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Construction of Affordable Housing Development For Seniors Begins in Astoria

Rendering of the Bishop Valero Residence courtesy of Catholic Charities

Aug. 26, 2020 Staff Report

Construction of a six-story affordable housing complex for low-income seniors and the formerly homeless has recently begun in Astoria.

The building, which will include 102 units, is going up on what was a parking lot at 23-11 31st Rd. The building is being developed by Catholic Charities, which manages the Catherine Sheridan Houses, a low-income affordable housing complex consisting of 240 units across the street on 31^st Road.

The new building—to be called the Bishop Valero Residence– will feature a 6,400 square foot, 200 seat senior center on the ground floor that will be operated by Catholic Charities Neighborhood Services.

Site while it was a parking lot (QueensPost file photo)

The building will be a 100 percent affordable residence for seniors with 30 percent of the building units reserved for formerly homeless seniors with severe mental illness.

The units reserved for low-income seniors will target those making up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI).

“We are pleased to begin the construction of the Bishop Valero Residence,” said Monsignor Alfred LoPinto, Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens. “Affordable housing is one of the biggest crises facing New York City.”

Catherine Sheridan Senior Housing Complex (QueensPost file photo)

Council Member Costa Constantinides said the new facility is very much in need.

“More than ever, western Queens is in need of quality senior affordable housing,” Constantinides said in a statement.

“We lead the City in seniors awaiting appropriate housing that matches their financial means. They deserve to remain in the neighborhoods where they built a family and retired with dignity,” Constantinides added.