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At NYCHA, safety is a top priority, for the families who call our developments home; for the employees who work hard to provide and maintain safe, clean housing; and for the many New York City communities to which NYCHA belongs. Our NextGeneration NYCHA vision for the future holds safety as one of the keys to strengthening and preserving public housing in New York City.

We’re creating safer communities right now in a number of ways, from installing security cameras and exterior lighting at developments across the City to launching a Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) that includes ������Ƶ, staff, the NYPD, and other members of the community. Read on page 1 a profile of Joseph Kemp, a 21-year-old Queensbridge Houses resident who was recently appointed to PSAC and will contribute the vitally important youth perspective on how to create safer neighborhoods.

We can’t do the work to make NYCHA safer without help from our partners. In this issue, you’ll learn about a town hall in the Bronx with the Mayor that brought together local elected officials, City agency leaders, and residents to discuss how we can tackle this crucial topic in collaboration.

Safety is about more than reducing crime—it’s a mindset and a practice we need to weave into our everyday lives. We’ve provided some basic safety tips, on fire safety, elevators, and beating the heat, among others (pages 13–16). But this issue isn’t just about safety – it’s summertime, and that means lots of free fun in the City. We’ve got a listing of all the free outdoor pools and beaches that you can enjoy in all five boroughs (page 13). And you can find out which community center nearest you has extended hours this summer – until 11 pm every day of the week!—for young people to get engaged in something positive, in a safe, supervised environment (page 15).

We also want to bring you some exciting stories from NYCHA happenings around the City. One of our earlier “I am NextGeneration NYCHA” stars, NASA scientist Dr. Aprille Ericsson, inspired about 50 young ������Ƶ with her life story and tips for success at a special event (page 6). Twenty-two historic buildings in Harlem, part of the Randolph Houses development, are now home to 147 families, thanks to a $96 million total renovation (page 4). Through NYCHA’s Skills Development Academy, girls ages 6 to 14 are getting their basketball game on, with a little help from some WNBA superstars (page 6).

From all of us at NYCHA, best wishes for a safe, happy, and healthy summer season.

Shola Olatoye

Chair and CEO