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FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.couriersun.com MARCH 19, 2015 • THE COURIER SUN 11 BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT OKS CONSTRUCTION OF GLENDALE HOMELESS SHELTER BY SALVATORE LICATA ROBERT POZARYCKI AND LIAM LA GUERRE editorial@queenscourier.com @QueensCourier Building plans to construct a controversial homeless shelter in Glendale are moving ahead. The Department of Buildings approved permits on Tuesday for the conversion of a vacant factory building into transitional housing, which the community has repeatedly opposed for years. The dilapidated factory will have 103 units, smaller than the 125-room shelter originally proposed, encompassing 74,542 square feet of residential space, according to the fi lings with the Buildings Department. The four-story building will also be built with parking spaces for 33 vehicles, per plans. The Department of Homeless Services (DHS) has a pending fi ve-year, $27 million contract with Samaritan Village to operate the homeless shelter at the site. Residents and neighborhood representatives are upset that the permits were granted. “Trying to sneak this in, it’s all political,” said Sal Crifasi, president of the Glendale/Middle Village Coalition, a group of residents and community leaders devoted to fi ghting against the shelter. “Somebody is getting something. They are rubber stamping everything. I think someone is getting paid.” The Glendale/Middle Village Coalition has raised about $80,000 from hundreds of residents THE COURIER/Photo by Liam La Guerre to legally combat the shelter. They are appealing against the Environmental Assessment the city did on the land. The coalition’s members feel that the city did not take a “hard look” at the area in order to determine the impact of a homeless shelter at the site. They want a full Environmental Impact Study done. The coalition has a hearing on April 9 regarding its Article 78 proceeding. Politicians were also disappointed by the news of the approved plans and pledged to continue to fi ght the construction of the shelter. State Senator Joe Addabbo is trying to set up a meeting with DHS and the mayor’s offi ce for next week to talk about the plans. “We are going to continue to fi ght this and remain vigilant,” he said. “To date, we haven’t seen the Department of Homeless Services live up to its commitment of transparency and engagement with local communities in the siting of these facilities,” City Comptroller Scott Stringer said in a statement. “I urge DHS to engage and update all stakeholders about the development of the Glendale site, including these Department of Building permits.” Great rates like ours are always in season. 12-Month CD 1.05%APY* At Flushing Bank, we’re small enough to know you and large enough to provide you with the great rates you’re looking for. Hurry, an offer like this can’t last forever. For more information and to find out about our other great offers, visit your local Flushing Bank branch, call 800.581.2889 or visit www.FlushingBank.com. $5,000 minimum deposit *New money only. APY effective February 9, 2015. Annual percentage yield assumes principal and interest remain on deposit for a full year at current rate. Minimum deposit balance of $5,000 is required. Funds cannot be transferred from an existing Flushing Bank account. Premature withdrawals may be subject to bank and IRS penalties. Rates and offer are subject to change without notice. Flushing Bank is a registered trademark


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