FOR RELEASE: Immediate, Monday, June 7, 2001

Governor Helps Open New Nursing Home

Brooklyn facility financed, built by DASNY

Governor George E. Pataki, Assemblyman Vito Lopez and Dormitory Authority Executive Director Thomas J. Murphy today celebrated the grand opening of the Buena Vida Nursing Home in the Ridgewood-Bushwick section of Brooklyn.

"We want every New York senior to have access to quality nursing home care so they can spend their golden years in comfort right in their own communities," Governor Pataki said. "The grand opening of this brand new, state-of-the-art nursing home is a clear reflection of our commitment to all New York's seniors."

The home, at 48 Cedar St. in Brooklyn, will provide improved health care services for up to 242 seniors, serving as a linchpin for the continued revitalization of the community. "Our commitment to neighborhoods like Ridgewood-Bushwick is evident in quality affordable housing, new businesses, new jobs and the best health care," Governor Pataki said. "The Buena Vida Nursing Home is just another example of how New York State, working in partnership with our local community leaders, is making our communities safer, more vibrant and healthier, especially for our seniors."

The Dormitory Authority financed the $42.275 million project with long-term bonds, and provided construction project management services. Mr. Murphy said, "We are pleased to have participated in this vital project to serve senior citizens. Our financing and construction project management staff worked hand-in-hand with Assemblyman Lopez, the Health Department and the State of New York Mortgage Agency to make the Governor's vision a reality." SONYMA provided mortgage insurance for the project.

Assemblyman Vito Lopez said, "I would like to thank Governor Pataki for making the dream of having a community-based nursing home a reality. The Buena Vida Nursing Home will play a major role in the revitalization of the Bushwick community."

The nursing home will provide a full range of patient services, including meals, housekeeping and personal care services. Full medical care will also be provided, including dental services, psychiatric care, speech and hearing therapy, occupational therapy, recreational therapy, nursing care, and physical therapy.

The Buena Vida Corporation, a not-for-profit corporation created to construct and operate the project, is sponsored by the Ridgewood Bushwick Senior Citizens Council Inc., which has been providing a diverse range of social service programs to residents of Ridgewood, Bushwick, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and surrounding neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens since 1976.

For more information, contact Press Officer Claudia Hutton at (518) 257 3382, or CHutton@dasny.org. To read the full text of Governor Pataki's press release, go to http://www.state.ny.us/governor/press/year01/june 7_01.htm.