By Betsy Scheinbart
A federal Affordable Housing Program grant for more than $1 million has been awarded to the Allen A.M.E. Neighborhood Preservations and Development Corporation to help fund a new senior citizens’ residence, U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-St. Albans) announced Tuesday.
The funds will go toward the construction of a 110-unit, seven-story complex which will house very low-income seniors, some of whom were previously homeless in St. Albans.
“The AHP grant will provide a safe senior-oriented environment and will increase the supply of affordable housing in this are as well as revitalize the neighborhood,” Meeks said.
The residence consists of one-bedroom, handicapped adaptable units and also includes on-site parking, laundry facilities, a courtyard and a community center.
“Millions of low-income seniors nationwide are awaiting affordable housing, often opting to live in sub-standard living conditions,” Meeks said. “This grant will bring relief to some of our area’s elderly.”
The Allen A.M.E. Church, under the leadership of the Rev. Floyd Flake, already runs a senior housing complex on Linden Boulevard in St. Albans.
The current facility serves 340 clients each year and also features a community senior center. The center has a membership of more than 2,000 and acts as a focal point for recreational and social activities as well as cultural programs.
“Senior citizens are the foundation of our community here in southeastern Queens and the Rockaway peninsula,” Meeks said. “They vary from the veterans who fought for democracy to the mothers and fathers who worked hard and raised their families. They are your neighbors who may have fallen on hard times and because of a fixed income are unable to meet the high cost of living.”
Flake was Meeks’ predecessor in the 6th Congressional District seat and the two often collaborate on projects in the southeast Queens community.
“I have made a pledge, to continue to work along with my colleagues on Capitol Hill so that collectively faith and community-based organizations as well as state and local elected officials can continue to provide affordable housing for seniors and create opportunities for home ownership in the 6th Congressional District,” Meeks said.
Founded in 1978, the Allen A.M.E. Neighborhood Preservations and Development Corporation is only one of the many corporations in the Allen family.
The corporation runs a variety of programs, including home improvement and development, several health care centers and programs aimed at helping teenagers, children, mothers, and seniors.
Reach reporter Betsy Scheinbart by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com or call 229-0300 Ext. 138.
