Diocese and order link for housing

The Franciscans and Cusack Community Service Corporation of the Diocese of Albany have announced plans for the development of a unique residential community for seniors. It will be located on the 86-plus-acre Franciscan Minor Conventual Friars property in Rensselaer, commonly referred to as St. Anthony-on-the-Hudson.

"We are pleased to be working in partnership with the Diocese in this exciting project," said Rev. Paul Lininger, treasurer of the religious order. "The programs, to be phased in over time, include the development of a continuum of housing and supportive services for seniors, and intergenerational programming for the community-at-large."

"The site itself, by virtue of its tradition and importance in the community, coupled with its physical location, has sparked a great deal of enthusiasm from the very first discussions with the Friars," said Joseph Pofit, director of Long Term Care Campuses and Senior Housing for the Diocese.

The project will include:

* senior independent housing, consisting of 50 to 80 one- and two-bedroom apartments, and approximately 24 cottages for lower- to middle-income seniors;

* renovation of the existing seminary for enriched housing for those seniors needing assistance with activities of daily living; and

* programs for other age groups, such as afterschool programs and day care for children.

"All programming will have as its core the spiritual well-being of the community," said Father Lininger. "There will be a strong pastoral presence in all our activities. The Friars will continue in active ministry, assisting residents in their spiritual well-being."

"In addition to the Friars and the Diocese, Catholic Charities, DePaul Housing Management Services, Seton Health and St. Peter's Health Care Services are involved in the planning," said Sister Maureen Joyce, CEO of diocesan Catholic Charities. "After much discussion, the preferred direction is development of housing for seniors with intergenerational programming, such as child day care, afterschool and other programs."

"We are excited and enthusiastic about this new development," said Mayor Lynn Ganance of Rensselaer. "We are also pleased that our involvement has begun early in the planning process to help shape and design activities that will benefit our city."

The Friars and Diocese will retain the character of the present site, although it is anticipated that several of the existing structures will change. New apartments and cottages will be placed to maintain the site's park-like setting.

"This new community will be innovatively designed to blend with the existing architectural venue," Mr. Pofit explained.

If permits and approvals are secured, it is estimated that the construction phase could begin in Fall 2001.

(11-16-00)