By SANDRA ALMONTE
Community health officials on Tuesday proposed to develop an affordable housing development for the elderly blocks away from a garbage dump.
If approved by the City Council, the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) would enter into a long-term lease with SKA Marin for the renovation and expansion of Draper Hall, an old dormitory on East 99th St. and First Ave., eight blocks north of a soon to be revitalized garbage transfer station.
Since 2006, New York City has planned to restore an unused garbage transfer station by the East River on the Upper East Side, cutting the amount of Manhattan’s trash hauled to other sites for processing.
“You’re okay with having no trouble moving in next door to a garbage dump that the mayor is putting in there?” Manhattan Councilman Benjamin J. Kallos asked SKA Marin CEO Sydelle Knepper at a council subcommittee hearing.
After a long pause, Knepper, “We can’t comment on that.”
As members of the Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Siting and and Maritime Uses voiced skepticism, witnesses stressed the importance of the project.
“In New York City there is an cute shortage of affordable and accessible housing for low-income elderly and disabled individuals,” said LaRay Brown, HHC Senior Vice President.
The 14-story structure would contain about 203 units, an EMS station, and a possible senior center for individuals who make less than $30,000 a year
The subcommittee planned to vote on the proposal Thursday.
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