New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin visited the Benjamin Prince Street Senior Center in Flushing on January 22nd to announce that the City Council has allocated $1.5 million in the 2025 fiscal year budget to support the development of affordable senior apartments at 45-29 Kissena Blvd. The project is expected to be completed and operational by 2027, providing 111 units of 100% affordable housing specifically for senior citizens. Menin, along with City Council Deputy Leader Grace Meng, emphasized that affordable housing, especially for the elderly, will be a key focus of the City Council for the next four years.
This development project, known as the “Selfhelp Kissena House” senior housing program, is planned by Selfhelp Community Services and will be the seventh senior housing building in Flushing developed by the organization. For decades, the location has integrated residential units, community centers, and social work services to provide support for elderly residents.
During the event, Menin also announced the appointment of Grace Meng as the Deputy Leader of the New York City Council, making her the first Asian American to hold a leadership position in the history of the City Council. As Deputy Leader, Meng will assist the Speaker in advancing legislative agendas, overseeing internal operations, and participating in policy coordination at the municipal level.
Menin highlighted Meng’s legal background and years of public service experience, stating that she has a deep understanding of municipal operations and grassroots community needs. She pointed out that the City Council will focus on expanding affordable housing supply, addressing rising healthcare and living costs, and rebuilding trust between citizens and the government.
Grace Meng, now in her third term as a City Council member representing the 20th District of Queens, has been a part of the City Council leadership team for the past two years, participating in budget negotiations.
In her address, Meng emphasized that Selfhelp Kissena House is a concrete example of the city’s long-term housing investments and illustrates the direct relationship between housing policies and community life. She stressed that without stable and affordable housing, the elderly would struggle to age in place in their familiar communities, and families would find it challenging to establish roots.
Stuart Kaplan, CEO of Selfhelp, noted that the organization has been developing senior housing in Flushing since the 1960s and has been assisting residents in maintaining independent living through social work and support services. He mentioned that with the increasing aging population and rent hikes, the City Council’s support for affordable senior housing will help alleviate the housing instability risks faced by the elderly.
During the policy announcement event, Gloria, a long-time resident of the Prince Street Senior Center, shared her living experience, describing how community housing has allowed her to maintain independent living post-retirement. She emphasized the importance of affordable housing and community support for immigrant seniors in preserving dignity and quality of life, as well as building new social connections with neighbors and social workers.