Rendering of WellLife Network’s proposed development at 80-97 Cypress Ave. (WellLife)
Dec. 13, 2018 By Laura Hanrahan
A nonprofit group that needs a zoning variance to build a six-story supportive housing development in Glendale was given the stamp of approval by Community Board 5 last night.
WellLife Network, which operates supportive housing throughout New York, plans to build a 66-unit facility at 80-07 Cypress Ave. to house homeless or at -risk individuals. Occupants will include people with disabilities, mental illnesses or have low incomes.
The non-profit has applied for a variance with the New York City Board of Standards and Appeals since the structure would be larger than what zoning permits.
The community board unanimously supported WellLife’s application for the variance.
The proposed building will consist of 40 studio apartments, 12 one-bedrooms and 14 two-bedrooms.
Residents will go through a two-stage application process involving an in-person interview before moving in.
WellLife made a presentation to CB5’s Zoning and Land Use Committee earlier this month and earned the support of committee members.
“We think that they’re responsible,” Zoning and Land Use Committee Chair Walter Sanchez said. “We believe this facility, 66 units, is a part of our community board’s commitment to doing it’s part for the homeless or at risk of homelessness.”
The Board of Standards and Appeals will ultimately decide whether to grant the zoning variance, but the Community Board’s decision will be taken into consideration.
80-97 Cypress Ave., where a nonprofit plans on bringing a 6-story, 66 unit supportive and affordable housing development. (Google Maps)
One Comment
This is wonderful! This is precisely the type of development that we need more of throughout the City. Over 60,000 folks sleep in shelters and tens of thousand more homeless either sleep at relatives or friends homes, or sadly exposed to the elements. We can and must do more to help these folks obtain housing and get back on their feet. I commend CB5 for doing the right thing here.