FBI Seeks Public Help to Thwart Attacks by Stephen Geffon - Queens Chronicle

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An FBI program designed to help keep the city’s infrastructure safe from future terrorist attacks needs your help.

Special Agent James Capozzi of the FBI’s New York field office explained to Community Board 10 last Thursday that the program, named InfraGard, a collaboration for national infrastructure protection between the FBI and the InfraGard National Members Alliance, seeks to share information with the public in an effort to prevent future attacks.

“We’ve got to be vigilant,” said Capozzi, coordinator of InfraGard for the New York field office. “We need extra eyes and ears. By raising your awareness you are better positioned to let us know what you might see that we should respond to.”

Though still not widely known, InfraGard has been in existence since 1996. The Department of Homeland Security took over responsibility for it in 2003.

According to infragard.net, the effort is an information-sharing agreement between businesses, academic institutions, state and local law enforcement agencies. It was designed to harness private-sector expertise for investigative efforts in the cyber and physical security arenas.

Today, InfraGard’s protection efforts involve a close working relationship between the FBI and the private sector, as well as other agencies, including DHS, the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Small Business Administration.

Each InfraGard chapter is geographically linked with an FBI field office. Information is shared to mitigate threats to the nation’s critical infrastructures and key resources.

Membership in the InfraGard program, which is free, is, according to a published pamphlet, “a unique opportunity for both industry and government to unite in a cooperative effort of national security.”

To join, or for further information, contact infragard at team@infragard.org or go online to infragard.net.

Also discussed at the meeting was that the development of affordable senior housing in Howard Beach is on track.

Board members were advised by CB 10 Chairwoman Betty Braton that Bernard Fineson Senior Housing developer Catholic Charities is now expected to close on the building by the end of the year and break ground shortly thereafter. Construction is projected to take 18-months. The affordable housing is to be located on Crossbay Boulevard in Howard Beach.

The new complex will have 96 apartments. Twelve of the units will be set aside for the developmentally disabled. There will be 83 apartments for seniors, 27 studio apartments and 56 one-bedroom apartments. Seniors living in the Community Board 10 area will get priority for these apartments with half of these units being set aside for them, Braton said.

Rents are determined based on income. Braton said the studio apartments require applicants to have an income of no more that $30,800. The estimated rent for those units is $550 to $650 a month. For the one-bedroom apartments the applicant’s income is required to be no more than $49,280. The estimated rent is from $600 to $1,050 a month.

Catholic Charities has stated that six months before completion of construction it will advertise that applications will be accepted. Those interested must write a letter requesting an application, which will be reviewed for age, disability and income eligibility. Braton the community board and area elected officials will help in writing letters and filling out the applications. The CB 10 chairwoman noted that seniors should be aware there will be a deadline for filing the application.

A group of Aqueduct flea market vendors concerned about their fate also came to the meeting to ask for the board’s help.

Darrel Sukhdeo, a spokesman for the group, said the vendors would like to coexist with Genting’s racino.

“We believe that they can help us and we can help them,” he said, adding his belief that the flea market shoppers would go to the casino complex after shopping.

Not everyone, however, would be sorry to see the flea market close. Some local residents consider it a source of garbage and crime.

Howard Beach Affordable Housing Project Moving Forward: Details of Plan for Former Fineson Center Unveiled by Eric Yun -Forum News

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Affordable senior housing is on its way to becoming a reality at the old Bernard Fineson Developmental Center on Crossbay Boulevard in Howard Beach. Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens was awarded the contract in June 2009 to renovate and rebuild the center for senior apartments.

John Tynan, Director of Housing for Catholic Charities, gave a presentation to the Howard Beach community about the status of the building Wednesday night at St. Helens.

The new complex will feature 96 housing units. Twelve of the apartments will be set aside for the developmentally disabled, and there will be a live in super. This leaves 83 units for seniors, which are broken down into 27 studio apartments and 56 one-bedroom apartments.

