NCP apartments expected to generate high interest

by Ralph Schwarz
Niagara Wheatfield Tribune, May 27, 2004

Niagara Cerebral Palsy recently made history with the opening of the first housing facility in Niagara County geared solely toward individuals with disabilities.

In a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 13, NCP executives and representatives of the Cerebral Palsy Association of New York State officially dedicated the GeriRose Garden Apartments.

Located on a lot behind the NCP offices on 9812 Lockport Road in the town of Niagara, the 11,000-square-foot complex features 11 affordable apartments geared specifically toward individuals with physical or developmental disabilities.

"The apartment complex is the first one in Niagara County dedicated to individuals with disabilities," said NCP Executive Director Joseph Mineo. "It is not intended for mixed use [for seniors and individuals with disabilities]."

Subsidized By HUD

Built with a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the $1 million facility consists of eight one-bedroom and three two-bedroom apartments, a community room and a laundry facility. All rooms are set up for individuals with disabilities, with the rooms on the first floor specifically geared toward individuals with wheelchairs.

"I love the apartment," said Sherry Scavo, a tenant of the GeriRose Garden Apartments. "It's very peaceful, quiet and clean."

Since the facility lies on a bus line, individuals living in the apartment complex have easy access to the Greater Niagara community.

"The bus brings the tenants to NCCC, which is like a hub," said Eric DesSoye, residential director of the GeriRose Garden Apartments. "Once they get there, they can go everywhere."

Certain Income Required

In order to qualify for one of the new apartments, applicants need to meet a certain income.

According to DesSoye, individuals applying for one of the 540-square-foot, one-bedroom apartments will need to have an annual income of $18,000 or under, while those applying for one of the 800-square-foot two-bedroom units have to have an annual income of $20,000 or under.

"The rent will be subsidized depending on the individual's income," DesSoye said. "We will pay the heat, but each tenant has to pay his or her electricity."

So far, four individuals have moved in since the apartment complex opened to the public on April 1, while three other applications were still awaiting approval as of mid-May. Nevertheless, NCP officials are quick to point out that interested parties should submit their applications as soon as possible.

"We expect it won't be long before the building is filled," said John Reardon, deputy director of NCP. "Once the word gets out, more people will contact us."

Waiting List Likely

Since the applications are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis, DesSoye said that a waiting list will become unavoidable.

"I really think that we will have a waiting list in the future, as it is often the case with such projects," he said. "We're probably getting applications from individuals across the area, primarily Niagara Falls and North Tonawanda."

Those tenants who already live at the apartment complex are glad to call the GeriRose Garden Apartments their new home.

"It's so nice to find a place like this and not having anywhere to live," Scavo said. "It has been a blessing."

Depending on the success of the project, NCP might consider providing even more affordable housing to the disabled in the near future.

"If it's successful, we already have another one on the drawing board," Mineo said.

For more information on the GeriRose Garden Apartments contact NCP Residential Services at 297-0798, Ext. 134.