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Suffolk Executive Steve Bellone and Legislator Nick Caracappa congratulate
each other as supporters of a bill designed to create more affordable housing for those in need cheer them on. Robert Chartuk
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Surrounded by many who pushed for the bill, County Executive Steve Bellone and the measure’s legislative sponsor, Nick Caracappa, ceremoniously signed the law which requires new housing projects that receive county support to set aside affordable units to the underserved groups.
“This is a significant piece of legislation that will have an impact for decades,” Bellone said of the bill which calls for at least five units for veterans and people with developmental disabilities, or 10 percent, and an additional five ground floor units to increase handicapped accessibility. “This is about the future of Long Island, of giving everyone the opportunity to reach their own capabilities.”
Legislator Caracappa noted that Suffolk has more veterans than any county in the state. “Too many veterans are on the street, homeless; we need to give them the life they deserve,” he said. “For the residents with special needs, this is your moment.”
The officials singled out Suffolk Economic Development and Planning Commissioner Sarah Lansdale, who did her masters thesis on the Matinecock Court affordable housing project in East Northport 20 years ago, for helping push the legislation over the finish line. First proposed in 1978, the development, finally underway, will include eight units for the disabled and four for veterans, with another 15 compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. “She is an unsung hero for an issue we all care very deeply about,” Caracappa noted, adding that getting the measure passed 18-0 was a group effort.
Recognized at a Hauppauge bill signing event were Tom Ronayne, director of the county’s Veterans Service Agency, Frank Krotschinsky, director of the Office for People with Disabilities, Ulysses Spicer of Housing Help, Kathryn Snaith of SILO, The Social Brain’s Ira Dune, Frank Sanzone, Farmingville VFW Post 400 commander, and Sal Russo, commissioner with the Farmingville Fire District. Also in attendance were some of the Suffolk legislators who voted for the bill: Steve Flotteron, Leslie Kennedy, and Jason Richberg.
“The need is so important,” Veterans Services Director Ronayne said. “This will change lives profoundly.”
“We shouldn’t have to worry about being on the street,” commented Riverhead Loft resident Seth Kasden who stressed the need to “never give up until someone actually listens.”
“We all have friends, family, neighbors who are in line for these situations,” Legislator Flotteron said, noting that projects near trains, buses and downtowns are ideal. “This makes sure there is affordability.”