36 years ago, when the Greenpoint Hospital was shut down neighbors came together to put dreams for the redevelopment of the 3.4 acre, 8 building campus onto paper. This coalition became known as Greenpoint Renaissance Enterprise Corporation (GREC). They remained united and steadfast in their purpose of bringing affordable housing, a skilled nursing facility, a health center, and a shelter for the homeless to this space. Through step-by-step victories and setbacks their ultimate goal was achieved when St. Nicks Alliance together with the Hudson Companies and Project Renewal, were selected to transform the Greenpoint Hospital Campus into a mixed-use site, much like the original community plan.
Assemblyman Joseph Lentol
Assemblyman Joe Lentol has been an active supporter of St. Nicks Alliance Elder Care services and especially the efforts to save 211 Ainslie Street home to Swinging Sixties Senior Center and Small World Early Childhood Center. He made the extraordinary effort to pass eminent domain legislation which would have permitted the State of New York to acquire 211 Ainslie Street had St. Nicks Alliance not been able to purchase the building. He has also been a longtime champion of the Greenpoint Renaissance Enterprise Corporation (GREC) for which his own staff, Tish Cianciotta (now retired), was the leader.
Commissioner Bill Chong (NYC Department of Youth and Community Development)
St. Nicks Alliance launched its NABE 3.0 School Success initiative during NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) Commissioner Bill Chong’s leadership. DYCD provided resources and was a thought leader in modeling this successful pilot effort through which more than 600 struggling neighborhood students are now thriving academically.
Anniversaries welcome reflection. St. Nicks Alliance will celebrate their 43rd year building community. This event will be held on the night of November 14th at Dobbin Street (64 Dobbin Street), when St. Nicks Alliance will shine the spotlight on the past year’s accomplishments and honor those whose partnership aids our focus area work in education, housing, and elder care. This year’s honorees are: Greenpoint Renaissance Enterprise Corporation (GREC), Assemblyman Joseph Lentol, and Commissioner Bill Chong (NYC Department of Youth and Community Development).
Managing editor, head writer, and lead photographer of Greenline | North Brooklyn News since October 2014. Resident of Williamsburg, Brooklyn since 1990.
View all posts by Lori Ann Doyon
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