Velto made senior housing project happen

Plain and simple, were it not for the efforts and expertise of Alex Velto, the Bay View Manor Senior Housing in Chaumont would not exist today. In 1980, I contacted him for guidance in forming the Bay View Housing Corp. His words were, "It is not going to be easy."

As founding president, I was assisted by Al in overcoming the many, many roadblocks that arose in dealing with the state and federal entities. The four-year process included a quagmire of frustrating paperwork and several meetings in Watertown and Potsdam with these entities that he attended with me. Finally, on June 27, 1984, the groundbreaking took place.

The tenants in this and many other housing projects in the tricounty area probably are not aware of the impact that Al had. I ask that they too send condolences to his family in appreciation for his vital part in providing a place they can call their home.

Joseph Chavoustie

Cape Vincent

The writer is former president of Bay View Housing Corp.