Categories: New York City, Member News, Openings
10.31.2022
On a sunny October 7th, Catholic Charities Progress of People’s Development Corporation (CCPOP), the affordable housing arm of Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens, joined project and government partners for an opening and dedication ceremony for The Bishop Rene A. Valero Senior Residence. Located in Astoria, Queens this new affordable/supportive housing residence is creating 102 new affordable apartments, including 31 supportive for formerly homeless seniors. CCPOP will provide on-site social services funded through NYC 15/15 supportive housing initiative through the Department of Social Services.
The Bishop Rene. A Valero Residence features a resident’s lounge, and a large exterior landscaped yard for recreation and gardening, as well as rooftop solar systems. The building also includes a senior center, the relocated Catholic Charities Peter J. DellaMonica Older Adult Center. This large community center will provide on-site hot meals, educational events, fitness classes, and senior case management and referral services for the community.
Tim McManus, Senior Vice President of CCPOP kicked off the program, speaking to the building’s development process and sustainability as well as to the original location site: the former Catherine Sheridan Senior Residences parking lot.
HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrión, Jr. said, “Some of our most at-risk older New Yorkers, including those who were once unhoused, will now have the safety and security of housing that comes equipped with the specialized services they need to thrive.” “Thank you to all who made this project possible.”
“I asked a resident here how this building made them feel and they said, ‘I have peace here,’” said Deputy Queens Borough President, Ebony Young. “That’s what this has done for people. Given them peace.”
“CCPOP has been a longtime steady partner of supportive and senior housing who develop teams of staff that build caring communities.” said Patricia Dawson, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Office of Supportive/Affordable Housing & Services, NYC Human Resources Administration.
“I was homeless. Now, I have a place and it’s my sanctuary. The staff here blesses me. My home is beautiful. I’m happy and truly blessed. Thank you,” said new resident Norman Ansley.
Remarks were also given by: Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn; Reverend Monsignor Alfred P. LoPinto, Catholic Charitie Brooklyn and Queens; Mary Purtell, Niece and Goddaughter of Bishop Rene A. Valero; Anaya Hersame, NYC Department for the Aging; Costa Constantinides, former NYC Council Member; Kevin Hoffman, Richman Housing Resources; Daron Tubian, Barings, LLC; and Erin Galligan, Bank of America.
The project was financed by New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s (NYC HPD) 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs) and Senior Affordable Rental Apartments (SARA) program.
The architect was Dattner Architect and the general contractor was Monadnock Construction, Inc.