Martini Residence receives $800,000 in capital funds for renovations

They get by with a little help from their friends.

The Guild for Exceptional Children (GEC) and community leaders announced that the Martini Residence, a housing complex that houses adults, including seniors, with developmental disabilities in Bay Ridge, was given $800,000 in capital funding by the New York City Council for renovations on Thursday, July 21.

The residence, which has operated for over 35 years by GEC, has suffered from severe overcrowding due to the inability of residents to walk up and down the stairs, which has created a safety issue. Some of the new renovations include an elevator, entrance ramps, handicap bathrooms, reconstructed hallways and a full sprinkler system to make the home more efficient.

“There are many challenges that come with senior years, and we have been in desperate need of upgrading our residence to better serve the many individuals who are experiencing mobility challenges and other age-related physical challenges,” said GEC Executive Director and CEO Paul Cassone.

Councilmember Vincent Gentile, who allocated the capital funding for the project, is excited to see the home and its residents get the care it deserves.

“When I walked through the Martini Residence a few months ago, the need for a complete renovation of the home was readily apparent. Most of the residents do not have family support outside of GEC,” said Gentile. “It would be shame for the residents to have to be moved to a long term nursing home due to a lack of accessibility to the facilities in the building.”