Elected officials and Catholic Charities representatives gathered for the ribbon cutting on the new affordable housing for seniors on Cross Bay Boulevard last week. Photo Courtesy Catholic Charities
Howard Beach’s new senior housing facility brings much needed affordable units to an area that is home to one of the largest population of older residents in the entire city, Catholic Charities officials, legislators and residents said at last week’s dedication ceremony.
The $31 million Catholic Charities Peter J. Striano Residence at 155-55 Cross Bay Blvd., which opened earlier this year but which was officially dedicated last Wednesday, includes 96 rental units – 80 percent of which are studio or one-bedroom apartments reserved for low- to moderate-income senior citizens over the age of 55. The other 20 percent of the units are one- to two-bedroom apartments reserved for individuals with developmental disabilities.
“This project truly allows us all to uphold our commitment to providing older adults with the highest quality housing right in their own neighborhoods, while at the same time integrating an on-site senior center and services for persons with developmental disabilities,” Robert Siebel, CEO of Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens, said at the dedication ceremony that was also attended by Rev. Nicholas DiMarzio, the bishop of Brooklyn; Msgr. Alfred LoPinto, the pastor of St. Helen’s and the vicar for human services at the Diocese of Brooklyn; area legislators; and the facility’s namesake Peter Striano, the chairman and CEO of Unity International Group and a longtime member of the Board of Trustees of Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens.
A native New Yorker, Striano has made community revitalization efforts and charitable giving a priority in his life. For more than a decade, he has hosted and sponsored the Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan Memorial Golf Classic, which raises funds in support of Catholic Charities and its more than 160 human service programs.
In addition to the apartments, the facility includes a well-lit lobby with large windows; community, pool table, computer, and art rooms; and a community kitchen. Each floor is decorated with a specific theme, including the beach, flowers, and the park. The senior center will also incorporate wellness, education and fitness classes, as well as other programming geared towards older adults.
The site is “the kind of transformative project that is key to revitalizing communities and bettering the lives of the most vulnerable,” said Darryl Towns, commissioner and CEO of the state Homes and Community Renewal.
Many of those attending Wednesday’s festivities stressed how difficult it can be for seniors – many of whom are living on fixed incomes – to land homes for which they can pay.
“Finding housing that is safe, decent and affordable can be a challenge for many New Yorkers, especially those on a fixed income like many of our senior citizens,” said city Department of Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas. “… It is my sincere hope when people pass through the doors of the Peter J. Striano Residence and think of the mission and purpose of this building, they’ll be reminded of a man who was committed to community development, to his neighbors, and to serving those most in need.”
Area legislators and civic leaders too touted the facility, saying it is a step in the right direction for providing affordable housing.
“While keeping financial and economic independence and, most importantly, remaining in their own backyard, our growing senior population can finally achieve the quality housing they deserve,” Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Rockaway Park) said. “This residence will not only provide a centralized location for our diverse senior community to meet under one roof, but it also serves as a symbol of our recovery after Superstorm Sandy and sends a strong message that our community is coming back better than ever.”
Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) said the project “will have a positive impact on the Howard Beach community for generations to come.”
“Our seniors deserve the opportunity to stay in their own neighborhood and look forward to their golden years knowing that there will be a safe and affordable place they can still call home,” he said.
Addabbo also stressed the growing senior population in the area.
“This part of my district has one of the highest senior populations not only in Queens, but possibly in New York City, and it’s growing,” he said. “The residents are enjoying all the amenities under one roof, including the relocated Howard Beach Senior Center and a Meals-on-Wheels program, while being close to banks, shopping, healthcare facilities, public transportation, and restaurants.”
By Anna Gustafson
