Community Applauds Grand Opening of "The Reverend William Paul Foley, Sr. Pavilion" at 575 Hancock Street in Brooklyn
January 1, 2009
The historic Bridge Street AWME Church, 575 Hancock Street , HDFC and Bridge Street Development Corporation, the key partners who guided the multi-million dollar project to realization and completion, were joined in the formal Ribbon Cutting and Ceremonies attended by Rev. David B. Cousin Sr., the 60th pastor of Bridge Street, members of the Bridge Street Church Family, elected officials, community leaders, residents and Marty Markowitz, Borough President of Brooklyn, The event occurred outside of the entrance and inside the magnificent marble lobby with its newly-restored marble details. Rev. Edison O. Jackson, presided
Bridge Street AWME Church purchased the building from a private owner with funds contributed by church members. Financing for the renovations for the 23 units of affordable rentals included $1.9 million from the New York City Department of Housing Preservation & Development's Participation Loan Program (PLP) as well as a $504,612 loan from JPMorgan Chase Bank. Discretionary funding of $680,000 was also provided by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, New York City Council Members Albert Vann and David Yassky, New York State Assembly Member Annette Robinson, and New York State Senator Velmanette Montgomery.
Rhonda Lewis, the tenacious President & CEO, BSDC, was applauded for her commitment, focus, hard work, and stalwart leadership. Dr. Robert J. Williams Jr., President of the 575 Board of Directors, who presented a statement of purpose, was lauded for his leadership. He said of The Rev. David B. Cousin, Sr., pastor of Bridge Street, considered by many, a quiet, pensive force in the midst of challenges, “This was a work of love, Pastor you stepped up and gave generously what God gave to you. Thanks for being so kind and supporting the vision of Rev. Foley (who purchased the property in the early 80’s).”
Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, Presiding Prelate, 1st Episcopal District of the AME Church, officiated the rededication and renaming ceremony that conferred 575 with the title “The Reverend William Paul Foley Sr. Pavilion.”
A highlight of the event was the entrance of the late Reverend Foley’s family, his wife, Mother Irene M. Foley, and their son The Rev. Robert Lewis Foley, Sr. Rev. Cousin acknowledged all of the guests and presented Appreciation Awards. Distinguished bishop Eric Figueroa, a resident of Bedford Stuyvesant for more than 50 years, offered the greetings from the community.
Warm remarks were presented by Hon. Markowitz, Assemblywoman Annette Robinson, Councilman Albert Vann, Councilman David Yassky, Elliott J. Hobbs, Vice President, Chase Community Development Banking, Christopher Dewees, Director, Participation Loan program, NYC Dept. of Housing Preservation & Development, Edward Odom, Chairman, BSDC, Board of Directors, The Reverend Diane Hodges, Director, Bridge Street Outreach & Prison Ministry, Napoleon R. Cockern, Chairman, Bridge Street Board of Trustees, Viola Hargrave of the 575 Tenant Association and others. The Rev. Dr. Alvan N. Johnson, Jr., Presiding Elder, Brooklyn, /Westchester District, presented the closing prayer.
The ceremony was filled with words as warm as the building’s spirit, and as handsome as the structures new exterior. Rev. Cousin told us, “Bridge Street is a church in the heart of the community the community at heart,” adding, “You know, there’s a difference between a house and a home. A house is a dwelling; a home is a place of warmth, security love and family.
Bishop Norris asked, “How many building have retained the nature, the quality and the character of the work that that is exemplified by this foyer and what we are seeing throughout the building? I commend all involved with the work and not throwing away the old to grab at the new.”
And they spoke of Rev. Foley’s great pastoral skills, vision, understanding and foresight: “He saw from a distance the importance of the acquisition of this facility.”
“This is a great day,” said Rev. Robert Lewis Foley. “(My father) lived Bridge Street Church, and talked about it so much, I thought he would want to be buried there. He
would be surprised that he would be remembered with such compassion… thanks for upholding him on this special day.”
Bridge Street Church’s former First Lady, Mrs. Irene Foley, said she was “so amused in coming to such a beautiful place. I pray God continues to bless us in this endeavor.”
