Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone signed legislation requiring affordable housing developments that receive County funding to set aside units for both veterans and individuals with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities.
“Suffolk County has the largest population of veterans in New York State so it’s important that we support them in any way we can,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “I am proud that these two pieces of legislation will not only ensure accessible and secure housing for our esteemed veterans, but also to individuals living with disabilities here on Long Island. Today, we take a significant step forward in our commitment to fostering an inclusive community where every resident has a place to call home.”
“With the Legislature’s unanimous support and the County Executive’s signing of these two pieces of Legislation we are not only providing increased opportunities for those within our veterans and special needs communities, we are also paving the way for the rest of New York State and the Country to follow our lead when it comes to addressing the housing needs for these individuals that have been overlooked for far too long. Today Suffolk County recognizes and has taken a tremendous step forward in addressing the vital needs of housing by providing such opportunities to our veteran and special needs community members who are ready, willing and able to begin a life with the dignity and independence they all deserve.” stated Legislator Caricappa
The first piece of legislation requires any property receiving County funding to set aside at least 5 units for veterans, but no more than 10% of units in the development. Suffolk County has the largest population of veterans in New York State
Similar to the units required to be set aside for veterans, the second piece of legislation requires any property receiving County funding to set aside at least 5 units of non-certified housing for individuals with developmental disabilities as defined by OPWDD at 60% or below AMI and at least 5 ground-floor or elevator accessible units for individuals with disabilities. No more than 10% of units in the development would be required to be set aside. These units will be set aside in perpetuity and they must be spread throughout the development.
In 2021, County Executive Bellone committed $10 million in funding to develop new inclusive housing opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The inclusive housing program provides wastewater infrastructure funding for community-based integrated projects that permanently restrict units within the project to individuals eligible to receive services through the New York State Office of People with Developmental Disabilities.
There are more than 14,000 individuals on Long Island with disabilities and the majority of them are living at home with aging caregivers. This new legislation will help the County meet the regional need to develop housing for people with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities.
Additionally, in an effort to promote veteran housing options, the Suffolk County Planning Commission will add a member to represent and advocate on behalf of the veteran community. Last summer, the Planning Commission appointed Stephanie Baldwin, Esq., to serve as a member of the Commission representing and advocating on behalf of individuals with disabilities.