Categories: New York City, Openings
06.09.2022
Friends and partners of WellLife Network’s Cypress Avenue Residence gathered June 9th to celebrate the opening of their 66-unit affordable/supportive building in the Glendale neighborhood of Queens. More than ten years in the creation, the project is the first supportive residence in the area and will provide homes to 40 formerly homeless individuals and families as well as 26 low-income households.
WellLife CEO Sherry Tucker emceed the event and started off by telling the long story of the building’s 20-year history and thanking former CEO Alan Weinstock for carrying the project forward over many any years. She also congratulated the new tenants who now have a safe place to “flourish and achieve your goals.” Finally, she thanked Community Board 5 which that voted overwhelmingly to support the project.
Ahmed Tigani, Deputy Commissioner, NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development, noted, "By creating the Cypress Avenue Apartment complex, WellLife is a beacon for change. It should be lauded for its persistence and vision in breaking down silos to initiate safe and affordable housing."
District 30 Council Member Robert F. Holden, remarked, “This apartment complex is a 'win-win' for your agency and the Glendale neighborhood. WellLife has created a safe place to live and thrive. By creating affordable housing through this beautifully appointed building, you are investing in the future of people's lives."
CSD Housing President Mike Dehmler handed out partnership awards to all those who’d made the residence a reality.
The new building will house both at–risk young adults and young adult families, as well as formerly homeless individuals and families. On-site services are funded by NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene through the NYC 15/15 Initiative. The new residence features a fitness center, a multi-purpose community resource room, an outdoor terrace (with Manhattan skyline views) and laundry facilities.
Funding was provided by NYC HPD with Low Income Housing Tax Credits syndicated by Richman Housing. Pre-development funding was provided by CSH. The architects for the residence were Urban Architectural Initiative (UAI) in conjunction with Monica Lopez. The general contractor was J. Riso & Sons.
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