County Executive Bellone & Legislator Kate Browning Announce New Housing Initiative

County Provides Ten Parcels in Aggressive Move to Jumpstart Revitalization in Mastic Beach

(Mastic, NY, October 16, 2012) – In an aggressive move designed to jump start revitalization in the new Village of Mastic Beach, Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone and Legislator Kate Browning announced an initiative to develop affordable housing through Suffolk County’s 72-h program, which seeks to rehabilitate tax defaulted properties.  Habitat for Humanity will partner with the Village of Mastic Beach on rehabilitation of seven parcels that were approved by the Suffolk County Legislature in September for transfer through the 72-h program.  The Long Island Housing Partnership will develop affordable housing on three other parcels Suffolk transferred to the Village. 

The rehabilitated and new homes will be made available to first time homebuyers, families with incomes below 80% of the area median income (AMI).  Determined by HUD based on family size, 80% of AMI is $ 86,000 for a family of four and $68,800 for a family of two. 

“Homeownership anchors families in neighborhoods and strengthens the communities in which they live.   This initiative will give a new lease on life to blighted properties and contribute to the revitalization of the community while offering working families a chance to own their first home in this waterfront community on Suffolk’s south shore,” said County Executive Steve Bellone.

"The newly established Village of Mastic Beach is working hard to increase homeownership in their community,” stated Legislator Kate Browning. “This housing initiative prevents speculation on future rentals, and provides middle-class families with an opportunity to achieve the American dream. These homes will increase surrounding property values and help remove blight from what is already a beautiful waterfront neighborhood.  I am happy to have established a working relationship with Mastic Beach Village officials for the benefit of our mutual constituents, and look forward to more positive projects within the village.”

“The transfer of 10 County-owned parcels of land within the boundaries of the Village of Mastic Beach exemplifies what can be accomplished through inter-governmental cooperation,” stated Mastic Beach Village Trustee Gail Cappiello. “Trustee Bob Morrow and I worked closely with County Legislator Kate Browning; Jill Rosen-Nikoloff, Director of Affordable Housing and Community Development for Suffolk County; Vivian Becker, Chief Executive, Habitat for Humanity; and Peter Elkowitz, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer, Long Island Housing Partnership. This is yet another step by the Village toward fulfilling the promise made to the people of Mastic Beach; clean-up blight, increase homeownership and improve the quality of life in Mastic Beach.”

“We at Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk are excited to be a part of this effort to revitalize the Village of Mastic Beach.  We think this is a wonderful opportunity to improve the community and create homeownership opportunities for working families,” said Chief Executive Vivian Becker, Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk.

“The LIHP is proud to be partnering with the Village of Mastic Beach and Suffolk County in bringing the dream of homeownership to three new first time homebuyers,” said Chief Executive Peter Elkowitz, Long Island Housing Partnership.

Groundbreaking on the properties is expected to occur next spring. 

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