Nassau Getting Millions From Feds For Community Projects

Towns all over Nassau County are going to receive millions of dollars in federal funding, with Long Island getting more than $26 million.

Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced the grants, which are coming in the form of Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Funding (HOME). While Long Island overall is receiving $26,273,939, Nassau County is receiving a big chunk of that -- $16,307,661.

“The Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnerships Programs are vital streams of investment that support local economic development and community revitalization. Without this non-replaceable funding, many local job-creating development projects that are revitalizing Long Island communities might not be here today,” said Schumer. “The more than $26 million in funding is a big win for Long Island and will help more communities create good paying jobs, deliver essential services to families and seniors, and support smart growth efforts. I will continue to fight day in and day out to protect this critical investment for our communities and make sure Long Island gets the federal investment it needs and deserves.”

Nassau is getting just over $14 million in CDBG money. A large portion of the money will be used for downtown revitalization projects in numerous communities. The City of Glen Cove, and the villages of Farmingdale, Hempstead, Mineola, Lynbrook and Valley Stream are funding downtown improvements. The towns of Hempstead and Oyster Bay will use funds for revitalization efforts in Uniondale, Roosevelt, Baldwin and Hicksville.

North Hempstead will use funds to combat zombie homes in New Cassel and Garden City Park. The plan is to replace the blighted homes with new, affordable housing options for first-time home buyers.

Several communities are also planning rehabilitation of commercial buildings, new public facilities and economic development projects.

CDBG grants will also help support about 65 non-profit groups, which include senior and youth services, mental health services, services for the disabled and more.

“The CDBG Program and the HOME Investment Partnership Program both play a crucial role in promoting local economic development and expanding affordable housing, and I am very pleased to announce this federal funding to support these projects across Long Island,” Gillibrand said. “With this funding, Long Island communities will be able to build on their efforts to revitalize communities, create new jobs, and attract even more investment – all while helping ensure that housing can be accessible for all Long Islanders. I will always fight to make sure that our communities can get the support and resources they need to thrive.”

The HOME grants will allow funding of the First-Time Homebuyer and Employer Assisted Homebuyer programs, which are administered by the Long Island Housing Partnership. The county is also looking into several requests for projects involving the development of affordable housing in Garden City, Garden City Park, Farmingdale, Freeport, Roslyn Heights and Glen Cove. Some of those projects will receive portions of the $2.28 million in HOME funding.

“Thanks to this important federal funding, Nassau can support a variety of initiatives and programs that include the completion of a 5-Year Consolidated Plan of the county’s Housing Affordability Study," said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. "This study will guide us in making funding decisions that will impact the county for years to come.”