Severe leaks forced seniors out of resource center, pols say

Queens electeds  Representative Grace Meng and Councilmember Sandra Ung are calling on the New York City Housing Authority to fix leak issues at the Latimer Gardens Older Adult Center in Flushing.  Photo via Representative Grace Meng’s office

By Ryan Schwach

Severe leaks on the roof of a popular Flushing adult center has led organizers to shut down programming for around 700 local seniors, a pair of local officials say.

Representative Grace Meng and Councilmember Sandra Ung are calling on the New York City Housing Authority to fix the leaks at the Latimer Gardens Older Adult Center, which is part of the NYCHA Latimer Gardens complex, and reopen the center.

According to the Flushing electeds, the leaks have put a hold on activities and services at the center, leaving many local seniors in the lurch for resources.

“Allowing conditions at the Latimer Gardens Older Adult Center to get so bad that it had to be shut down is unacceptable,” Meng said in a statement. “Local seniors in and around Latimer Gardens rely on this facility for activities and services that enable them to stay active and receive the support they need.”

Meng first noticed the leaks during a visit to the center last year, and requested that NYCHA address the issue.

Her office said that leaks coming from the building’s gym ceiling damaged the floor.

“I again renew my call for NYCHA to expeditiously complete the necessary repairs and reopen this facility as soon as possible so that it could once again become a safe and functional space for Queens seniors,” she said.

The center opened in 1973, and was temporarily closed to seniors on May 18.

“When the senior center at Latimer Gardens was forced to close because of the extensive roof leaks and the damage they caused, my office was inundated with calls from older adults who suddenly lost access to the programs, services and social connections they depend on every day,” said Ung. “At the same time, the summer youth program that serves local families has been left searching for alternative space, creating uncertainty for children and parents alike.” possible.”

Meng is working to finalize $800,000 in federal funding that would help renovate and replace the leaking roof.

NYCHA said in a statement to the Eagle that once the funding is secured, they will be able to complete the work and re-open services.

"NYCHA has been regularly performing short-term repairs to address the persistent leaks affecting the Latimer Gardens Community Center, but it is clear that the only viable path forward is a full roof replacement,” a spokesperson said. “NYCHA continues its close partnership and coordination with the center's service providers to ensure NYCHA residents and community members have continued access to programming, meals and social interaction.”