Council Member Van Bramer Preserves Affordable Senior Housing in Woodside
On Monday, August 29th, Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer, the Board of Directors of Woodysun, HDFC, Sunnyside Community Services and Woodside on the Move, Inc. celebrated the preservation of affordable senior housing at Sunnywood Apartments in Woodside.
Council Member Van Bramer pushed Resolution 564 through the New York City Council, approving an exemption from paying increased property taxes to maintain affordable senior living in the Woodysun Apartments. The Council Member worked with the Board of Woodysun to get a regulatory agreement signed with the City of New York, allowing Woodysun to continue providing affordable housing for seniors for the next 35 years. Van Bramer assisted in obtaining city approval for preserving this important community asset.
In addition to Woodysun remaining affordable, important renovations will be made to the development including: upgraded elevators, restrooms and lobby, energy efficient air conditioners, apartment radiator valves for heat control, new security system, repaving parking and outdoor sitting areas, new roof/terrace access, new community room, and 15 newly renovated apartments.
“I will always fight for our seniors, many of whom are on a fixed income, and need an affordable place to call home. I will act on any chance I have to preserve an important asset such as Woodysun, which is a terrific place born out of a great partnership between Woodside on the Move and Sunnyside Community Services. I will continue to do all I can to preserve affordable housing, particularly for seniors,” said Council Member Van Bramer.
“Preserving affordable housing in Queens is very important. The Woodysun Board and Council Member Van Bramer are committed to this collaborative effort allowing seniors to have affordable housing for the next 35 years. Non-profits and government should work together for more projects like this in a time when affordable housing isn’t being developed. This project was done with a private loan which required no additional money from the government. It gives an opportunity for banks to invest in a community,” said Douglas Hanau of Phipps Houses Services, Inc.
Council Member Van Bramer joins other elected officials in celebrating plans for renovations for Woodysun.
In this photo from left to right: David Espinosa, Board Member of Sunnyside Community Services; Gerry Lederman of Sunnyside Community Services; Rosa Reyes, Executive Director of Woodside on the Move; Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer; Laura Heim, Architect for the project; Assembly Member Marge Markey; Judy Zangwill, Executive Director of Sunnyside Community Services; Al Volpe of Woodside on the Move