Housing, Community Development and Intergovernmental Affairs

The Department of Housing, Community Development and Intergovernmental Affairs has a staff of 26 employees whose goal is to help improve the quality of life of Brookhaven’s residents. A host of projects administered by this department are federally funded through the Community Development Block Grant  (CDBG) Program. This year, the federal funding is budgeted at $2,117,000.00 however, this figure may be reduced before HUD releases funding this May.

Eligibility for many of our programs is based on individual family income or on the percentage of low and moderate-income residents that live in a certain geographical area, as determined by the census tract maps that are provided by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD).
 

Projects such as public water main installation and public water connections, residential rehabilitation, removal of architectural barriers to the handicapped, the senior ramp program, counseling services and downtown revitalization are eligible for funding, should they meet established HUD requirements.

By way of grants and low interest loans, we are improving water quality in Brookhaven. We are funding the installation of public water mains in eligible areas to insure that our residents have safe drinking water. We have completed many and are planning more town revitalization projects. Block grant funds are being used to plan parks and build ball fields in the Town of Brookhaven. Funding is also being used to assist in other efforts to beautify our neighborhoods.

CDBG funds are helping teenagers find summer employment and providing an opportunity for them to participate in recreational sports programs.

We who manage Brookhaven’s involvement in the HUD Section 8 Program want to make certain that low and very low-income residents from our waiting list secure safe and sanitary housing. Our Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Program works with Section 8 participants to achieve economic independence and in many cases, home ownership. CDBG funds have permitted our housing inspectors to work with landlords in addressing code violations; and in cases where houses are abandoned and deteriorated, these funds are available to correct the blight on our community.

These and other programs that are generated through the Dept. of Housing, Community Development and Intergovernmental Affairs are designed to improve the health, safety and quality of life of the residents of the Town of Brookhaven, and if you have any questions regarding specific information, please refer to our Q&A section.