Bronx Pro Group announces
affordable mixed-use development
Senior centers offer fun and
wellness – far more than bingo!
On a recent day, a group of
Hispanic men shared a joke as
they played pool at an older adult
center in Queens. Across the large,
multipurpose room, Asian women
participated in an exercise class. In
classrooms dotting the perimeter,
older adults learned about the value
of eating healthy and took English as
a second language classes.
This scene wasn’t unique. It is a
typical day at one of the Department
for the Aging’s network of almost 250
older adult centers spread across the
five boroughs. There is something for
nearly everyone.
Many centers have art, music and
dance classes along with walking
clubs and yoga. Among the many
offerings are recreational trips to
museums and other cultural outings.
Some unique offerings also include
the falls prevention classes “Stay
Active and Independent for Life” and
“Tai Chi for Arthritis,” with activities
in support of annual Falls Prevention
Awareness Day on Sept. 23.
Through technology classes
at more than 100 senior centers,
older adults learn about computer
hardware, software programs such as
Word and Excel, and how to safely
browse the internet.
Meals are also provided for a
nominal suggested donation. For
some older New Yorkers living on
a limited income, these meals are a
primary source of nutrition and ease
fears related to financial stress. No
one should have to choose between
paying for meals or medications.
BRONX TIMES REPORTER, S 22 EPTEMBER 6-12, 2019 BTR
For older adults suffering
with depression, anxiety and
other mental health ailments,
clinicians provide on-site group
and individual counseling sessions
at dozens of senior centers in
multiple languages. This further
expands the network of care in a
safe environment for older adults
who may not normally seek help.
While September is National
Senior Center Month, we shouldn’t
wait until September to celebrate
these hubs of activity and social
connectedness. Senior centers
should be celebrated year-round.
In fact, senior center members who
participated in a survey told us that
socialization was a main reason for
them joining their local center.
Nearly 30,000 older New Yorkers
take advantage of the benefits of older
adult centers daily. Membership is
free and open to anyone age 60 or
older. Immigration status and income
are never barriers to entry.
From health and wellness to
educational classes and even bingo,
go see for yourself what senior
centers have to offer. Call 311 to find
a location near you.
Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez
is commissioner of the New York City
Department for the Aging. Prior to
joining the de Blasio administration,
she served in executive leadership roles
with AARP, EmblemHealth and other
organizations. She also served as New
York’s first Latina Secretary of State.
Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez visits members of a Queens senior center
BY STEVEN GOODSTEIN
Construction of an affordable
housing development is
set to begin in Tremont in the
next few months.
Bronx-based real estate
agency Bronx Pro Group has
announced plans for its new
residential complex for a site
at 4697 Third Avenue.
The eight-story project will
consist of 53 units, including
studios, one-, two- and threebedroom
apartments. All of
the units, except for the one
reserved for the superintendent,
will be available as rentals.
Studios will range from
$362 to $1,162, one-bedroom
units will range from $465 to
$1,465, two-bedroom units will
range from $569 to $1,769 and
three-bedrooms will range
from $650 to $2,037, according
to an individuals annual income.
Building amenities will
include a large terrace, play-
ground, garden, an indoor
gym and bike room, as well as
on-site laundry.
The rents and incomes are
expected to be restricted to a
maximum of between 30 and
80 percent of the area median
income (AMI).
The mixed-use project
will also include nearly 6,500
square feet of ground-fl oor
retail and commercial space.
The tenants have not yet been
determined. It is unknown
how many jobs will be generated.
Award-winning designers
Curtis + Ginsberg are the architects
for this project.
According to developer
Bronx Pro Group, the project
is designed and will be constructed
to meet the Passive
House certifi cation, a criteria
that includes quality, comfort
and energy effi ciency.
The Passive House certifi -
cation means that the development
requires minimal energy
to achieve a comfortable
year-round indoor temperature
and does not need to rely
solely on conventional methods
such as heating and air
conditioning to do so.
Bronx Pro Group also confi
rmed that this project is expected
to be fi nanced under
the NYC Housing Preservation
and Development’s New
Construction Program, as
well as a NYC HPD loan, a
NYS Homes and Community
Renewal’s 9% Low Income
Housing Tax Credit equity,
Middle Income Housing Program
funds, a Community Investment
Fund loan and a private
bank loan.
Bronx Pro Group intends
to break ground at the Third
Avenue site in November 2019,
with completion expected two
years later in November 2021.
The 9,500 square-foot lot, located
between East 188th
Street and Cyrus Place, is currently
vacant. Rendering of 4697 Third Avenue. Photo courtesy of Bronx Pro Group