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New York City Council
Committee on Public Housing
Apr 15, 2025
·
10:00 AM
2 hr 37 min
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Summary
A hearing on NYCHA's security guards, fire guards, and oversight of contractors.
Discussions focused on the Department of Investigation's findings of widespread neglect by contracted guards, NYCHA's failure to implement proper oversight measures, and plans for improvement.
Key issues included guard absenteeism, falsified time sheets, inadequate inspections, and lack of resident engagement in security decisions.
NYCHA officials acknowledged past failures and outlined steps to implement DOI recommendations, including geofencing technology and increased inspections. Council members pressed for better resident feedback mechanisms and improved communication about security measures.
Features testimony from the Department of Investigation (DOI), New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Chris Banks opens hearing on NYCHA security and fire guard issues
Council Member Chris Banks opens the hearing of the committee on public housing, focusing on NYCHA's security guards, fire guards, and oversight of contractors. He emphasizes the importance of these …
0:00:22
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55 sec
Department of Investigations reveals widespread neglect by NYCHA security and fire guards
Council Member Banks presents the findings from a recent Department of Investigations (DOI) report, revealing widespread neglect and misconduct among NYCHA's contracted security and fire guards. - 68% of security …
0:01:18
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61 sec
Consequences of security and fire guard negligence in NYCHA developments
Council Member Banks highlights the serious consequences of security and fire guard negligence in NYCHA developments, emphasizing the unacceptable nature of these incidents. - Three fires started at developments that …
0:02:20
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30 sec
DOI findings on NYCHA and Allied Universal's failure to implement proper oversight
Council Member Banks details the oversight failures of both NYCHA and Allied Universal, as revealed by the Department of Investigations (DOI) report. - NYCHA and Allied Universal failed to properly …
0:02:51
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50 sec
Council Member Banks calls for accountability and concrete improvements in NYCHA oversight
Council Member Banks strongly criticizes NYCHA's failures and calls for concrete measures to improve oversight and accountability for contracted services. - Emphasizes the unacceptable nature of NYCHA's oversight failures - …
0:03:42
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77 sec
Council Member Banks concludes opening remarks and introduces next steps
Council Member Chris Banks concludes his opening remarks by acknowledging staff contributions and introducing the next phase of the hearing. - Thanks his staff and the public housing staff for …
0:04:59
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44 sec
Testimony by Manny Martinez, Resident Council President of South Jamaica Houses, on NYCHA Security and Resident Rights
Manny Martinez, Resident Council President of South Jamaica Houses, delivers a powerful testimony criticizing NYCHA's approach to public housing residents and the DOI's report on security issues. He emphasizes the …
0:06:02
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3 min
Community engagement in NYCHA security and fire guard services
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about the level of community engagement in NYCHA's security and fire guard services. Manny Martinez, a Resident Council President, explains that there is virtually no …
0:09:09
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55 sec
Recommendations for improving NYCHA's engagement with residents
Council Member Banks asks Manny Martinez for recommendations to improve NYCHA's engagement with residents. Martinez provides several suggestions for increasing resident involvement and transparency. - Include residents in every step …
0:10:05
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47 sec
Local hiring practices and their impact on NYCHA communities
Council Member Banks inquires about the potential benefits of local hiring for NYCHA positions. Manny Martinez explains the positive impact this could have and criticizes current NYCHA policies that prevent …
0:10:53
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45 sec
Impact of security funding issues on NYCHA residents
Council Member Banks discusses the recent fight to preserve $6.8 million for the security program and asks if the current situation is a 'slap in the face' to residents who …
0:11:38
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93 sec
Lack of resident feedback on NYCHA contractors
Council Member Banks inquires about NYCHA's practices in soliciting feedback on contractors' work. Manny Martinez reveals that NYCHA has never asked for such feedback and has ignored requests for this …
0:13:11
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32 sec
Introduction and acknowledgment of resident concerns
Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber begins her testimony by acknowledging concerns raised by Mr. Martinez regarding resident involvement in contracting. She commits to examining these issues further, although they were not part …
0:14:48
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40 sec
Background of the DOI investigation into NYCHA security and fire guard services
