The closing related to the WestHELP/Mayfair Senior Housing Project is scheduled for both Wednesday, October 16th (today) and Thursday, October 17th. The town will receive $600,000 payment under the ground lease negotiated with Westchester County over a year ago. Marathon will convert the abandoned homeless shelter into 74 affordable senior housing apartments for seniors 62 years of age and older. Marathon Development Corporation already owns 90, 100 Manhattan Ave and 33 Oak Street and has experience managing affordable housing in the county.
The WestHELP homeless shelter used to house 108 homeless individuals. Former County Executive Rob Astorino closed down the shelter- which was built by Andrew Cuomo when his father was Governor in the 1980s.
The senior housing development has the support of the Mayfair Knollwood Civic Association which participated in the discussions leading to the decision of the town to support converting the shelter into affordable housing.
Prior to the decision to convert the WestHELP senior housing into 74 affordable housing units the town had supported a plan that would have knocked down the shelter and replaced it with a new home for Ferncliff Manor, a school for developmentally disabled children. Many Westchester officials objected-and the town decided to support affordable housing at the location instead.
There is a great need for affordable housing for seniors. The existing buildings are beautiful and once the renovations are complete will be enjoyed by seniors. The location is also great- on the grounds of Westchester Community College. This will provide seniors with the chance to audit classes at the college and interact with students.
It is expected that the renovations will take over a year to complete--before the seniors start moving in.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor