Managing Community Development
A STATUS REPORT
THE ACTIVITIES OF
THE HUNTERS POINT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Prepared on March 28, 1993
1. Name and address:
Hunters Point Community Development Corporation
47-43 Vernon Boulevard
Long Island City, NY 11101
2. Name and telephone number of contact persons:
Thomas V. Sobczak, PhD, PE Santo Anzalone
Executive Director & Administrator President
718-786-9245 718-937-9662
3. Neighborhood served; County served: Hunters Point/Long Island City, Queens
County
4. Focus Area: Commercial Revitalization, Supportive Services in Housing,
Employment and Education
SUMMARY OF PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS
Hunters Point Community Development Corporation (HPCDC) is a not-for-profit community-based
housing and economic development organization. HPCDC represents a diverse mix of local residents,
property owners, business owners, employees, and artists working in Hunters Point. Our mission is to
stabilize the Hunters Point community using strategies aimed at improving the physical, social, cultural,
and economic environment.
History
HPCDC evolved from the Hunters Point Community Council, an organization which was active since
the 1950s. HPCDC was founded in 1984 when intense real estate speculation occurred and several
major development proposals were planned for Hunters Point. The CDC was formed to educate local
residents about development plans, encourage participation in the public review process, and facilitate
consensus building among the local community. Today the CDC also seeks to stabilize and improve
conditions for the residents and small businesses.
Hunters Point
Located along the East River in Long Island City, Queens, Hunters Point is a unique mix of residents,
retailers, artists, factories, and warehouses - all located in one of New York City's most important
industrial centers. HPCDC's service area is bounded on the north by the Queensboro Bridge, on the
south by Newtown Creek - the border between Brooklyn and Queens, on the west by the East River, and
on the east by Van Dam Street.
The Hunters Point neighborhood has a population of 4,500. Residential buildings are interspersed
among low-rise industrial buildings giving Hunters Point its unique character. Some of the industrial
streets are built of cobblestone while others are paved and lined with trees tended by homeowners. The
warehouses and lofts have attracted numerous artists who have located working studios here. Retailers
cater to local businesses and industrial sector employees as well as local residents. This low-scale and
laid back neighborhood offers lots of light and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. It is very
accessible to public transportation or automobile travellers. Hunters Point is five minutes from Grand
Central Station via the Number 7 subway.
Hunters Point Community Development Corporation aspires to stabilize and improve conditions in four
ways: 1) housing integration 2) economic development, 3) youth job skills development and 4)
community education and planning.
Hunters Point Community Development Corporation has been involved in community-based planning
since the CDC's inception. HPCDC has sponsored community presentations of development plans for
every major development proposal, proposed zoning change, and other land use issues that affect the
Hunters Point community. The CDC has advocated for the needs of the local residents and businesses
in each of these proposals.
Professional planning and design consultants also help the CDC to foster dialogue and build consensus
among the diverse interests represented in community-based planning. HPCDC has co-sponsored
planning studies including the Vernon Boulevard Market Study, 1989, Hunters Point Residential
Displacement Study, 1990, a computer simulation of the Hunters Point Waterfront Development, 1990,
and monitors a community-based alternative plan for the Waterfront Development, 1991.
The proposed Hunters Point Waterfront Development Project proposed by NYS UDC, Port Authority,
and NYC EDC has been approved and preconstruction activities have begun. With 6,400 new luxury
housing units, 2.1 million square feet of office space, a 350 room hotel, and almost 300,000 sf of retail
space, this project will integrate into the existing community, it will, unless controlled, affect the
character of Hunters Point. Housing displacement from the project is being addressed by the CDC.
Mission statement and brief history of organization:
Hunters Point Community Development Corporation (HPCDC) mission is to stabilize and expand the
Hunters Point community using strategies aimed at improving the physical, social, cultural, and
economic environment.