The facility is designed for independent living. “It is not a nursing home or assisted living facility,” Tynan said. However, Tynan understands that “once in a while seniors will need some help” because of sicknesses or injuries. He is confident that in these circumstances the integrated services at Catholic Charities will help provide the necessary assistance.

Seniors who wish to get a unit at the new center must follow the application process, which was explained in detail. Six months before the completion of construction, Catholic Charities will advertise that the applications will be accepted. Applicants must write a letter requesting an application, and finished applications will be reviewed to ensure the senior meets the age, disability and income eligibility. Finally, there is an interview session to determine if the prospective candidate is the best fit for the apartment.

Seniors living in the Community Board 10 district will get priority. “For the lifetime of this project Board 10 will have a 50 percent preference,” Tynan said. That means at least 42 of the 83 units will be filled with seniors from the district.

Catholic Charities is hoping to get development underway by June. However, there is still a budget deficit to overcome. The expected cost is $29.415 million, and Catholic Charities has received $18.855 million from tax credits and city and state officials such as Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer (D-Ozone Park), City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) and Queens Borough Hall President Helen Marshall.

Another $7.31 million is anticipated through grants, private loans and state subsidies. This still leaves a budget gap of $3.25 million, but Tynan is confident that it can be overcome and no further delays are necessary.

As the process continues to move forward, Tynan and CB 10 Chairwoman Betty Braton assured the audience that they would know everything that is happening. “We will continue to disseminate information like we have been in the past,” Braton said.

The community seems ready to turn an unused site into a worthwhile building for seniors. “I feel very good about this. I want to get an apartment,” one member of the audience said.

Insensitive Graffiti Cleaned Up by Tonia N. Cimino - The Queens Courier

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Andrew Baumann is thrilled.

After an article in last week’s Courier Sun – and a timely response by City Councilmember Eric Ulrich – the insensitive graffiti on the Bernard Fineson Center in Howard Beach has been eradicated.

On Wednesday, July 21, City Solve, the company Ulrich has hired to clean up graffiti in the area, painted over the tag that read “Dirtnikki ♥s retards.”

Pamela Baumann, who, along with her husband Andrew, founded New York Families for Autistic Children (NYFAC), said she was alerted to the graffiti on the Bernard Fineson Center on Monday, July 12.

She called Ulrich’s office, the 106th Precinct, Community Board 10 and others, and less than 10 days later, it was gone.

“Thank you Eric Ulrich,” said Andrew. “I’m very pleased with his responsiveness to the needs of the community. Graffiti to me is bad as it is, but when you add that word, you step over the line.”

“Eric specifically had City Solve come out, especially for that,” said Conor Greene, spokesperson. “How people would do that – it’s awful.”

In the meantime, Andrew hopes to never see those words scrawled anywhere, ever again.

Insensitive Graffiti Galls Couple by Tonia Cimino - The Queens Courier

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When she got the phone call, she was angry. But when she saw it for herself, she was appalled.

Pamela Baumann, who, along with her husband Andrew, founded New York Families for Autistic Children (NYFAC), said she was alerted to the graffiti on the Bernard Fineson Center in Howard Beach on Monday, July 12.

She passed by, with her 16-year-old autistic son, and both were shocked to read “Dirtnikki ♥s retards.”

“‘Mentally retarded’ is a thing of the past,” said Andrew. “It has such negative connotations. Graffiti is graffiti, but this – especially on that building – is terrible.”

In fact, said Andrew, the word “retarded” is so negative that the body under which Fineson – and NYFAC – run, the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, has been changed to the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.

Pamela called Community Board 10, the 106th Precinct, State Senator Joseph Addabbo and City Councilmember Eric Ulrich.

106th Precinct Commanding Officer Deputy Inspector Joseph G. Courtesis assured her that “every single cop has been assigned” to look for the vandal.

And graffiti officer Frank Reina said that he is looking into it and may have some ideas as to who is responsible.

In addition, Reina said, the perp might have tagged other locations in the area, including the library, Blockbuster video and at 133rd Street and Cross Bay Boulevard.

