Corona will receive a green, affordable housing complex for seniors that will also be the first in the country to meet rigorous energy efficiency standards.
Located at 54-17 101st St., the 68 units will be income-restricted and 21 units will be reserved for vulnerable seniors. This building is also the first affordable housing site for seniors built in Corona in more than 30 years.
Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and the Department of City Planning held a groundbreaking for the structure on Oct. 25, which is set to open in spring 2018.
It will meet several energy-efficiency standards including NYSERDA Multifamily Performance Standards for Energy Star Certification, Enterprise Green Communities Criteria and will be the first affordable senior housing structure in the United States to meet the Passive House Institute design standards.
“HANAC’s Corona Senior Residence will increase our borough’s supply of affordable senior housing while also offering important supportive services that will allow its residents to live healthier and fuller lives,” Katz said. “In short, the Corona Senior Residence is a model development that will set the standard for future efforts to provide affordable and supportive senior housing in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner.”
The Hellenic Action Neighborhood Committee will provide seniors with a social service coordinator and health screening program to prevent avoidable hospitalizations. A preschool will also be constructed on the site by the School Construction Authority. A shared rear yard with a vegetable garden, seating and tables for residents and a children’s natural play area will also be included.
All apartments will receive rent subsidy through HPD’s Senior Affordable Rental Apartments (SARA) program. By meeting rigorous Passive House standards, the development will limit its energy consumption by approximately 75 percent, which will result in lower utility bills for tenants and lower operating costs for owners.
Funding is provided by Councilwoman Julissa-Ferreras Copeland, Katz, JP Morgan Chase, NYCERS and the office of Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman.
“I am proud to join HANAC and all our partners to bring affordable senior housing to our community. Too many seniors pay too much of their income in rent, and we must work to address this problem across our district and city,” Ferreras-Copeland said. “That was my vision while negotiating the Willets Point agreement, and it continues to drive my work today. This development will be a model, with energy efficient design and staff to provide seniors with the support services they need for decades to come. Our community deserves nothing less.”
