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BRIDGES Buys House To Convert To Showcase For ‘Universal Design”
BRIDGES, a leading nonprofit Independent Living Center in West Nyack, NY, has purchased 4 Ann Street in New City to serve as its flagship project for the organization to showcase the principles of “Universal Design” and the impact it will have on the future of housing.
Universal Design is an approach to creating living spaces that are accessible and inclusive for people of all ages and abilities. By incorporating features such as wider doorways, no-step entryways, lever door handles, and accessible bathroom fixtures, the remodeled home will demonstrate how thoughtful design can enhance the quality of life for everyone.
“We are thrilled to embark on this project to showcase the benefits of Universal Design for everyone,” said Carlos Martinez, Executive Director of BRIDGES. “Our goal is to inspire individuals, communities, architects, builders and developers to embrace accessibility and inclusive design as essential components of everyday living. For example, thoughtful design changes mean someone with a stroller and someone in a wheelchair can both have ease of access whether they live in the home or are visiting.”
Homes designed with this philosophy in mind also enable people to age in place as there are fewer barriers as someone experiences physical and even mental changes.
The remodel of the 1,300-square-foot home will be carried out in collaboration with architects, contractors, and accessibility experts including architect Robert Bernstein from BILD Architecture, Joanna Wasilewska from M4 Interiors and with support from the Idea Center in Buffalo, NY.
‘Visitability’ is a growing trend nationwide and refers to single-family or owner-occupied housing designed to be lived in or visited by people who have trouble with steps or who use wheelchairs or walkers or have a baby in a stroller. The three components include one zero-step entrance, doors with 32 inches of clear passage space, and one bathroom on the main floor that will accommodate a wheelchair.
Upon completion of the upgrades, BRIDGES will host educational events, tours, and workshops to raise awareness about Universal Design and the importance of creating barrier-free environments.
“We believe everyone deserves to live in a home that meets their needs and enables them to thrive,” added Martinez. “Through this project, we hope to empower individuals and builders to reimagine living spaces and embrace the principles of Universal Design so that everyone will eventually have more choices for how and where they live.
The not-for-profit is seeking contracting bids as well as contributions from companies and organizations that can help support this project including monetary donations, product and materials donations such as windows and doors, flooring, paint, cabinetry, etc., and donations of service and time through volunteerism.
For more information about BRIDGES and its Universal Design project, contact Carlos Martinez at 845-624-1366 or cmartinez@bridgesrc.org.
Jenna Nazario Named Director of Economic Development & Tourism for Rockland County
Jenna Nazario has been named the new Director of Economic Development & Tourism for Rockland County.
The Tourism & Economic Development Director position pays $141,000 annually.
Nazario previously served as Director of Community Relations, which oversaw the allocation of $63 million in American Rescue Plan Act Federal funds received during the pandemic. In her role, Nazario developed and executed several grant programs that aided in local revitalization of small businesses, nonprofits, community spaces and more, including:
- Small Business Rescue Reimbursement: $1.3 million awarded to 29 businesses
- Nonprofit Rescue Reimbursement: $463,000 awarded to 14 organizations
- Reviving Rockland Restaurants: $434,000 awarded to 25 restaurants
- Urban Green Spaces: $6.2 million awarded to create 34 parks and playgrounds
- Housing Loan Fund: $13.5 million to be awarded for the creation and preservation of housing
“I am proud to announce the addition of Jenna Nazario to lead our Economic Development & Tourism efforts,” said County Executive Ed Day. “Jenna’s deep understanding of the complexities in this field—ranging from job creation and revenue generation to economic growth and infrastructure development—makes her the ideal person for the job. With her extensive experience and qualifications, I am confident that she will excel in this role and drive Rockland forward.”
Nazario was a Special Projects Aide within Community Development and a Human Rights Outreach Coordinator in Rockland.
“As I make the transition from the vital relief provided by the ARPA Department to the forward-thinking initiatives of Economic Development and Tourism, I am excited for this opportunity to build our strengths, foster new partnerships, and showcase the unique charm and potential of our county,” said Jenna Nazario. “This department is committed to driving sustainable growth, celebrating our local culture, and making Rockland County a premier destination for visitors and businesses alike. I am eager to collaborate with all our incredible organizations and businesses here in the County to shape a vibrant and prosperous future for all.”
Rockland Community College Launches New Histotechnician Program in Partnership with SUNY Cobleskill
Rockland Community College (RCC) has introduced a two-year Histotechnician Program in partnership with SUNY Cobleskill, offered within the School of STEM at RCC. This program allows students to complete their core classes at RCC and finish their undergraduate degree through SUNY Cobleskill, on the RCC campus and online.
This collaboration provides significant cost savings by reducing first-year tuition and travel expenses for Rockland residents.
Histotechnicians are essential professionals in the allied health field. They specialize in preparing thin tissue samples from humans, animals, or plants for microscopic examination, a critical process in diagnosing diseases, conducting research, and teaching. Through their expertise in histologic technology, histotechnicians reveal the intricate structures within tissues, making what is invisible to the naked eye visible under a microscope. This work is vital in the accurate diagnosis and confirmation of medical conditions, contributing significantly to patient care and scientific advancement.
“We’re excited to offer this new Histotechnician program with SUNY Cobleskill, which provides a cost-effective pathway for students to enter a high-paying field,” said Melanie Rie, RCC Dean of the School of STEM. “By completing their core classes at RCC and finishing their degree online or on-campus, our students can significantly reduce their expenses while preparing for a high-paying career.”
Histotechnicians earn an average NYS starting salary of $81,000 and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this field is expected to grow by 13 percent from 2020 to 2030. In New York, more than 1,300 job postings for histotechnicians have been reported in the past year, with demand coming from hospitals, medical laboratories, and research facilities.
“Certified histotechnicians play a critical role in our healthcare system, and having well-trained, certified professionals ready to enter the field is essential for advancing patient care and research,” said Adam Tegnander, SUNY Cobleskill’s Histotechnician Program Director. “This program ensures that new professionals are fully equipped to meet the growing demand for histotechnicians across New York State and the country, and we’re thrilled to partner with Rockland Community College to offer another pathway for students to enter the field.”
For more information about the program, please visit https://sunyrockland.edu/programs/histotechnician/.