Description of current programs, activities, and accomplishments, with highlights of the past year:
Hunters Point Community Development Corporation currently offers programs in three areas: 1)
economic development, 2) housing services, and 3) community education, participation, and planning.
1. Economic Development
Vernon Boulevard Commercial Revitalization
The Vernon Boulevard Commercial Revitalization Project aims to improve Vernon Boulevard through
marketing and promotion strategies; design improvements and capital investment in the street,
sidewalk, and storefronts; and efforts to attract new businesses. Projects recently completed include the
publication of a local business directory, "Hidden Treasures," an outdoor banner installation declaring
"Vernon Boulevard Shopping District," a model storefront renovation at our own office at 47-43 Vernon
Boulevard, and the formation of the Vernon Boulevard Merchants Association. The Vernon Boulevard
Commercial Revitalization Project is funded primarily by New York City Department of Business
Services.
Employment Service
Industrial uses occupy most of the land area in Hunters Point, with a significant amount of assembly,
warehouse, and distribution activities. HPCDC provides job referrals and in recent months, the CDC
has created an important local network of agencies and organizations that provide employment services
in the area including local business organizations and the local homeless men's shelter. Partial funding
for this project was graciously provided by NYC Councilman Walter McCaffery.
2. Housing Services
HPCDC strives to improve the housing conditions in Hunters Point. The CDC provides technical
assistance and loan packaging for housing rehabilitation loans offered by Neighborhood Housing
Services. HPCDC also offers landlord/tenant information and referrals. Toward the end of 1991, we
expanded our housing relocation service through an apartment-finder program. We assist low- and
moderate-income tenants seeking improved housing conditions and/or more affordable rents and we
have successfully relocated families and are currently coordinating our efforts with many local
landlords. We are also continuing a long-term project of advocating for affordable housing in the
QWDC project proposed in Hunters Point along the East River.
3. Community Education, Participation, and Planning
Hunters Point Community Development Corporation has been involved in community-based planning
since the CDC's inception. Currently, HPCDC is monitoring a coalition of organizations developing an
alternate plan for the proposed Hunters Point Waterfront Development Project. The alternate plan is
being prepared based on developing consensus through community input and review.
HPCDC joined with other Long Island City groups and successfully defeated the location of an
environmentally hazardous waste transfer station within our south eastern border.
4. Other Services
HPCDC has arranged a free trip for 30 local seniors to tour Ellis Island this spring. (Our funding for
youth programs has been cut recently and we are seeking other sources to continue our annual summer
arts and crafts program, usually serving 80 youths).
COMMUNITY FOCAL POINT
The CDC storefront is a hub of activity: the office serves as a community space for other local grassroots
groups, as a library for students and researchers studying the neighborhood, and as a space for youth
programs and arts and crafts classes. The storefront display window is a showcase for local artists and
community information. HPCDC has recently adopted John Andrews Playground, the most centrally
located park in Hunters Point, and is preparing a plan for cleaning, maintenance, and special events.
HPCDC's informational and educational efforts also include outreach to the residents through a
quarterly newsletter, "The NewsPoint."
Goals for the coming year:
Funding:
Increase funding for general operating support, especially from foundations, and increase government
contracts for providing services locally.
Programmatic:
1. Continue commercial revitalization, housing, and employment services. Continue to advocate for
affordable housing component in any new development in Hunters Point.
2. Expand youth programs and youth services, including an after school computer laboratory for Grades
1-12, and teen rap session. We will develop a child care family provider network integrated with an
intergenerational program.
3. Develop environmental programs to increase local environmental awareness, including
environmental education programs and a recycling program.
Number of paid staff, with names and responsibilities:
Thomas V. Sobczak, Executive Director & Administrator, responsible for overseeing all programs and
contractual obligations, supervising staff and volunteers, fund raising, and reporting to board of
directors. Does not have fiscal or signatory powers.
Rafael Bueno, responsible for community outreach, housing services intake, and community referrals.