Commissioner Strauber provides context for the Department of Investigation's recent report on oversight of security guards at NYCHA senior buildings and compliance with fire guard requirements. The investigation was prompted …
0:15:28
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132 sec
Findings on security guard failures at NYCHA properties
The DOI investigation revealed widespread failures in security guard services at NYCHA senior buildings. Guards frequently abandoned their posts, failed to show up for work, and falsified timesheets. - Approximately …
0:17:42
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73 sec
Findings on fire guard failures at NYCHA properties
The DOI investigation uncovered significant issues with fire guard services provided by Allied Universal at NYCHA buildings. Fire guards were frequently absent from their posts, violating NYC fire code requirements. …
0:18:56
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64 sec
Oversight failures by NYCHA and Allied Universal
The investigation found that both NYCHA and Allied Universal failed to consistently provide required oversight of security and fire guard services. This lack of oversight contributed to the numerous lapses …
0:20:01
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72 sec
DOI recommendations for improving NYCHA's oversight of security and fire guard services
The Department of Investigation made 12 recommendations to improve NYCHA's oversight of vendors providing security and fire guard services. These recommendations aim to address the issues identified in the investigation. …
0:21:13
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108 sec
NYCHA's response to DOI recommendations
Commissioner Strauber concludes her testimony by briefly mentioning NYCHA's response to the DOI's recommendations for improving oversight of security and fire guard services. - NYCHA accepted 8 of the 12 …
0:23:01
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10 sec
Timeline of NYCHA's awareness of Allied Universal issues
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about when NYCHA was first alerted to issues with Allied Universal. Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber explains that NYCHA was informed about fire guard issues in June …
0:23:12
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87 sec
NYCHA's responsiveness and reasons for DOI investigation
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about NYCHA's responsiveness before and after being alerted to issues, and the reasons for initiating the DOI investigation. Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber explains the limitations of …
0:24:40
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94 sec
NYCHA and Allied Universal relationship and oversight failures
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about the earliest connection between NYCHA and Allied Universal, and the main takeaways regarding oversight failures. Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber provides insights into the contract timeline …
0:26:14
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143 sec
Successful security program and priority recommendations
Council Member Chris Banks asks about what a successful security/fire safety guard program would look like and the priority recommendations from the DOI report. Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber outlines key elements …
0:28:37
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168 sec
NYCHA's response to DOI recommendations
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about NYCHA's partial acceptance of DOI recommendations and the justification for not implementing geofencing technology in current contracts. Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber explains the DOI's position …
0:31:25
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171 sec
Financial losses and contractor investigation takeaways
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about the estimated financial losses due to unperformed services and the primary takeaways from investigations into NYCHA's contractors. Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber explains the difficulties in …
0:34:17
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179 sec
NYCHA contractor issues: Trends, uniqueness, and severity
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about trends in NYCHA contractor service quality, whether issues are unique to NYCHA, and the severity of the situation compared to past investigations. Commissioner Jocelyn …
0:37:17
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3 min
Discussion on previous bribery charges and implementation of DOI recommendations
Council Member Bottcher inquires about the implementation status of DOI recommendations to NYCHA, following charges against 70 NYCHA employees for bribery and extortion. Commissioner Strauber explains that while all recommendations …
0:40:35
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126 sec
Regular meetings between DOI and NYCHA to review recommendations
Council Member Bottcher inquires about regular meetings between DOI and NYCHA to review recommendations. Commissioner Strauber confirms that such meetings take place to discuss various issues, including outstanding recommendations. - …
0:42:47
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85 sec
Efficacy of paid security guards in NYCHA developments
Council Member Bottcher discusses the use of paid security guards in NYCHA developments, particularly focusing on their limitations compared to uniformed police presence. Commissioner Strauber acknowledges the potential limitations of …
0:44:11
