Work quietly.
Succeed loudly.
Give boldly

Did You Know

$552,584

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Aenean

7,126

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Aenean

Testimonials

[rt-testimonial id="1489" title="Testimonial Slider"]

Category: Affordable Housing

A New Future for Housing Affordability in Southampton

Posted on by praxis

Original Author: Alek Lewis

Southampton, New York, has long been recognized as a luxurious vacation destination, home to sprawling estates, pristine beaches, and exclusive communities. While hamlets, such as Sagaponack, Water Mill, and Bridgehampton, draw visitors and seasonal residents from across the globe, they also present a significant challenge for those who live and work locally: housing affordability. For Long Island’s working-class residents, like retail employees, healthcare workers, educators, first responders, and other service workers, finding accessible housing in these communities becomes more difficult as the cost of housing increases annually. In some instances, the struggle is so severe that day laborers spend winters in wooded encampments when their finances cannot cover rent or other necessities, highlighting the urgent need for affordable housing solutions on the East End.

The Current Housing Landscape in Southampton

The cost of living in Southampton is among the highest in New York State, with property prices and rental rates far exceeding the reach of many local households. According to the latest Southampton Town Housing Plan, only about 1.4% of housing is considered “affordable,” leaving a large portion of residents priced out of the communities they serve. The median household income for renter households is just $49,505, a stark contrast to property values that often reach seven figures.

The imbalance between wealthy seasonal homeowners and local workers creates a sustainability challenge: 28% of local tax bills are sent to village addresses, yet 72% of these owners do not reside in the community year-round. As Jay Diesling, a member of Southampton’s Community Housing Fund advisory board, explained in a public meeting, this dynamic has “gutted our community” and threatens the long-term viability of Southampton as a place where locals can live and work.

Proposals to Expand Affordable Housing

Recognizing the urgency of this crisis, Southampton Village trustees are actively considering a series of proposals designed to increase affordable housing opportunities. These initiatives focus on several key strategies:

  1. Density Bonuses: Developers may be allowed to build more units than current zoning regulations typically permit, encouraging larger housing projects while incorporating affordable units.
  2. Reduced Apartment Size Requirements: By adjusting minimum unit sizes, the village hopes to make projects more economically feasible for developers while providing a variety of housing options for local workers.
  3. New Land Openings for Housing: Additional parcels of land would be allocated for residential use, creating opportunities for workforce housing developments that cater to those who earn up to 130% of Long Island’s median household income. For a family of four, this translates to an annual income cap of approximately $214,370, ensuring that housing is targeted toward households with genuine local needs.

Workforce Housing: Meeting the Needs of Locals

A critical component of Southampton’s housing initiatives is the creation of workforce housing developments. These units are specifically designed to accommodate residents employed in essential sectors who might otherwise be unable to afford local rents. Rents are based on income levels, helping to ensure that housing remains attainable for individuals and families who sustain the day-to-day functioning of these communities. In addition to supporting workers, this approach reinforces the cultural and economic fabric of Southampton by allowing long-term residents to remain within the village and nearby hamlets.

Targeting Southampton Natives and Local Renters

Efforts to expand affordable housing are also focused on prioritizing Southampton natives and long-term residents, rather than seasonal buyers or outside investors. The high demand for property from wealthy outsiders has historically driven real estate prices upward, creating a financial barrier for locals. By allocating affordable units to households with established ties to Southampton, the town seeks to preserve community identity and provide stability for workers whose labor supports local businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities.

The Role of Village Trustees and Community Housing Fund

Under the current proposals, developers could build projects with up to eight units, 25% of which would be designated as workforce housing. Notably, these units could be created in buildings initially zoned for office use, reflecting a flexible approach to addressing housing shortages. Additionally, village officials plan to collaborate with the Community Housing Fund, which is supported through a half-percent real estate transfer tax. The fund offers grants and incentives to developers, helping to offset costs and encourage the construction of affordable housing. By combining zoning changes, density bonuses, and financial support, Southampton aims to create a more sustainable housing ecosystem that benefits local workers and residents alike.

Read original article here.

FAQ: Affordable Housing in Southampton

What is considered affordable housing in Southampton?
Affordable housing in Southampton typically refers to housing units with rents based on income, designed to be accessible to households earning up to 130% of Long Island’s median income. For a family of four, this is roughly $214,370 per year.

Who qualifies for workforce housing in Southampton?
Workforce housing is aimed at local residents employed in essential sectors such as retail, healthcare, education, and service industries. Priority is given to Southampton natives and long-term residents.

