New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Board Member, Victor A. Gonzalez, was honored with a 2011 WESTY Award in a ceremony on Oct. 19, 2011. The WESTY—a civic award, which stands for ‘West Side Spirit Thanks You’, is presented by publisher, Manhattan Media. The award recognizes New Yorkers who live or work on Manhattan’s West Side and whose accomplishments help improve the neighborhood. 

NYCHA Resident Board Member Victor A. Gonzalez speaks at WESTY Awards presentation. (Photo by Pete Mikoleski)

Winning the WESTY award “made me feel wonderful," said Mr. Gonzalez. "It’s an extra special gift because this is given by the public and it’s great to see how the people you are helping actually acknowledge what you do." 

Mr. Gonzalez, who was appointed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg to the NYCHA Board in July 2011, is the first public housing resident to sit on the executive Board. Board Member Gonzalez, has lived in the Upper West Side’s Rabbi Stephen Wise Towers since 1972.

Mr. Gonzalez is a tireless public housing resident leader and advocate. He serves on several boards of not for profit organizations and has worked with advocacy groups to support activities that impact not only his development, Wise Towers, but also the West Side community. "Overall, we do this to help people not for an award," Mr. Gonzalez added. "The award is icing on the cake.”

Last summer, the residents of Wise Towers presented Mr. Gonzalez with a plaque during the annual Family Day celebration for his dedication and efforts to and for his community.  Now, he can add a WESTY to his long list of accolades.

By Heidi Morales
October 26, 2011