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165 sec
Rotation of security guards across NYCHA properties
Council Member Banks inquires about the rotation of security guards across different NYCHA properties and its potential impact on time sheet falsification. Commissioner Strauber explains that DOI's investigation didn't specifically …
0:46:58
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167 sec
Working conditions for fire guards and security guards at NYCHA
Council Member Banks inquires about the working conditions for fire guards and security guards at NYCHA properties. Commissioner Strauber explains that DOI's investigation didn't focus extensively on working conditions but …
0:49:45
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96 sec
Potential implementation of geofencing technology and electronic timekeeping
Council Member Banks inquires about the feasibility of implementing geofencing technology and electronic timekeeping for security guards. Commissioner Strauber briefly addresses the technological requirements. - Geofencing technology and electronic timekeeping …
0:51:21
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20 sec
Disconnect between NYCHA's central office and conditions at individual buildings
Council Member Banks inquires about the disconnect between NYCHA's central office and the reality of conditions at individual buildings. Commissioner Strauber acknowledges the issue but cannot provide a definitive explanation …
0:51:44
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74 sec
Importance of communication with residents in NYCHA's security apparatus
Council Member Banks inquires about the importance of communication with residents in NYCHA's security apparatus. Commissioner Strauber acknowledges the importance of resident communication while noting that DOI didn't extensively study …
0:52:58
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70 sec
DOI's ongoing monitoring of recommendation implementation
Council Member Banks inquires about DOI's process for monitoring the implementation of their recommendations. Commissioner Strauber explains DOI's approach to follow-up and monitoring. - DOI maintains regular communication with overseen …
0:54:09
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119 sec
Addressing underlying cultural and systemic issues at NYCHA
Council Member Banks inquires about addressing underlying cultural and systemic issues at NYCHA and the potential implementation of geofencing technology. Commissioner Strauber discusses NYCHA's commitment to addressing these issues and …
0:56:08
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149 sec
NYCHA's Response to Security and Fire Guard Issues
Lauren Gray, NYCHA's Senior VP for Quality Assurance, Safety, and Technical Programs, addresses the City Council committee on public housing regarding NYCHA's security guard and fire guard programs. She discusses …
1:00:23
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176 sec
Inquiry into NYCHA security standards and CCTV protocols
Council Member Chris Banks initiates questioning about security standards for NYCHA developments, focusing on CCTV cameras and protocols. Lauren Gray from NYCHA responds by outlining the role of security officers …
1:03:19
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57 sec
Discussion on frequency of security equipment checks at NYCHA developments
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about the frequency of functionality checks on security equipment, particularly CCTV cameras, at NYCHA developments. Lauren Gray explains the process involving property management and the …
1:04:17
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66 sec
NYCHA's process for determining security system upgrades
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about NYCHA's process for determining when a development or building needs security system upgrades or repairs. Lauren Gray explains the approach taken by NYCHA. - …
1:05:23
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23 sec
Presence of fire guards vs. security guards at NYCHA developments
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about the presence of fire guards versus security guards at NYCHA developments, particularly in senior buildings. Lauren Gray provides information on the distribution of these …
1:05:47
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55 sec
Communication issues regarding security measures at NYCHA developments
Council Member Chris Banks raises concerns about communication issues regarding security measures at NYCHA developments, specifically at Vandalia Houses. Lauren Gray responds to these concerns and outlines NYCHA's efforts to …
1:06:42
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119 sec
Number and distribution of functioning CCTV cameras at NYCHA developments
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about the number of functioning CCTV cameras installed at NYCHA developments. Lauren Gray provides information on camera coverage and the process for determining camera placement. …
1:08:45
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157 sec
Security of front doors at NYCHA buildings
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about the security of front doors at NYCHA buildings. Lauren Gray discusses the process for reporting and addressing door security issues. - NYCHA does not …
1:11:26
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76 sec
Oversight of security at NYCHA buildings
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about who is responsible for overseeing security at NYCHA buildings. Lauren Gray explains the division of responsibilities within NYCHA. - The Office of Safety and …