Number of volunteers:
Board of Directors includes 14 members
Regular volunteers "on-call" for special events, approximately 20
Description of constituency:
Our target population is the residents of Hunters Point. The total population of Hunters Point is
approximately 4,500, including 52% white, 9% black, 33% Hispanic, and 6% Asian. Italian and
Spanish are spoken by many families, in local stores, and in churches. Fifteen percent of the
population is under 18 and ten percent of the population 65 or over. Nine percent of the population in
Hunters Point lives in group quarters, including a large homeless shelter for veterans. Many local
residents (especially among the Italian community) have lived here for generations, inheriting their
home or store from their parents or grandparents.
NEED:
Through funding for general operating support can we continue to provide the above mentioned
services. We hope to meet our goals for 1993 including not only continuing our current programs, but
also expanding in the areas of youth/intergenerational services, employment and housing issues.
General operating support is absolutely critical to Hunters Point Community Development Corporation.
Our current programs neatly match the focus areas of New York City Department of Business Services,
NYC Department of Housing and Preservation, NYS Division of Housing and Community renewal. Our
program includes many supportive services for affordable housing, tenant counseling, and policy
research and planning as described in the section above. Our planned day care and computer
laboratory for youth will address the problems of teens, including domestic violence and substance
abuse. Our annual senior trips are a unique opportunity for local seniors.
Not only our current programs are at risk of service reductions without general operating support, our
1993 goals cannot be met without general operating support. In particular, our programmatic goals of
expanding youth programs, developing a child care family provider network, and increasing
environmental education in Hunters Point all rely upon gaining general operating support for Hunters
Point Community Development Corporation.
With monies received in 1991, HPCDC was able to hire new staff and expand our expertise and our
capacity to provide community services.
D. FINANCES
SOURCES OF INCOME
1990 1991 1992
NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal
Neighborhood Redevelopment Demo. Program 22,500 22,500 10,500
Dept of Business Services
Commercial Revitalization Program 47,000 60,000 63,000
Chase Manhattan Bank
Neighborhood Grant 1,000 1,000 1,000
Citibank
Community Board 2 Amenities Program 1,000 1,000 1,000
Apple Bank
Neighborhood Achievement Award 1,000 1,000
East New York Savings Bank
Community Action Assistance Award 1,000 1,000
Manufacturers Hanover/Chemical Bank
Public Responsibility 5,000 5,000 pending
National Westminster Bank
Community Action 2,000 pending
Citizens Committee for New York City
Neighborhood Environmental Action Award 3,000
North River Grant c/o Community Board 2
Summer Youth Program 1,000
US Environmental Protection Agency 5,000
Youth Environmental Education Program
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993
Revenues 32,026 97,563 80,500 90,400 92,200
Expenses 19,282 87,277 41,406 53,500
New Sources of Funding Awarded:
Citizens Committee of NYC
Submitted: January 1992
Amount: $3,000
US Environmental Protection Agency
Submitted: March 1992
Amount: $5,000
Mayor's Community Assistance Unit:
Submitted: March 1992
Amount $3,900
New Sources/Applications:
NYC Housing Preservation and Development
Community Consultant Contract
Submitted: May 1992 (Awarded July 1992)
Amount: $20,000 renewable for three years.
