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Hope Grows in Pollack Gardens
If there is one lesson that can be derived from the redesign of an old, dismal adult home into a bright, safe and affordable housing development, it is this: collaboration works. Just ask the Executive Director of Concern for Independent Living, or the Deputy Commissioner for Intergovernmental Affairs at the DHCR, or the Chair of the NYS Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities, or any of the host of individuals responsible for making Pollack Gardens possible.
Ralph Fasano, Lorrie Pizzola, and Gary O'Brien - the Executive Director, the Deputy Commissioner, and the Chair respectively - were among many state and local officials celebrating the inauguration of this model redesign of the former Family Lodge in the Town of Islip.
Five state agencies worked together to bring this 50-unit studio apartment complex for persons recovering from psychiatric disabilities to completion - the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, the Department of Health, the Office of Mental Health, the New York State Housing Finance Agency and the Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities.
The coalition between DHCR, the Community Preservation Corporation (CPC), Concern for Independent Living, the Office of Mental Health (OMH), the Enterprise Foundation and the lending community transformed a blighted, poorly run adult home into quality housing. This unique effort represents one potential solution to the longstanding problem New York State faces regarding housing for people with mental illness.
Commissioner Deborah VanAmerongen said, "Pollack Gardens is a shining example of what government can accomplish when it engages with the private sector to address an 'intractable' problem. Because of the leadership of Concern for Independent Living, the support of CPC, and the commitment of no less than five state agencies, the residents of Pollack Gardens will have a chance to move toward recovery in the most integrated setting possible. I am gratified that DHCR's allocation of low income housing credits helped bring $2.8 million to the table, and proud of the important role we played in this effort."
Pollack Gardens comprises an extensively rehabilitated 17,000-square-foot building originally constructed in 1973 and used as a 64-bed group home. New construction was added to complete the 25,000-square-foot property, which also includes a kitchen and bathroom in each rental unit, and a congregate kitchen, exercise room, computer room and lounges. This project is one of three in Suffolk County where Concern is converting large, overcrowded adult homes into high quality housing units.
The Town of Islip openly embraced the project and the West Sayville Civic Association publicly supported its development.
Located just outside the Village's small commercial district in a neighborhood with a mix of commercial and residential uses, it is directly across Main Street from the West Sayville Golf Club, a county-operated course.
Robin Krajewski, Director of the Long Island Field Office for the New York State Office of Mental Health said, "I congratulate Ralph Fasano, Director, and the staff of Concern for Independent Living, for having the vision and drive to make Pollack Gardens what it is today. We are all committed to providing safe, decent and affordable housing for those with mental illness. It is truly an honor to work with such an outstanding organization."
Chris Betts, Vice President and Regional Director of CPC's Albany office, said, "The coalition between CPC, Concern for Independent Living, New York State, Enterprise and the lending community transformed a blighted, poorly run adult home into quality housing representing one potential solution to the longstanding problem New York State faces regarding housing for people with mental illness." CPC has financed 21 projects on Long Island, serving 322 persons with disabilities.
Concern for Independent Living, Inc., founded in 1972, is a not-for-profit corporation that provides treatment and services to the mentally ill. It is well known for the quality of its services in central Long Island, providing outpatient programs and residential placement in its residences as well as in the general community. Concern for Independent Living operates about 100 residences on Long Island.
Last Updated: 06/01/07