By Howard Koplowitz
A representative from the nonprofit selected to redevelop the Bernard Fineson Center in Howard Beach into senior housing updated Community Board 10 on the group’s plans during the board’s monthly meeting last week.
John Tynan of Catholic Charities said about 80 units of senior housing, including 51 one-bedroom and 30 studio apartments, are planned for the site. He said an additional 12 units will be set aside for the mentally disabled.
“We plan to hopefully start construction in late spring and open in early 2012,” Tynan told CB 10 members at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Lefferts Boulevard.
The project is expected to cost between $24 million and $26 million, Tynan said, noting renovations to the center will be made using unionized workers.
The contract to convert Bernard Fineson into mostly senior housing was awarded by the state Dormitory Authority. A condition of the contract stipulates half of the housing units go to residents living within CB 10.
Tynan said the building’s facade and parking spots will be kept intact during the redevelopment and that all construction will be done within the footprint of the structure.
With the plans in the early stages, Tynan said conceptual drawings of the building are not scheduled to be made up until Thanksgiving.
State Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) attended the CB 10 meeting and applauded the renovation effort.
“I’m very optimistic about what the future is at the Bernard Fineson site,” he said.
But CB 10 member Margaret Finnerty said she was concerned that seniors who do not have computers would have difficulty applying for housing at the site if applications had to be submitted electronically.
CB 10 Chairwoman Betty Braton said she would ensure every senior from the community who is interested in a housing spot would be able to apply.
Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at hkoplowitz@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 173.