1:12:49
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28 sec
Expected relationships between security/fire guards and NYCHA residents
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about the expected relationships between security/fire guards and NYCHA residents, as well as their visibility requirements. Lauren Gray outlines NYCHA's plans for improving these relationships. …
1:13:19
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48 sec
NYCHA's response to DOI recommendations
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about NYCHA's response to the Department of Investigation (DOI) recommendations. Shin Kim, NYCHA's Senior Vice President of Supply Management and Procurement, explains the agency's position. …
1:14:07
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107 sec
Reporting system for residents to report absence of security or fire safety guards
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about the system in place for public housing residents to report the absence of security or fire safety guards. Lauren Gray explains the reporting mechanisms …
1:15:55
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63 sec
Security coverage at NYCHA senior developments
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about the security coverage at NYCHA senior developments, including the number of developments with 24-hour security and the communication of security schedules to residents. - …
1:16:58
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106 sec
OSS measures to ensure security guards show up at scheduled posts
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about the Office of Safety and Security (OSS) measures to ensure security guards show up at their scheduled posts. Lauren Gray explains the improvements made …
1:18:45
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158 sec
NYCHA's policies for scheduling security guard shifts
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about NYCHA's Office of Safety and Security policies for scheduling security guard shifts. Lauren Gray explains the collaborative process involved in determining guard schedules. - …
1:21:27
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47 sec
Documentation and escalation of misconduct by security guards
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about how the Office of Safety and Security (OSS) documents and escalates misconduct by security guards. Lauren Gray explains the process and measures taken to …
1:22:14
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100 sec
Percentage of security and fire guard services provided by contractors vs. NYCHA staff
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about the percentage of security and fire guard services provided by contractors versus NYCHA staff. Lauren Gray provides information on the contracting of these services. …
1:23:54
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60 sec
Council Member Bottcher questions NYCHA on DOI recommendations and security measures
Council Member Erik D. Bottcher questions NYCHA representatives about the implementation of Department of Investigations (DOI) recommendations, security measures in NYCHA developments, and the relationship between NYCHA and NYPD regarding …
1:24:54
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4 min
NYCHA's contract with Allied Universal and awareness of infractions
Council Member Chris Banks questions NYCHA about their contract with Allied Universal for security and fire guard services, and when they first became aware of infractions. Lauren Gray from NYCHA …
1:29:55
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92 sec
DOI investigation and NYCHA's internal efforts to address security issues
Council Member Chris Banks questions why an outside investigation by DOI was necessary to reveal problems that should have been caught by NYCHA's internal controls. Lauren Gray from NYCHA explains …
1:31:27
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80 sec
Issues with CCTV cameras at senior buildings and maintenance processes
Council Member Chris Banks questions NYCHA about the DOI report finding that 70% of CCTV cameras at senior buildings were inoperable or inaccessible. Lauren Gray from NYCHA explains their maintenance …
1:32:48
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3 min
NYCHA's failure to conduct and document required field inspections
Council Member Chris Banks questions NYCHA about their failure to conduct or document required field inspections for almost two years of the Allied Universal contract. Lauren Gray from NYCHA acknowledges …
1:35:54
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58 sec
Oversight of other contractors and new measures implemented by NYCHA
Council Member Chris Banks asks NYCHA for assurances that similar oversight failures are not occurring with other contractors. Lauren Gray from NYCHA explains the new measures they are implementing to …
1:36:52
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50 sec
Delays in sending infraction notices to Allied Universal
Council Member Chris Banks questions NYCHA about the delay in documenting infractions and sending liquidated damages to Allied Universal. Lauren Gray from NYCHA explains the reasons for the delay and …
1:37:44
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40 sec
Resident engagement in NYCHA's inspection process and communication
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about including resident feedback in NYCHA's inspection process and discusses the lack of communication with residents. Lauren Gray acknowledges the need for improvement in this …