New Sources to be Applied For:
Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of NY
Taconic Foundation
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
New York Community Trust
Continental Foundation
New York Foundation
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Sal Anzalone, President Local restauranteur, property owner,
10-04 47th Road resident
Tom Paino, Second VP Local resident, architect
11-25 46th Road
Terri-Mona Adams Local merchant, property owner, resident
49-10 Vernon Blvd
Brian Adams, Secretary Local merchant, resident
49-10 Vernon Blvd
Ellen Caporusso Local merchant, resident
47-28 Vernon Blvd
Fran Kraft Local resident, Congressional Chief of Staff
21-03 45th Road
Lawrence Long Local resident, Professor, LaGuardia CC
10-28 46th Road
Monty Mitchell Local resident, architect
21-27 45th Ave
Bruce Bernardino Local resident, Treasurer
10-29 51st Ave
Pauline Rodi-Benevento Property owner, resident
47-12 Vernon Blvd
Harry Van Dyke Local resident, architect
21-21 45th Ave
Daniel Weinstein Local dentist
49-13 Vernon Blvd
DETAILED EXPLANATION OF PROGRAMMATIC ACCOMPLISHMENT
HOUSING PRESERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
Housing Conditions
Most of the existing housing stock in Hunters Point was built between 1880 and 1930. Half of the
housing units are in buildings with less than six units, including largely owner-occupied small
residential and mixed-use buildings. Eighty-eight percent of the households rent and the median rent is
a moderate $450. Yet because over half the housing is not rent-regulated, rental households are at a
high risk for displacement due to development pressures in the area.
The most significant development looming over the Hunters Point community is from "Queens West" a
partnership of NYS Urban Development Corporation (UDC), NYC Economic Development Corporation,
and Port Authority of NY and NJ. Their approved plan calls for a large-scale development project,
including 6,400 housing units and 2.1 million square feet of office space, in addition to a hotel, retail
uses, and parking. This project will have an enormous impact on residents of the existing community.
Despite the changing market conditions, UDC has been moving forward with their plans for this large-
scale construction. HPCDC is actively addressing the displacement problems which could be posed by
the development.
Housing Services
Hunters Point Community Development Corporation (HPCDC) provides a community revitalization
program with special emphasis on the provision and maintenance of affordable housing. In response to
the needs of our community, HPCDC's housing efforts includes: 1) planning and advocacy to provide
affordable housing in Hunters Point and 2) direct housing services to local residents.
1. Planning and Advocacy for the Provision of Affordable Housing
We direct our efforts to increase the provision of affordable housing through both planning and
advocacy. HPCDC is very actively working to get affordable housing built in Hunters Point. We are
advocates for the sane development of affordable housing in Hunters Point.
2. Housing Services
We also provide housing services to landlords and tenants in order to maintain affordable housing in
Hunters Point. Through our tenant services, we educate local tenants on their housing rights, assist
them with resolving landlord tenant disputes, and form tenants associations. We are also working with
local landlords, encouraging them to take advantage of special loans for rehabilitation, major capital
improvements, and J-51 tax abatements.
Our current housing activities include tenant counseling and organizing. We have recently assisted the
formation of 11-40 44th Drive Tenants Association and we are facilitating discussions between the
tenants and the owner/bank which has recently foreclosed on the property. We anticipate repairs to the
hundreds of code violations on the 17-unit property. Other tenant assistance this fiscal year:
Extended counseling to 12 tenants, including attending housing court with 3 tenants
Assistance with 1 SCRIE recertification
Mailing a newsletter to 1,500 households with tenants' rights tips
Providing relocation assistance to 20 families
Provided counseling/referrals to approximately 200 persons from walk-in/telephone
Last fiscal year, in cooperation with Neighborhood Housing Services, we targeted approximately 150
mixed-use buildings by mailing a flyer announcing the availability of rehabilitation loans. As a result of
this mailing, we packaged loan applications for two buildings. We provided counseling and assistance
to approximately 450 requests for housing services. We offered a seminar on toxic materials in the
household that was attended by 4 persons.
Our board, staff, and consultants have extensive experience in housing. The Administrator has a total
of fifteen years experience in land use services with a total of three not-for-profit organizations in
Queens, in addition to related graduate and post-graduate degrees - business and management. Our
housing consultant has been organizing tenants in the Bronx for twenty years. With funding provided
by DHCR's NPP contract, we hired a part-time housing specialist. Our board of directors includes 3
architects, 1 building engineer, and 1 urban planner, by training (all of whom live in the neighborhood).
