Zhuang asks about Latimer Gardens OAC closure due to roof leaks
Zhuang cites reports that Latimer Gardens OAC, serving around 700 seniors, was closed due to persistent roof leaks. She asks how NYCHA and DFTA responded. Trimble says the facility was closed and programming relocated. Fradkin says the roof project is not currently funded; if funded, it would take about four years.
Recent reports highlight that the issues in one of the OAC centers in NITCHER campus,
like a Vladimir Garden OAC, which served around 700 seniors, the inflation was closed due to persistent roof leaks.
How did the NITCHER and the DFTA respond?
Yes, we were, it was unfortunate that we had to close that facility.
We had been working to make repairs for a while, but the repairs were significant and it was determined by aging and the provider that it was the best resource right now was to relocate the site and the programming.
When did you guys start notice that the leaking issue in that center?
I don't know when.
It's an issue with the roof.
It would require a full roof replacement.
So it has been ongoing for a while.
How long did it take to do the repair?
The roof project is not currently funded.
So you're not doing anything in that project.
People just have to move to other centers.
That's correct.
The center is closed.
We're currently in discussions with a funder to identify funding for the full roof replacement, but that has not yet been confirmed.
If the funding for the full roof replacement were to be confirmed, it would be a project that would take about four years.
Four years?
Correct.
If they have funding, take four years.
Yes.
So that's going to run the same problem as a senior center in Council Member Audubon's district.
That's correct.
Capital work is typically extensive.
Spanning from the planning and design phase to the procurement phase to the actual construction work.
Okay, what's the response of DFTA if this is a situation like this?
Well, it's unfortunate that this situation occurred, but obviously recognizing that leaving the older adults at that site would be a severe health and safety concern.
We did act to relocate those older adults to a center that was safer for them.
They're receiving the same programs and services at the relocation site as they would at the closed site.
So 700 seniors get to the same service?
They may not be at the same relocation site.
Obviously, there may be more than one that they are availing themselves of the services, but they are availing themselves of the services at another site.
For me, the DIFTA response is primarily to keep our older adults safe, and that's what we did.