1:38:24
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146 sec
NYCHA's implementation of Allied Universal's staffing accountability plan
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about NYCHA's implementation of Allied Universal's staffing accountability plan, which was mentioned in the DOI report. Lauren Gray from NYCHA explains the three components of …
1:40:51
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60 sec
NYCHA's implementation of DOI recommendations
Council Member Chris Banks asks about NYCHA's plans to implement the Department of Investigation's (DOI) recommendations. Lauren Gray from NYCHA outlines several measures they have taken or are in the …
1:41:51
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77 sec
Timeline and additional proactive measures for contractor oversight
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about the timeline for implementing DOI recommendations and additional proactive measures for contractor oversight. NYCHA officials provide the following information: - The projected timeline for …
1:43:08
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45 sec
Security oversight in RAD PACT converted developments
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about security arrangements in RAD PACT (Rental Assistance Demonstration - Permanent Affordability Commitment Together) converted developments, particularly those with senior facilities. NYCHA officials explain the …
1:43:53
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137 sec
Current status of Allied Universal and FJC Security contracts with NYCHA
Council Member Chris Banks seeks clarification on the current status of contracts between NYCHA and Allied Universal or its parent company, FJC Security. Shin Kim from NYCHA provides the following …
1:46:11
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74 sec
NYCHA's plan to recoup outstanding liquidated damages
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about NYCHA's plans to recoup outstanding liquidated damages, given that the DOI report showed NYCHA collected only 16% of entitled damages. NYCHA officials provide the …
1:47:27
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71 sec
NYCHA's improved enforcement of financial penalties against underperforming contractors
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about NYCHA's improved enforcement of financial penalties against underperforming contractors. NYCHA officials outline several measures: - Immediate notification to contractors when guards fail to show …
1:48:39
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125 sec
Performance of NYCHA's new security and fire guard contractors
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about the performance of NYCHA's new security and fire guard contractors who replaced Allied Universal. NYCHA representatives discuss the start dates of the new contractors …
1:50:44
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117 sec
Incorporating resident feedback in contractor oversight
Council Member Chris Banks emphasizes the importance of involving residents in the oversight of security and fire guard contractors. NYCHA representatives acknowledge the need for improvement in this area and …
1:52:41
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38 sec
CCTV camera repair and maintenance at NYCHA properties
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about the maintenance and repair of CCTV cameras at NYCHA properties. NYCHA representatives provide information on the breakdown of work between in-house staff and contractors. …
1:53:21
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46 sec
NYCHA's system for tracking and addressing contractor infractions
Council Member Chris Banks questions NYCHA's methods for tracking and addressing contractor infractions, particularly in light of past issues with security and fire guard services. NYCHA representatives explain their current …
1:54:07
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112 sec
Resident complaint process and recourse for security and fire guard issues
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about the process for NYCHA residents to submit complaints about security and fire guard contractors, and what recourse they have for issues. NYCHA representatives explain …
1:55:59
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120 sec
NYCHA's internal documentation and oversight procedures for contractors
Council Member Chris Banks questions NYCHA's internal procedures for maintaining documentation of contractor infractions and overseeing proper documentation. NYCHA representatives explain their current practices and systems. - NYCHA keeps records …
1:56:33
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49 sec
NYCHA's engagement with tenants on security and fire guard services
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about NYCHA's efforts to engage with tenants and gather feedback on security and fire guard services. NYCHA representatives outline their current practices for tenant engagement …
1:58:00
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36 sec
NYCHA's policy towards vendors violating contracts
Council Member Chris Banks asks about NYCHA's policies for dealing with vendors who violate their contracts. NYCHA representatives explain the procedures and remedies in place for addressing vendor violations. - …
1:58:35
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32 sec
NYCHA's micro-purchase contract policies and oversight
