LIHP to provide 32 new affordable homes to first-time buyers

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The Long Island Housing Partnership will be providing 32 new single-family, affordable homes in North Bellport, according to an announcement from Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico and Councilman Michael Loguercio. 

Each of the homes will also have a one-bedroom accessory apartment and will be sold to first-time home buyers through LIHP’s Community Land Trust program. The homes will be built on vacant land on Ecke Avenue, according to the statement from the Town of Brookhaven. 

North Bellport was granted $4.5 million in state funds for downtown improvements through the New York Forward initiative, which aims to accelerate the revitalization of downtowns through the support of projects that will create “vibrant destinations” and serve as catalysts for increased investment. 

“It’s gratifying to be part of the continuing efforts to revitalize North Bellport. The New York State/ Brookhaven Town and Long Island Housing Partnership public/private partnership is a most effective vehicle to collaborate with the residents of North Bellport to improve their community,” Jim Morgo, New York State co-chair of the New York Forward North Bellport Local Planning Committee, said in the statement. “The tried-and-true method of stabilizing a neighborhood through well-designed safe and affordable home ownership and rental opportunities began in the 1990s and continues to this day with the Ecke Avenue development that creatively combines affordable home ownership and rental options. The revitalization will continue with the New York Forward’s economy-enhancing projects slated to begin in 2025.” 

Upon receiving state approval, the homes will be connected to the recently completed sewer treatment system built by Levittown-based D&F Development Group, which supports the 70-unit Gleneagle Green rental development that opened two years ago off Atlantic Avenue. 

“Supervisor Panico and the Town of Brookhaven should be commended for their continuous commitment to the revitalization of North Bellport,” Peter Elkowitz, LIHP president and CEO, said in the statement. “LIHP has partnered with the town for decades to bring quality affordable housing to the neighborhood, resulting in the construction of 68 new homes, 14 rehabilitated homes and another 10 single-family homes in the pre-construction phase. We are all excited to work with the town to develop 32 affordable homes, each with an accessory apartment dwelling unit, on Ecke Avenue – a project that has been in the planning stages for several years.” 

LIHP is finalizing a request for proposals to find a developer for the North Bellport project. 

“Once a developer is selected and approved, we will work to finalize subsidies in each home and establish an affordable selling price for the homes,” Elkowitz told LIBN. 

LIHP is requesting funds from the New York State Affordable Housing Corporation and other grants. Suffolk County will also assist with infrastructure funds and the Brookhaven Town Department of Housing and Community Development will assist by using HOME funds and possibly Community Development Block Grant funds, according to the statement. The affordable housing project will be done in phases and the goal is to begin construction by fall 2025, with completion expected in 2027. 

“The people of North Bellport have a friend, supporter and advocate in their town supervisor,” Panico said in the statement. “I have made it a priority to help create a better tomorrow and better future for the communities in Brookhaven that have faced substantial issues for far too long. This new housing will complement our past and future efforts and will be by no means our last. Whether it be true transit-oriented development and revitalization in the area, improving the park system, and access to housing, we are making real differences for the people.”