December 15, 2011
Farmingville, NY – At the December 13 Board Meeting, the Town Board unanimously voted to adopt two resolutions authorizing the transfer of nine foreclosed properties in Bellport and East Patchogue to not-for-profit housing agencies.
The properties were transferred to the Town through the 72-H process from Suffolk County and will subsequently be transferred to both Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk (four properties) and the Long Island Housing Partnership (five properties) for the construction of affordable housing. Under the 72-H process, Suffolk County takes abandoned property for back taxes and transfers the property over to the Town. The Town then transfers the property over to one of their not-for-profit housing partners, in this case the LIHP and Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk, and the Town Department of Waste Management demolishes the existing structure if necessary.
“These properties will soon be transformed into affordable housing thanks to the Town’s partnership with the County, the Long Island Housing Partnership and Habitat for Humanity,” said Supervisor Mark Lesko, “Tonight we have started the process of making home ownership a reality for working families and improving the quality of life for other families in the neighborhoods that have had to live near these abandoned properties for so many years.”
"The town is committed to helping families realize the dream of home ownership," said Deputy Supervisor/Councilwoman Kathleen Walsh. "We need to provide more affordable housing, and working with the LIHP and Habitat for Humanity, we can make it available to families who want to make Brookhaven Town their home."
“It has been a pleasure to work with Suffolk County as well as Habitat for Humanity and the Long Island Housing Partnership to bring about home ownership opportunities for our hard working families here in the Town of Brookhaven. This is a golden opportunity to turn abandoned blighted properties into a place in which families can call home, and that is a win-win for all of Brookhaven,” said Councilwoman Connie Kepert.
"Working together toward the common goal of helping our residents is one of the best uses of government," commented Brookhaven Town Councilman Dan Panico.
“We look forward to working with the Town of Brookhaven, Supervisor Lesko and the County to develop additional affordable workforce homes,” said Peter Elkowitz, President and Chief Executive of the Long Island Housing Partnership.
Vivian Becker, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk said, “We could not provide the affordable housing opportunities for deserving families without the 72H process. I look forward to working with the Town as we move ahead on these projects.”
The Town also recently closed on a transfer of property to Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk on Adobe Drive in Shirley.
Under the 72-H process, Suffolk County takes abandoned property for back taxes and transfers the property over to the Town. The Town then transfers the property over to one of their not-for-profit housing partners, in this case the LIHP and Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk.
Both organizations will assess the structures to decide if the homes can be renovated or if they must be demolished to make way for new single-family homes for first-time home buyers. The Town streamlines the construction or renovation of the home by waiving certain fees, including demolition, and assists through the Town planning, zoning and building processes. The money that the organizations save through the 72H process, and state and federal funding received, enables them to sell an affordable home.
The properties that will be transferred to Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk are located at:
- 745 Narragansett Avenue in Bellport
- 634 Narragansett Avenue in Bellport
- 709 Narragansett Avenue in Bellport
- 760 Bayview Avenue in Bellport
- 947 Amsterdam Avenue in Bellport
The properties that will be transferred to the LIHP are located at:
- Lenox Avenue in East Patchogue
- 810 Meade Avenue in Bellport
- 18 Pace Avenue in Bellport
- 724 Doane Avenue in Bellport
Since 1987, Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk has built 149 homes in Suffolk County with over half being built in the Town of Brookhaven. Over the years, the Town has transferred over 30 homes to the LIHP for renovation or new construction of affordable workforce housing.
The LIHP’s selection of the new home buyers will be conducted through a lottery. Eligible candidates must meet all requirements and earn less than 80% of the area median income. Anyone interested in participating in the lottery should call the LIHP at 631-435-4710 or e-mail info@lihp.org.
The Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk selection process is based on need and eligible candidates must earn up to 60% of the area mean income. Those interested can apply online at habitatsuffolk.org. For more information, please call 631-924-6474 or e-mail habitatsuffolk@habitatsuffolk.com.
Division of Public Information * Office of the Supervisor
One Independence Hill • Farmingville • NY 11738 • Phone (631) 451-6595 • Fax (631) 451-6258