The Baumanns are so upset over it; they have even vowed to paint over the graffiti themselves.

Work on Queens Senior Residence Will Have to Wait a Year by Stephen Geffon - Leader-Observer

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Seniors will have to wait a while longer for apartments at the Howard Beach Housing Residence on Crossbay Boulevard now that the groundbreaking has been rescheduled from spring of 2010 to the first quarter of 2011.

That's according to John Tynan, director of Housing for Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens. Tynan said that due to the current economic conditions, it has taken the group longer than expected to secure the financing needed for the project.

However, financing is now in place and closing on the project is scheduled for the end of the year. Construction is expected to take two years. The non-profit organization was selected in June of 2009 to construct affordable senior housing at the site.

Tynan, in his presentation to Community Board 10 members last June, said Catholic Charities believes the project will help address the critical local need for affordable senior housing while reusing an important community asset.

The senior residence, which will occupy 111,000 square feet and sit on 3.4 acres, will provide 81 units of affordable housing for seniors and individuals with developmental disabilities. The $26.6 million project will rehabilitate the former Bernard Fineson Developmental Center and will consist of 30 studio and 51 one-bedroom apartments, laundry facilities, a community space, resident lounges and offices. The main entrance will be upgraded and a new entrance will be added.

Parking will be maintained at 106 spots. The grounds will be landscaped with additional passive recreation areas and raised tenant gardens specifically designed for seniors. All tenants will be supported by Catholic Charities’ network of community and social services.

The apartments, which are expected to rent for between $700 and $800, are targeted for seniors over the age of 60 and individuals with developmental disabilities and will be made affordable to incomes up to 80 percent of the area median income – about $40,000 for a couple. Fifty percent of the senior units will go to residents of Community Board 10.

The senior residence will be constructed as an eco-green building to make it as energy efficient as possible, according to Tynan.

Howard Beach Senior Housing to Open in 2012 by Stepehn Geffon - Queens Chronicle

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Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens was selected to turn the Bernard Fineson Developmental Center of Howard Beach into affordable senior housing. (photo courtesy Catholic Charities)

Groundbreaking for the Howard Beach Senior Residence, at the site of the old Bernard Fineson Developmental Center at 155-55 Crossbay Blvd., is scheduled for late spring 2010, according to John Tynan, executive director of Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens.

The nonprofit organization, which presented its plans to Community Board 10 members last week, was selected last June to construct affordable senior housing at the site. The senior residence is expected to be completed in early 2012.

Tynan said he believes the project will help address the critical local need for affordable senior housing while reusing an important community asset. Since 1975, Bernard Fineson of Howard Beach provided care, education and training to adults and children with developmental disabilities and multiple handicapping conditions.

The new eco-green senior residence, which will occupy 111,000 square feet and sit on 3.4 acres, will both retain and expand upon the Fineson model by providing 81 units of affordable housing for seniors and individuals with developmental disabilities. The $26.6 million project will consist of 30 studio and 51 one-bedroom apartments, laundry facilities, a community space, resident lounges and offices. The main entrance will be upgraded and a second entrance will be added. Outside, the parking lot will accommodate 106 cars and the grounds will be landscaped with additional recreation areas and raised tenant gardens specifically designed for seniors. All tenants will be supported by Catholic Charities’ network of community and social services.

The apartments, which are expected to rent for between $700 and $800, are targeted toward seniors over the age of 60 and individuals with developmental disabilities and are designed to be affordable to those with incomes up to 80 percent of the area median income — about $40,000 for a couple. Fifty percent of the senior units will go to residents of C.B. 10.

The apartment application process will begin in late spring 2010 and will be coordinated with C.B. 10 in a community outreach program, Tynan said, adding, “Every senior in Community Board 10 should have plenty of notice and plenty of understanding to get their application in.”

Tynan emphasized that the community board and local elected officials will be kept appraised as the project moves along. “There will be no surprises.”

State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) told board members he is very confident the community will benefit from a Catholic Charities project — that it will fit in with the community and create construction job when he said, “I’m very optimistic about what is the future of the Fineson Center site.”