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about potential abuses of NYCHA's micro-purchase contract policies, such as bid splitting. NYCHA representatives explain recent changes to their micro-purchase procedures and address the question …
1:59:07
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38 sec
Council member inquires about Mayor's Action Plan (MAP) in NYCHA developments
Council Member Chris Banks asks about the current status of the Mayor's Action Plan (MAP) in NYCHA developments, particularly in relation to senior buildings. Lauren Gray, representing NYCHA, admits limited …
1:59:47
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59 sec
Council member inquires about instances of bribery in NYCHA contract awarding
Council Member Chris Banks asks if NYCHA has identified any instances of bribery or quid pro quo in awarding contracts in the past year. Shin Kim, representing NYCHA, states that …
2:00:45
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40 sec
NYCHA representative details reforms to procurement process
Shin Kim, Senior Vice President of Supply Management and Procurement at NYCHA, outlines several reforms made to the procurement process. These changes aim to ensure that contractors with poor performance …
2:01:25
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92 sec
Council member probes NYCHA's quality assurance measures in contractor selection
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about NYCHA's quality assurance measures in contractor selection and performance evaluation. NYCHA representatives explain their efforts to consider past performance in vendor selection and their …
2:02:57
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3 min
Discussion on implementing a resident feedback system for NYCHA vendors
Council Member Chris Banks questions NYCHA representatives about the implementation of a resident feedback system for rating vendors, as recommended by a comptroller's report. NYCHA acknowledges the importance of resident …
2:06:03
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3 min
Changes to NYCHA's micro-purchase contract policies and data system improvements
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about changes NYCHA has made to its micro-purchase contract policies and data system improvements in response to past investigations and recommendations. NYCHA representative Shin Kim …
2:09:05
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3 min
Creation and effectiveness of NYCHA's new purchasing and logistics department
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about the creation and effectiveness of NYCHA's new purchasing and logistics department, which was established to help property managers access contracts quickly. - The department …
2:12:25
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44 sec
Implementation of DOI recommendations following federal bribery charges
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about NYCHA's progress in implementing the 14 recommendations issued by the Department of Investigation (DOI) in response to the 2024 federal bribery charges. - NYCHA …
2:13:10
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30 sec
Working conditions and shift management for NYCHA security and fire guards
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about working conditions and shift management for security guards and fire guards at NYCHA properties. NYCHA representatives explain the oversight and management of these services. …
2:13:46
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109 sec
Physical working conditions for guards at NYCHA buildings
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about the physical working conditions for security guards and fire guards at NYCHA buildings. NYCHA representatives discuss recent improvements and ongoing efforts to enhance working …
2:15:35
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49 sec
Facilities and equipment provided for guards at NYCHA properties
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about the facilities and equipment provided for security guards and fire guards at NYCHA properties, focusing on access to charging stations, bathrooms, and the implications …
2:16:25
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67 sec
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Former Shop Steward for MTS Access Project
Christopher Leon Johnson, a former shop steward for the MTS Access Project, provides testimony on the challenges faced by security guards working in NYCHA developments. He highlights issues such as …
2:26:07
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130 sec
Testimony by Kezilar Cornish, Member of the Public
Kezilar Cornish provided testimony on NYCHA's security measures, focusing on the implementation of new technologies and the identification of security personnel. She raised concerns about the prioritization of security upgrades …
2:28:44
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164 sec
Testimony by Renee Keitt, Resident Association President of Elliot-Chelsea Houses
Renee Keitt, Resident Association President of Elliot-Chelsea Houses, testifies about deep concerns regarding NYCHA's security contracts, particularly with Allied Universal. She calls for increased accountability, transparency, and resident engagement in …
2:32:13
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162 sec
Testimony by Sadie, NYCHA resident and housing advocate, on NYCHA issues and accountability
Sadie, a NYCHA resident and housing advocate, testifies about the lack of transparency and accountability in NYCHA, highlighting issues such as contamination, mismanagement of funds, and health hazards faced by …
2:35:05
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85 sec