Senior housing complex opens in Elmont

After searching for rest and relaxation for years, Emma Craven-Benjamin has found solace in her calming new community.

Supervisor Kate Murray welcomed the first nine residents of Foster Meadow Golden Age Residence in Elmont Monday. It is a 30-unit subsidized co-op complex for those 62 and older.

"It was time to move," said Craven-Benjamin, 63, formerly of Richmond Hill, Queens, and the mother of three adults.

Joining Murray were Councilmen Edward Ambrosino and James Darcy, town Clerk Mark Bonilla, Nassau County Legis. John Ciotti, receiver of taxes Don Clavin, Peter Elkowitz of the Long Island Housing Partnership, and the project developer, James Villardi.

The complex is a partnership between the Town of Hempstead, the Long Island Housing Partnership and Bedford Construction Group. It was designed to provide more reasonably priced living opportunities for the town's growing senior population.

Murray explained how "because of government grants that go directly to homeowners, each of the units' prices have been reduced by $25,000, now costing $150,000 for each unit."

Residents can sit back in their 955-square-foot unit, equipped with two bedrooms, 11/2 baths, granite countertops, support railings, built-in night lights, laundry room and deck.

Craven-Benjamin, who moved into the complex April 4, likes living in her new apartment.

"I love it," she said. "It's nice and quiet. I have made friends with six other tenants."

Villardi, who took over construction about 18 months ago, is pleased with the way everything has panned out.

"We did major repairs and it's going to be a great development," he said.

Darcy, too, has high hopes. "This shows what this collaboration can do when we work together," he said, joking: "Welcome to the neighborhood, but not too many wild parties."