NYS HFA Issues RFP for Sale of Howard Park Unit - NYREJ

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The New York State Housing Finance Agency (HFA) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for developers interested in purchasing the site of the Howard Park Unit in the Howard Beach neighborhood for the development of 100 affordable housing units for low-income senior citizens. The proposed sale is part of governor David Paterson's response to the state's affordable housing crisis by making state properties no longer needed for state operations available for development.

The current structures on the property, which will require substantial rehabilitation and modernization, are operated by the Office of Mental Retardation & Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD) and are scheduled to close by June 30.

The development site consists of 3.4 acres located at 155-55 Cross Bay Blvd. The two structures on the property occupy 111,000 s/f. The site is currently owned by the Dormitory Authority of NYS.

"My administration is dedicated to converting nonessential state property to private use and it makes tremendous sense to turn Howard Park into affordable senior housing," the governor said. "In these difficult fiscal times, we need to be as creative as possible in generating additional resources and providing affordable housing for our neediest citizens."

State senator Joe Addabbo (D-Queens) said, "I look forward to working with Governor Paterson's administration and state officials on the future of the Bernard Fineson facility site. I intend to promote community involvement and input on all aspects of planning and discussions on the proposed use of said site."

Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer (D-Queens) said, "During these fiscally troubling times, senior citizens are especially vulnerable. The creation of quality, affordable senior citizen apartments will provide a currently unmet need in our community. I look forward to working with DHCR and HFA, the prospective developer and the community in welcoming this much needed senior housing."

Priscilla Almodovar, HFA president and CEO, said, "With this proposal, the State takes the first step toward converting underutilized public property into much needed affordable housing for senior citizens and those who are developmentally disabled living in Queens. This proposal could not have happened without multiple state agencies and our partners working together."

OMRDD commissioner Diana Jones Ritter said, "OMRDD is committed to downsizing and redefining its institutional capacity. The sale and redevelopment of the property is part and parcel of this. The individuals living at Howard Park will be transferred into the community and into a home of their choice. We are looking forward to seeing people who have developmental disabilities, and who are aging, take advantage of the much-needed senior housing that will come from this."

Deborah VanAmerongen, commissioner of DHCR, said, "governor Paterson's plan to use non-essential and underutilized state properties for the public good is a common sense approach that will help us address the state's affordable housing shortage. The conversion of Howard Park Unit will provide housing for New Yorkers who most need our help-low-income elderly and people with developmental disabilities."

Paul Williams Jr., executive director of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, said, "Affordable housing is a critical need across New York State, particularly in New York City. The Dormitory Authority is proud to assist governor Paterson, the state HFA and private sector developers in transforming this underused state property into 100 units of affordable housing that will benefit senior citizens in New York City. This project is a fine example of state government and the private sector working together to achieve a laudable public policy goal."

Bernie Carr, executive director of the NYS Association for Affordable Housing, said, "The NYS Association for Affordable Housing applauds the governor's decision to transform this underutilized property into much-needed affordable housing for seniors. The adaptive re-use of existing facilities is an excellent use of scarce government subsidy. It will also leverage substantial private investment. Our members look forward to working with our partners at HFA and OMRDD to make this project a reality."

Ted Houghton, executive director of the Supportive Housing Network of New York, said, "This is exactly the kind of creative thinking that's becoming a hallmark of the Paterson Administration. Re-using surplus state properties in this way shows the governor is not going to let the budget deficit get in the way of his commitment to building affordable housing. We're especially pleased that people with special needs will be integrated into the housing. That this integration will occur on the site of an institution that used to separate disabled people from their communities is particularly welcome."

The state would like the successful developer to convert the facility into 100 housing units. At least 80 of the units would be studios or one-bedroom apartments for low- to moderate-income seniors over the age of 60. The remaining 20 units would be reserved for individuals supported by OMRDD. The developer should also set aside space for appropriate senior services for residents of the unsupported units, such as a community or informational resource center.

