MARCH 4, 2008, FARMINGVILLE, NEW YORK –Brookhaven Town Supervisor Brian X. Foley today explained the transfer of 75 foreclosed properties from Suffolk County to the Town of Brookhaven – the largest single transfer in Town history -- and the subsequent transfer from the Town to local NGO’s (non-governmental organizations).

   A Town Council resolution, introduced by 4th District Councilwoman Connie Kepert and passed unanimously on February 28, 2008, authorizes Town Housing Department officials to further transfer these properties from the Town to various not-for-profit housing agencies to create affordable housing. The homes will be re-built/rehabilitated and transferred to qualified families.

   “This is great news for dozens of families who will now be able to become fully integrated into the Brookhaven community as homeowners,” said Foley. “This demonstrates that when government and the non-governmental organizations come together, we can make a difference to benefit Brookhaven residents.”

  Councilwoman Connie Kepert, who has been instrumental in convincing the County to increase the number of homes given to the town, explained how cooperative efforts such as this help Brookhaven. Ms. Kepert noted that working to put qualified families into these homes improves neighborhoods, while the alternative, auctioning to the highest bidder, often results in landlords taking possession, flaunting building and rental codes or leasing the properties to tenants who, without a stake in the community, often let the homes run down.

   “This transfer will result in 75 families owning homes and having a stake in our community,” said Kepert. “Instead of the County making a few quick dollars auctioning the houses, the transfer to the Town and not-for-profits really builds neighborhoods by giving people homes to live where they have both a financial and emotional stake in their communities. We need more families in our communities and less absentee landlords.”

   The NGO partners included in this transfer are: Long Island Housing Partnership, Habitat for Humanity, the Community Development Corp, the Bellport/Hagerman/East Patchogue Alliance, and Economic Opportunity Council. Just added to the Town’s roster of partners are the South County Land Trust and Victory Housing.

   Supervisor Foley pointed to a critical need in the whole process: volunteers to help work with the Town’s partners, such as Habitat For Humanity, to get the actual construction work completed and preparing these properties for occupancy.

   Mr. Foley said, “Here’s a wonderful chance to help our community and people who need and deserve the help. We hope everyone will avail themselves of the chance, contact one of these wonderful groups, roll up their sleeves and pitch in.”

   Transferring the homes from the County to individual homeowners is a multi-step process: a selection of the tax-defaulted properties, seized by Suffolk County, are offered to the Town for its affordable housing program. Among this particular group of houses, most are in Bellport/Shirley/Mastic/Mastic Beach areas.

   Brookhaven Town then certifies that these properties will be sold to first time homebuyers of certain income levels via a lottery system. These families are then assisted and counseled by the housing partners regarding budgeting, financing, and home ownership. The process insures they will be able to afford living there for the long term, and helps them become “vested” in the area within which they live.

   “ Supervisor Foley and Councilwoman Kepert have worked extremely hard to see this process through to this successful conclusion,” said Valerie Biscardi, Brookhaven Commissioner of Housing and Community Development. “I am pleased my department has been able to facilitate the process.”

Office of the Supervisor
One Independence Hill • Farmingville • NY 11738 • Phone (631) 451-6955 • Fax (631) 451-6677