By Phil Corso
After nearly a decade of dealing with money, meetings and management, the Center for the Women of New York’s journey back to Fort Totten was given the stamp of approval and may relocate by next year.
Ann Jawin, CWNY president, said her patience was validated when the center learned the state Dormitory Authority had approved renovations for the historic landmark in Bayside, marking a vital next step in an ongoing mission to return home to Fort Totten.
“It has been slow, but we are thrilled to be at this stage,” Jawin said. “We don’t have to hope things will go through anymore. It’s a reality.”
With this approval, the Dormitory Authority recognizes the move as a valid project, giving the green light to various city and state funds going through the CWNY and its architects. The authority did not return calls seeking comment.
Before the approval, Jawin said the center relied solely on fund-raising and local support from area politicians, including $900,000 from state Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Fresh Meadows), $200,000 from Borough President Helen Marshall and $600,000 from former Assemblywoman Ann-Margaret Carrozza.
The city Parks Department has listed the entire renovation cost at $3.5 million.
Jawin said the center can now begin the bidding process to finalize renovation plans for the building’s first floor before the group can once again call the 117-year, city-owned building home, at 207 Totten Ave. in Bayside. The center had been operating out of the historic building for five years before it was forced out in 2002 to make way for a city Fire Department facility.
“It is only because I remember how wonderful it was that I have had the patience to wait and keep working on this,” Jawin said.
The first phase of the renovations will sanitize the entire building and refurbish the porch and first floor for the center to occupy, Jawin said. It should take at least a year before the center officially moves as the bidding process alone could take as many as six months.
The center has been operating out of Queens Borough Hall in Kew Gardens, a space Jawin said was not big enough for her staff to provide all the necessary services with ease.
“We feel tremendously restricted there,” Jawin said. “It is vital that we relocate and get this going.”
Next up, Jawin said she and her staff will work to complete the design of the renovated space that will include a history of the women’s movement, a cultural and conference center as well as career education services for women.
The CWNY will also host its annual luncheon April 27 in Douglaston to continue its fund-raising efforts as it prepares for the long-awaited move back to Bayside so it can continue providing services and programs for women, including job workshops, support groups, legal assistance and career counseling.
“This whole process has been extremely frustrating with the tremendous number of meetings we have had,” Jawin said. “We’re finally on our way.”
Reach reporter Phil Corso by e-mail at pcorso@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4573.