We are currently expanding our board and we hope to develop new leadership from the tenants whom
we are organizing.
Monitor and document residential displacement.
We have experienced a significant change in the economic forces behind residential displacement.
Many local residents have the unique opportunity to locate more affordable housing in the wake of the
current economic downturn. On the other hand, local landlords are experiencing difficulty in finding
tenants for their apartments. In September, HPCDC began an apartment listing service to match
landlords, tenants, and roommates. This service has been very popular among local residents and
property owners. In addition, we have begun to document the levels of rent and the quality of housing
available in the community, as well as the amount of rent that residents are willing to pay.
The CDC is also developing a survey for local residents to determine their needs and concerns about the
local community. The survey will provide data regarding residential displacement.
Advocate for affordable housing within new and planned housing developments for the
neighborhood.
HPCDC joined, temporarily, the Hunters Point Community Coalition, an association of organizations in
the Hunters Point community. The Coalition is preparing and attempting to market a community-based
alternate plan for the Hunters Point Waterfront Development which includes affordable housing.
HPCDC is interested only in the management of the affordable housing.
Provide information to the community on our storefront community bulletin board and in our
quarterly newsletter, "NewsPoint."
HPCDC has significantly improved the size and quality of our community bulletin board in our
storefront window. We post community events, housing and studio space, local instructional classes,
social services available locally, and a variety of news and notes. Graphics, color, layout, and materials
of our notices have improved significantly since September. Local artists display their works. This
enhances neighborhood awareness of the culture inherent within community residents. The newsletter
was mailed to our list of LIC residents and distributed in local stores and banks.
Provide information on new models for affordable housing such as mutual housing associations and
community land trusts.
HPCDC has begun a community library with over 200 books, periodicals, and reports related to the
local community, housing issues, and business development.
Provide staff for Hunters Point CDC efforts in neighborhood organizing, community participation,
volunteerism, and board development.
Hunters Point CDC hired a new administrator in March after two months without staff. The new
administrator will use work release inmates from the Queensboro Correctional Facility to perform
clerical and secretarial functions. This new staff will enabled the CDC to improve and expand all the
services provided by the CDC.
HPD Community Consultant Contract
NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Community Development has awarded us a "Community
Consultant" contract to provide housing services to landlords and tenants in Hunters Point. This
contract is for $20,000 annually for a period of three years. When we receive our signed contract, we
will begin a search to hire a housing specialist.
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS SERVICES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Vernon Boulevard Commercial Revitalization
The Vernon Boulevard Commercial Revitalization Project aims to improve Vernon Boulevard through
marketing and promotion strategies; design improvements and capital investment in the street,
sidewalk, and storefronts; and efforts to attract new businesses.
Employment Service
Industrial uses occupy most of the land area in Hunters Point, with a significant amount of assembly,
warehouse, and distribution activities. The CDC matches the needs of local employers with local
residents in need of work.
Hunters Point Artist Community
With over a hundred artists working in Hunters Point, economic opportunities are linked to cultural
opportunities. Hunters Point CDC works in partnership with the Hunters Point Artists Community
(HPAC) to develop a neighborhood cultural identity, and advocate for art to be integral to community
planning and community life. HPCDC and HPAC jointly sponsor an annual Spring event featuring
open artist studios and galleries exhibiting the work of local artists. Our storefront window serves as a
rotating exhibit of local artists.
Merchant's Association
We are presently organizing a local merchants association (40 merchants), we offer an employment
referral service and housing services. We are organizing a fall exhibition with local artists which
combines merchant awareness and the annual feast. We are planning a weekly teen job awareness
session to begin in the fall (20-30 teens).
DBS Contract Status
Our City contract for commercial revitalization is operative. We funds which we have from our
previous contract and from other sources to expand our programs. Monies have used for our capital
improvements (the tote bags).
