Fifteen New Cassel homes are up for grabs through the new North Hempstead Workforce Housing Program.
The town, North Hempstead Community Development Agency (CDA) and Nassau County, along with the Long Island Housing Partnership, Inc. will be holding a home ownership lottery for the new initiative, which consists of 15 homes in New Cassel for homebuyers who meet certain income requirements.
“It’s a very exciting project,” says Dermot Kelly, executive director at the Town of North Hempstead CDA. “The motivation was to get people who care about the area and have a commitment through it through home ownership, and to provide housing for people who want to work and live in an area that’s affordable.”
Interested individuals must first apply and, if eligible, are then entered into a home ownership lottery. The program is limited to households that earn at or below 80 percent of the Nassau/Suffolk area median income based on household size. A household must be able to qualify for a mortgage and attend a pre-purchase mortgage counseling session. There are no requirements as to where you currently live or work. All applications must be postmarked or received at the Long Island Housing Partnership’s Office by Nov. 7 at 5 p.m. to be included in the lottery. Fair housing laws will be followed.
The homes are being built by Cornerstone Properties, which recently built the Cathedral Place Apartments on Prospect Avenue. They will be building three two-story, three-bedroom single family homes on 3rd Ave., at 216 Brooklyn Ave. and 165 Covert Ave. The homes will sell for approximately $219,008 to $227,852 (after subsidy). The homes include an attached garage, kitchen with stainless appliances and granite counter tops, patio and master suite with walk-in closets.
They will also be constructing 11 two-story three-bedroom townhomes on Rose Place, between Prospect and Roman Avenues. The townhomes would cost approximately $133,616 (after subsidy). The townhomes include a backyard, private driveway, patio, living and dining rooms and laundry area. The area on Rose Place is currently a dead end and it will be opened up and made a through street. In addition, there will be one totally renovated home available for purchase at 876 Brush Hollow Road. Construction of the homes is anticipated to finish by the end of 2015.
“Providing affordable housing has been a key component to our ongoing revitalization of New Cassel. While this only puts a dent in the shortage of affordable housing in Nassau County, it sets us on the right path to be a model for quality affordable housing in other communities,” said Councilwoman Viviana Russell.
The CDA was the lead agency in the acquisition, design, construction and marketing of the properties. Nassau County has also committed to provide more than $2 million for acquisition and construction costs though the HOME Funds Program.
To receive an application, call the Long Island Housing Partnership, Inc. at 631-435-4710 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, or visit the Long Island Housing Partnership office at 180 Oser Ave., Suite 800, Hauppauge, NY 11788.