The site will likely be eligible for allocations of public financing, though applicants should assume that no more than 70% of the total redevelopment cost will come from State agencies. Bidders are required to submit funding plans that are financially feasible, demonstrate interest from funding sources other than the State, provide long-term affordability for low-income residents, and serve the lowest-income persons as possible with the least amount of state subsidy.

Howard Park was originally constructed as a private hospital in the 1960's. OMRDD opened the facility as a residential unit in 1975. The certified capacity at that time was 160. The facility currently provides residential and program services for 46 individuals, including those diagnosed with autism.

When the facility closes in June, these individuals will be placed into community placement opportunities or be transferred to the main Hillside Campus in Queens Village, where they will continue to receive services designed to promote their health and welfare.

No Firm Date for Aqueduct VLTs by Stephen Geffon - Leader-Observer

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The members of Community Board 10 were expecting to hear at their meeting last week in South Ozone Park that construction had already been started for the long-awaited video lottery terminals (VLTs) at Aqueduct Racetrack in Ozone Park. However, their expectations were dashed when representatives of Delaware North Company Gaming and Entertainment, the group chosen by Governor David Paterson to run the casino, offered no start date during their presentation before the board.

Ronald Sultemeier, Delaware North’s vice president for Strategic Development, said that construction of the facility would take 14 months once the Memorandum of Understanding is signed with the state and the architectural work is completed.

The proposed $ 250 million, 328,000-square-foot gaming and entertainment center will have 4,500 slot machines and create in excess of 1,100 construction-related jobs and 1,000 permanent jobs. It is also expected to generate around $1 million in revenue daily.

In a press release, Delaware North said their 30-year agreement with the state is expected to generate $10.3 billion for education. In addition, the group said it plans to develop the surrounding area with a 350- to 500-room luxury hotel, 3,000- to 5,000-square-foot destination spa, 60,000-square-foot state-of-the-art conference center, 3,000-seat event center, and 15,000 to 30,000 square feet of retail space.

According to Sultemeier the updated plan calls for the gaming floor to now be on the first floor, which would bring the people directly into the casino without having to take two sets of escalators to get to the VLTs. The original plan had the casino on the second floor. He also noted that a parking garage has been added to the plans.

Sultemeier added that the first floor will also have a world-class international food buffet and the facility will contain a steakhouse, Asian and Italian restaurants, a large food court, several bars and lounges, and a stage for entertainment.

Future of Fineson Center

Chairwoman Betty Braton also informed board members that she attended a meeting last December to discuss the state’s plans for the Bernard Fineson Center’s property in Howard Beach with Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer and State Senator Joseph Addabbo.

The Fineson Center is expected to close in June. She said the state has expressed an interest in developing the property for senior citizen housing, and on Monday the state issued a Request for Proposals for no fewer than 100 units of senior housing.

Braton added that 80 percent of the units would be studio or one-bedroom apartments, not assisted living. Half of the units would also be set aside for seniors currently living in the Community Board 10 area. Twenty percent of the units would be reserved for assisted living for elderly individuals covered by the State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.

The building, which sites on 3.4 acres at 155-55 Cross Bay Boulevard, is not expected to be torn down, but will have major renovations made to the interior.

Braton said that contrary to rumors there are no plans for public housing to be built on the property. There will be a 30-year restriction for senior citizen housing.

Other Board News

Braton reminded the audience that block party applications must be submitted 90 days before the block party is to occur. She also said that this year NYPD-issued sound permits for music played at the party would expire at 7 p.m. Last year music was allowed until 9 p.m. Braton also issued a reminder that in the City of New York it is illegal to consume alcohol on the street or sidewalk. She added that police would be closely monitoring block parties for all Quality of Life violations.

Meanwhile, a representative from the U.S. Census Bureau told the audience that in spring 2009 and in early 2010 several thousand temporary census jobs will be available for qualified applicants. Assignments will last five to ten weeks. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. To apply to take the test to become a census taker in Queens call (646) 233-2406 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.