During his remarks, Bishop Figueroa said: “I am happy to join the plethora of deep respect for the clergy who recognize the importance of maintaining households and housing. Bridge Street has made a tremendous impact on this community… with its legacy of great people who have lived in the neighborhood.”
Borough President Markowitz also praised the work, and extended a special salute to another happy day – when the President-elect takes office. “Hello Obama!” He continued, “Rhonda you do outstanding work. In these last few months of gloom and doom, I’m glad to see smiles on our faces. Brooklyn is undergoing a great renaissance, but it’s not newly enough for those with low income. So this building is a great addition for Bedford Stuyvesant and all of Brooklyn. I know Bridge Street Church was a stop on the Underground Railroad and I’m glad to say after all of these years, the church is still providing a safe haven.”
Towns’ comments, like Markowitz’s were met with great warmth as he congratulated the team on this “auspicious event.”
Elliott Hobbs, VP, Chase Community Development Banking: “This room is filled with a special purpose. I extend congratulations to BSDC and its partners. It has been a long road. There were times when I doubted whether or not we would see this day. We are overjoyed to see and be a part of the wonderful job to make this day happen.”
Christopher Dewees, PLP Director, NYC Dept of Housing Preservation: “Landlords need to structure rents affordable to neighborhood residents, and we’re glad to have played a role in the undergirding of this project. There’s a good feeling in this room; the tenants who lived here are coming back.”
Edward Odom, chair, BSDC Board of Directors: Today is a great day and a great honor for a great pastor. Assemblywoman Annette Robinson said that as a lifelong resident, she was happy to see the building in all of its glory, and now it is even more glorious. Councilman Albert Vann was impressed with the “magnificent restoration.” Councilman Yasskey praised the vision and tenacity of the leadership, and noted that “during the years of plenty, not everyone thought to prepare for these times, but Pastor Cousin knew to prepare so that Bridge Street could thrive. Lots of people set out to do thing in this city, but you got it done.”
Following the ribbon cutting and ceremony, guests repaired around the corner on Jefferson Avenue to Bridge Street Church’s Mansfield E. Jackson Chapel for fellowship and refreshments.
The Board of Directors of the Bridge Street Development Corporation include: Edward Odom Jr., Chair, Rhonda Lewis, president & Chief Executive Officer, Phyllis White –Thorne, Vice Chairperson, Gustavus Ademu John, Secretary and Drexel Harris, Valerie Cousin, Sandra Richards, Andy M. Smth, Clarence Johnson, and Rev. David B. Cousin Sr.
Board of Directors for the 575 Hancock Housing Development Fund, Inc. include: Dr. Robert J. Williams, Jr, President, Dr. Nellie C. Bailey, VP, Beatrice Jones, Secretary, Clarence Johnson, Treasurer, Gloria Boyce, Chaplain, and Irene Evans, Chair, PR.
During the presentation, Rev. Diane Hodges unveiled a plaque placed on the wall in the building’s lobby in honor of Mrs. Gleaton, the late Bridge Streeter, “who gave her time and her talent, and resources to reach people,” adding, she “worked to rebuild lives and left a substantial estate and resources to education, housing and other ministries.” Gleaton directed the Rikers Island Nursery Program for a number of years.
Napoleon Cockern, a longtime and beloved member of Bridge Street, who chairs the church’s trustee board, said, “This has been a long struggle with this project but thank God it.”
Viola Hargrave, representing the tenants who are returning to 575 after 2 years and nine months of waiting for the completion of it’s the repair work and restoration, said: “Anybody that ever met Foley was immediately attracted to his energy and his goodness.” (Her speech can be found in the AT HOME section of this paper.
Vertical Design Construction, a local general contractor, under the ownership of James Stetatos and John Stetatos was represented by William Armenakis. He informed that all the interior ceilings and their scrolls were restored; blackened Marblehead in the lobby and staircases were cleaned and the original colors brought back up; the brick façade cleaned and fully restored, among other meticulous work. Design Works and Park Avenue Supplies were two of the primary minority businesses that worked with Vertical as suppliers.