PLANNING
Grass-Roots Planning and Community Education
Hunters Point Community Development Corporation has been involved in community-based planning
since the CDC's inception. HPCDC has sponsored community presentations of development plans for
every major development proposal, proposed zoning changes, and other land use issues that affect the
community. The CDC has advocated for the needs of the local residents and businesses in each of these
proposals.
YOUTH SERVICES
HPCDC offers arts and crafts workshops every summer for the local youth. Throughout the year the
CDC sponsors special events for youth in the local playground. During the past summer, we hosted a
teen rap sessions. Youth in the community visit the CDC regularly for updates on local events. The
office is a hub of community activity. HPCDC offered an will re-offer a 12-week course "Urban Ecology
and Your Environment" for local youth. The program involves many adult volunteers in the
community.
SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMS
Each summer HPCDC is active with youth programs. We have offered a youth art workshop that was
held in John Andrews Park, (some results can be seen in our storefront window). We sponsored a trip
to Great Adventure Park, the Bronx Zoo, and to a Yankees game. We also sponsored a Crime Prevention
Fair in John Andrews Park that was attended by children, adults, and seniors from the community. Our
environmental education program called "Urban Ecology and Your Environment" includes outdoor
projects, field trips, and other events. Participants in this program recently wrote letters to NEWSDAY
which were published. This project is unique because we are coordinating activities with PS 111, a
local school in northern Long Island City.
STOP THE VIOLENCE PROGRAM
John Andrews playground Adoption
John Andrews Playground has been the site of substance abuse, arson, and vandalism in Hunters Point.
HPCDC has officially adopted John Andrews Playground and recruited a volunteer park committee to
maintain and clean the playground, to plan programs and activities of the playground, and to lock the
playground at 10 pm and unlock it at 9 am.
The project serves all the users of John Andrews Playground who live in the community.
Approximately 2,000 persons live within a 10 minute walk of the playground and it is used regularly
during the summer by up to 150 people per day. The project serves the homeowners, tenants, and
merchants located around the periphery of the playground, and also the users of the playground, most
notably youth.
The social and physical conditions of the playground had deteriorated severely. With the drastic
budget cuts implemented at the Parks Department has exacerbated some of these conditions. The
residents living around the playground decided to take responsibility of the playground into their own
hands.
There has been increasing evidence of substance abuse, including marijuana, alcohol, and crack
cocaine in the park. Within the past year residents living around the park have complained to HPCDC
about youth "hanging out, drinking and doing drugs in the park." Vandalism, and litter associated with
these activities are evident in the park. Local youth gangs and groups from other neighborhoods use the
park as a staging area. One merchant located adjacent to the playground recently reported a youth hid
in her store from a group of kids who threatened to kill him.
Goals: Reduce vandalism, substance abuse, domestic violence, gang violence, and racism by:
1) Empowering teens with the ability to resolve conflicts and solve problems through better
communication; and
2) Providing alternative opportunities for teens and other community residents to work together in
positive, creative activities.
In 1993, we seek funding for youth programming, including a summer program and monthly workshops
or other special events in John Andrews playground, a HPCDC based computer laboratory, a visiting
nurse program and a part-time day care program. This programming will meet our goals in several
ways: Teens will learn about conflict resolution and problem solving in their own lives through
discussion groups, role playing, and educational films.
The HPCDC facilitator is also available for crisis intervention counseling as relationships develop.
Monthly events will be scheduled in the playground that are intergenerational and multi-cultural -
youth and local residents will participate.
A professional youth crisis intervention specialist will provide in-kind services, 20 residents have
volunteered to join park committee for clean-ups and events, Auxiliary Police and V-Cops have
volunteered to lock the park at night.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS
HPCDC offered an environmental education program in conjunction with local youth and a 6th grade
class at PS 111. The field trips included Newtown Creek incinerator and sewage treatment plant, Staten
Island dump, Bronx third water tunnel, Bronx zoo, among others. The course also included five
outdoor projects in Hunters Point that were organized by local residents and business persons.