By Betsy Scheinbart
Gov. George Pataki, the Rev. Floyd Flake, pastor of the Allen A.M.E. Church, and rapper LL Cool J last week celebrated the groundbreaking of a new senior citizens’ residence in Jamaica.
“As we think about the children and look to the future, we cannot forget the seniors of this great country,” Pataki said at the July 11 event. “This project will give the families of the Allen Senior Residence the peace of mind to enjoy life that come with good, affordable housing.”
The 330-unit residence will be constructed on a formerly empty lot between 107th and 108th avenues on Merrick Boulevard.
Flake said there had been some talk of making the lot into a bus depot, but he had other plans for it.
The design of the project calls for three seven-story buildings, each containing 110 one- and two-bedroom, handicapped-accessible units. There will also be on-site parking, laundry facilities, a courtyard and a community center.
Flake introduced LL Cool J, a Hollis native, as Todd Smith, his lesser-known given name. The rapper is looking for land in Queens or Nassau County to develop a residence for people with physical disabilities.
“People are bedridden because their homes are not designed for them to get around,” LL Cool J said, explaining how a specially designed facility would benefit the disabled.
Flake said he looked forward to working with LL Cool J and Pataki on the housing for disable project.
“I know what that means,” Pataki chuckled, saying he was bracing for a push from Flake for more funds for the project.
The New York State Housing Trust Fund Corporation and the state Division of Housing and Renewal awarded more than $22.5 million to the project, which is being developed by the Allen Neighborhood Preservation and Development Corporation and Arlen Contracting Corporation.
The governor thanked the rapper for coming and LL Cool J stepped up to the podium to shake his hand. He was followed by state Assembly members Malcolm Smith (D-St. Albans) and Vivian Cook (D-South Ozone Park), who joked with the governor, implying they all wanted his support on various projects.
“This is not an auction,” Pataki said, smiling.
Flake also welcomed Queens Borough President Claire Shulman to the event and thanked her for her support of Allen A.M.E. projects over the years.
The Allen A.M.E. Church already runs a senior housing complex on Linden Boulevard in St. Albans.
“I adore her because she has done so much,” Flake said of Shulman. “No one has been more supportive of us than Claire Shulman.”
Shulman called Flake “a public servant extraordinaire” who “delivers everything he promises.”
“These 330 units are desperately needed for the largest senior population in New York City,” Shulman said of Queens’ seniors. “They live longer, happier, healthier lives when we provide good housing for them.”
Several other Queens legislators thanked the governor for his support and help in securing state funds for the project.
“I welcome the governor to my assembly district,” Cook said. “The seniors here in Queens County are very grateful for his help.”
Reach reporter Betsy Scheinbart by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com or call 229-0300 Ext. 138.
