenerational programming and collaboration with city agencies?
NYC Aging collaborates with the Department of Youth and Community Development and the Department of Education to enhance intergenerational programming between older adults and young people, emphasizing community building through …
1:09:07
·
176 sec
What are the roles and participation of the Senior Advisory Council and the Cabinet for Older New Yorkers?
The Senior Advisory Council and the Cabinet for Older New Yorkers serve distinct functions, with the former offering consultative advice and the latter focusing on service acceleration and identifying gaps …
1:12:04
·
5 min
Are new agencies being added to the Aging cabinet, and what criteria are used?
The discussion reveals that new agencies are not currently being added to the Aging cabinet, but the department is open to considering it based on a visionary perspective and purpose. …
1:17:07
·
167 sec
Are public libraries invited to NYC cabinet meetings for their services to older adults?
Public libraries are not invited to NYC cabinet meetings, despite providing services for older adults outside of what NYC Aging offers. - Public libraries operate services for older adults that …
1:19:54
·
14 sec
How does the cabinet structure its work and communication?
The cabinet's work structure involves 24 principals, each with a liaison team, meeting quarterly, with additional frequent liaison meetings. - The cabinet structure consists of 24 principals, each accompanied by …
1:20:10
·
67 sec
What are the cabinet's short and long-term goals for improving NYC's community and safety structures?
Commissioner Lorraine Cortes-Vazquez shares the cabinet's goals for improving NYC's public infrastructure and safety. - Ensure all NYC public schools have an aging guide and curriculum. - Create intergenerational teams …
1:21:17
·
69 sec
What kind of training is provided to the NYPD by the Department for the Aging, and does it include a focus on ageism?
The Department for the Aging provides the NYPD with training on ageism and awareness of various services to refer individuals in need. - The training focuses on ageism and the …
1:22:28
·
60 sec
Is Alzheimer's or dementia recognition training included for the NYPD?
The NYC Department for the Aging’s Commissioner will verify if Alzheimer's or dementia recognition training is included for the NYPD, as requested by Council Member Hudson. - Council Member Hudson …
1:23:28
·
36 sec
Do liaisons share information and experiences with each other?
Liaisons share information and their experiences among themselves, which becomes part of the monthly report to principals. - Liaisons meet more frequently than the full cabinet. - They share information …
1:24:09
·
39 sec
How can codifying the cabinet serve to enhance its function and leverage resources?
Lorraine Cortes-Vazquez points to codification as a means to reinforce the cabinet’s function, suggesting its potential to serve as a model for other cities. - Codification could position the cabinet …
1:24:49
·
65 sec
What is causing the decrease in the Department for the Aging's capital plan?
Commissioner Lorraine Cortes-Vazquez explains the decrease in the Department for the Aging's capital plan is due to citywide budget constraints and the need for redistribution and reduction of capital plans. …
1:25:56
·
104 sec
Which significant projects were affected by the reduction in the capital commitment plan?
Commissioner Lorraine Cortes-Vazquez agrees to follow up with specifics on the projects impacted by the capital commitment plan reduction. - Council Member Crystal Hudson inquires about the impact of the …
1:27:42
·
21 sec
Which agencies handle most of NYC Aging's capital projects, and what details are provided about coordination and project types?
The majority of NYC Aging's capital projects are associated with the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), with others managed by the Design and Construction Authority. - Most capital projects …
1:28:03
·
45 sec
How are projects assigned to NYC Aging or other agencies?
The type of the project determines whether it is managed by NYC Aging or another agency. - Projects involving design and construction, such as the Cabelo project with elevators, are …
1:29:14
·
22 sec
What issues have been raised about unreliable kitchen equipment in older adults' homes, and how many NYC Aging kitchens are there in NYCHA buildings?
Commissioner Lorraine Cortes-Vazquez acknowledges that approximately 108 aging kitchens and clubs are located in NYCHA buildings out of 308 citywide. - The Commissioner confirms approximately 35% of the city's aging …
1:29:36
·
38 sec
How many NYC aging kitchens are currently out of service?
The New York City Department for the Aging is currently developing a plan to determine how many aging kitchens are out of service and will provide the information later. - …
1:30:23
·
36 sec
Is the administrative supportive of Intro 689, and are there suggestions for its improvement?
The administration expresses tentative support for Intro 689, dependent on the bill's specifics, and an in-depth discussion for improvement is anticipated. - The administration, including the Deputy Mayor, supports the …
1:31:06
·
105 sec
Kevin Jones, Deputy Director of Advocacy at AARP New York, on Support and Policy Solutions for Older New Yorkers
Kevin Jones from AARP New York provides testimony on the increasing need for policy solutions for older adults in New York City. - Jones thanks Chair Hudson and the committee …
1:34:43
·
92 sec
Kevin Kiprovski, Director of Public Policy at LiveOn NY, on Advocacy and Policy Proposals for Supporting Aging New Yorkers
Kevin Kiprovski of LiveOn NY testifies on the organization's initiatives and policy recommendations for supporting older New Yorkers. - LiveOn NY represents over 110 community-based nonprofits dedicated to services for …
1:36:20
·
157 sec
Jeannine Cahill-Jackson, Director of Elder Law at the Legal Aid Society, on the Challenges and Recommendations for Supporting Older New Yorkers
Jeannine Cahill-Jackson discusses the Legal Aid Society's efforts in defending older New Yorkers from eviction and suggests improvements for interagency support. - She introduces the newly created Elder Law Unit, …
1:39:03
·
5 min
John Holt, Senior Staff Attorney at the Weinberg Center for Elder Justice, on Elder Justice and the Importance of a Coordinated Response to Abuse
John Holt details the crucial role of coordinated responses in combating elder abuse and enhancing elder justice. - Holt emphasizes the Weinberg Center's multidisciplinary method to provide safe futures for …
1:47:23
·
105 sec
Valerie Reyes-Jimenez, New York City Community Organizer for Housing Works, on Advocating for Older New Yorkers with HIV
Valerie Reyes-Jimenez testifies in favor of legislation to support older New Yorkers living with HIV, discussing Housing Works' services and the demographic challenges faced. - Reyes-Jimenez shares Housing Works' mission …
1:49:16
·
155 sec
Jeanette Estima on the Support of Intro689 for Older Adults
Jeanette Estima testifies in support of Intro689, which aims to enhance interagency collaboration for better service to older adults in New York City. - Estima represents City Meals on Wheels …
1:52:10
·
119 sec
Coleton Whitaker from Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) at AARP on Enhancing Services for Older New Yorkers Through Interagency Collaboration
Coleton Whitaker discusses the crucial role of interagency collaboration in enhancing services for older adults in New York City. - Whitaker represents Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP, emphasizing …
1:55:02
·
146 sec
Ruth Stein, Attorney at the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty, on Enhancing Services for Older Adults through Interagency Coordination
Ruth Stein advocates for the formation of an interagency council to improve services for older adults, highlighting issues due to current system dis-coordination. - Represents the Metropolitan Council on Jewish …
1:57:59
·
159 sec
Cynthia Maurer, Executive Director of Visiting Neighbors, on Enhancing Senior Independence and Interagency Communication
Cynthia Maurer discusses the importance of interagency communication and the role of Visiting Neighbors in supporting senior independence. - Maurer testifies in support of a law aimed at improving interagency …
2:00:52
·
3 min