First Resident Board Member Appointed to NYCHA Board

“I feel not only honored but humbled to have been chosen,” said Victor A. Gonzalez, NYCHA’s newest Board member.  “I saw this as an opportunity to impact not just 350 families at my development, but almost half a million people.”

Victor Antonio Gonzalez has been appointed as the first public housing resident to NYCHA’s Board by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, effective July 20, 2011.  The City received more than 600 applications for this first-time position, representing a diverse resident pool from across five boroughs.

“This is great news for NYCHA and its over 400,000 residents, who will for the first time in NYCHA’s history, be officially represented in critical policy, regulation and contract decisions for the Authority moving forward,” said Mayor Bloomberg.

Mr. Gonzalez, who has lived in NYCHA housing for 50 years, is a tireless public housing resident leader and advocate. He has been president of the Residents Association of Rabbi Stephen Wise Towers in Manhattan’s since 2003 and serves as an alternative member of NYCHA’s Resident Advisory Board.  Gonzalez also has done extensive work with advocacy groups, organizing workshop meetings for tenants.  He serves on the Goddard Riverside Community Center Board; Community Board 7 in Manhattan; the Neighborhood Advisory Board for the City’s Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD); and is a member of the NYC Residents’ Alliance.

“Mayor Bloomberg’s appointment of Victor Gonzalez as Resident Board Member is another important step for NYCHA as the Authority becomes a more open, responsive organization. This furthers our collaborative efforts, with elected resident leaders and other stakeholders, to implement the long-term strategy that will strengthen public housing for the future — the Plan to Preserve Public Housing,” said John B. Rhea, NYCHA Chairman. “I look forward to Victor bringing his considerable energy and enthusiasm for housing issues to the Board while working with me, Emily Youssouf and Margarita López on the very challenging issues facing the New York City Housing Authority.”

Mr. Gonzalez, who recently was honored by the residents of Wise Towers during Family Day, wants to bring his personal experience as a public housing resident to the table and serve as a bridge between NYCHA and residents.  “I am eager to begin tackling the most pressing issues facing public housing today, including under-funding and safety and security,” said Mr. Gonzalez.

“I look forward to working with Victor Gonzalez and the entire NYCHA Board in greatly enhancing the voice of all residents in the policy and decisions of the New York City Housing Authority,” said Reginald H. Bowman, President of the Citywide Council of Presidents. “Mr. Gonzalez’ appointment will give additional strength to the importance of residents’ positions in NYCHA matters.”

Mr. Gonzalez’ appointment follows passage of a law by the State legislature in 2010 allowing for a resident to serve on the Board. As resident board member, Mr. Gonzalez, a retired United Parcel Service worker, will serve part-time.

“It is my true pleasure to congratulate Victor Gonzalez on his appointment to the Board of the New York City Housing Authority,” said Assemblyman Vito Lopez, who is also Chair of the Assembly’s Housing Committee. “I wholeheartedly believe that the addition of a NYCHA resident will bring needed unique insight to the Board and will be a great benefit to NYCHA residents throughout the City. I am proud to have drafted the legislation to help bring this change to the NYCHA Board.”

As with the Chairman, the Resident Board member is appointed by the Mayor and serves at the Mayor’s will.

By Zodet Negrón
July 19, 2011