SRY Design Associates was the architect; and Precise Management Inc., manages the property for the owner, 575 Hancock Street HDFC, an affiliate of the Bridge Street AWME Church.
Pastor Foley's ministry began in 1934 in the Augusta, Georgia AWME Conference. In August 1972, he was appointed to Bridge Street AWME, where he served until 1982. With his trademark motto, "Follow me as I follow Christ", Pastor Foley had many successful accomplishments during his tenure. One of his most successful accomplishments was the acquisition of 575 Hancock Street. His goal in acquiring this property was to provide quality, safe, affordable rental housing in the community served by the church.
There were 23 affordable rental apartments renovated in this $3.1 million project. The building consists of one and two bedroom apartments that will be affordable to low and moderate income families. Eight families that were residing in the building when it was purchased by the church were relocated during the construction and are returning to their renovated apartments by Christmas Eve.
Among those attending the open house, here Bridge Streeters Andy M. Smith, Edith Russell, Brenda L. Johnson, John W. Robinson, Jr., Linda Rhodes-Jones, Irene Evans, Wilma Maynard and Doris Pinn, ISV Chair -Land Use Committee of the Community Board II, Lillian Pelham, C.A.S.A.C. Health educator; Lanie Hynes; H. Jefferson, Ruth Blackmon; Voncile Turner; Ann Brunson; Weyman Carey; Phyllis Johnson; Violet Roland; Betty Gilliard; Patricia Baldwin Holder; Annie Robinson; Leanora Nelson; Earl Batts; Ethel Kasham; Helen Jones; Gladys A. Baldwin; Juanita Brown; Timothy Moses; Walter Taylor; Lucille Cooper; Helen Jefferson; Helen Jones; and Margaret Horne. ; Wendy Peters, Citibank, and Phyllis White-Thorne, VP Board, Mgr, PR, Con Ed attended, and from HPD along with Mr. Dewees were Antonette Brown, Larisa Rozenzaft, Bill Dunn, Wanda Sinclair, and Sharon Lewis.
Established 242 years ago, the Bridge Street AWME Church is one of the oldest African American churches in New York City, and it served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. In 1996, church leaders created Bridge Street Development Corporation (BSDC) as a community development corporation to revitalize the neighborhood's housing stock and create economic development opportunities. 575 Hancock Street was completed under the leadership of Rev. David B. Cousin, Sr., Pastor of Bridge Street AWME Church.
Robert Williams, President of the 575 Hancock Street, HDFC, an affiliate of Bridge Street AWME Church said "The board of directors is proud to have actively engaged in a collaborative, collegial partnership to provide safe, affordable housing opportunities for the residents of the Bedford-Stuyvesant community."
Rhonda A. Lewis, President and CEO of BSDC said, "It is an honor for BSDC to be able to act as the development consultant on this important project for our founders of Bridge Street AWME Church." This project exemplifies our motto, 'A Legacy of Community Building' and continues the church's commitment to the Bedford-Stuyvesant community."
The Bridge Street AWME Church- The African Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal Church, also known as Bridge Street African Wesleyan Methodist Church, is documented as the oldest continuing black congregation in the Brooklyn-Long Island area. Organized in 1766 and incorporated in 1818, this unique congregation, located in the heart of Bedford-Stuyvesant, traces it missionary origin back to Thomas Webb, a British Captain and a convert of John Wesley, who was the father of Methodism in America.
Bridge Street Development Corporation is a twelve-year-old community development corporation which evolved from the 242 years of sustained community activism of the Bridge Street African Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal Church, one of the oldest African –American congregations in New York City. BSDC’s vision is to preserve Bedford-Stuyvesant as a desirable neighborhood for raising families, owning businesses, and taking part in rich cultural, spiritual, and recreational opportunities. In fulfilling, this vision, BSDC, a faith-based organization, builds partnerships with businesses, government and other community stakeholders to provide civic and economic opportunities to residents of Central Brooklyn.
For further information, please contact Bridge Street Development Corporation at 718.399.0146 ext. 14.