What changes are being proposed to increase housing affordability?
Proposed changes include density bonuses for developers, reduced apartment size requirements, opening additional land for residential use, and converting certain office-zoned buildings into workforce housing units.

Why is affordable housing important for Southampton?
Affordable housing helps local workers remain in the community, supporting local businesses, schools, and healthcare services. It ensures that Southampton maintains a sustainable and diverse population rather than being dominated solely by seasonal or outside investors.

From Sacred Halls to Supportive Homes: How Brentwood’s Former Academy is Becoming a Beacon for Affordable Housing

Posted on by melanieVMG

The brick walls of the former Academy of St. Joseph in Brentwood, New York, have stood for more than a century, quietly witnessing students in bustling hallways, neighborhood celebrations, and the everyday rhythms of this corner of Long Island.

For generations, the Academy’s brick exterior and Spanish Colonial details anchored the neighborhood’s landscape. Inside its classrooms, students learned, built friendships, and marked milestones that became part of the community’s shared memory. The academy was more than an educational space; it hosted ceremonies, religious gatherings, and concerts that drew residents together.

Now, those walls are set for a new role. A redevelopment project by nonprofit Concern Housing will convert the former school into housing for veterans, seniors, and working Long Islanders priced out of the local market. Classrooms will become kitchens and living spaces, offering stability for those who need it most.

This project is part preservation, part problem-solving. It reuses a historic building rather than replacing it, while addressing a shortage of affordable housing. The approach keeps the school’s character intact, updates it for present needs, and strengthens the surrounding community.

A Vision Rooted in History

The Academy of St. Joseph opened in 1903, with a 1913 expansion adding Spanish Colonial Revival design elements such as ornate terracotta trim and inviting courtyards. It educated students from kindergarten through 12th grade, fostering both academic and personal growth.

When the academy closed in 2009, the loss was felt well beyond its gates. In the years that followed, the property remained in use for pre-kindergarten programs, after-school care, and English-as-a-second-language classes. By 2021, the Sisters of St. Joseph began exploring how the site could make a lasting impact once more. Sister Tesa Fitzgerald explained, “When you hear needs like that, it’s our responsibility to respond if we can. We felt strongly that we could do something concrete to make that happen.”

The Plan for Joseph’s Village

The Town of Islip has approved a $120 million redevelopment to create Joseph’s Village, a 500,000-square-foot housing community. It will feature 176 apartments: 139 studios, 33 one-bedrooms, and four two-bedrooms. The unit mix reflects the demand for smaller residences while fostering a range of tenants.

Half the apartments will be supportive housing for veterans with behavioral health conditions, seniors, and adults with disabilities. Residents will have access to services that promote stability and independence, and the design will integrate all units to avoid isolating specific groups.

Affordability with Integrity

Joseph’s Village will be open to those earning up to 60% of Long Island’s area median income; that is, $69,300 for an individual and $79,200 for a couple. Projected rents are $1,275–$1,575 for studios, $1,365–$1,665 for one-bedrooms, and $1,620–$1,995 for two-bedrooms, well below regional averages that often exceed $2,500. By tying rents to income benchmarks instead of market rates, the project offers residents a level of financial predictability.

Meeting Demand

Affordable housing remains scarce on Long Island. Concern Housing’s Estella development in Hempstead received nearly 1,700 applications for just 53 units which is a sign of the challenge Joseph’s Village will face in meeting demand. The application process will use a lottery system to ensure fairness, though the number of available units will fall far short of the need.

Preserving Architectural Heritage

The academy’s listing on the National Register of Historic Places means Joseph’s Village will retain its defining features: the brick façade with terracotta trim, marble-walled entryway, and stained glass windows. Preservation volunteer and real estate investor Rob Beyer notes that these details do more than beautify; they keep a tangible link to the past.

Adaptive Reuse with Purpose

Repurposing existing buildings cuts waste, reduces the environmental footprint, and preserves cultural landmarks. For many in Brentwood, the academy is part of their personal history. Seeing it restored and put to use again affirms that old structures can continue to serve the public while meeting modern needs.

A Faith-Based Commitment

The Sisters of St. Joseph have agreed to sell the property to Concern Housing for $6.8 million, pending state approval. The decision aligns with a growing trend in which religious organizations put underused properties to work for social benefit. In this case, the outcome will be new homes for people who might otherwise face housing insecurity.

Economic and Social Impact

The development will contribute to neighborhood stability, bringing more customers to nearby businesses and even improving health outcomes, particularly for those in supportive housing who may have faced homelessness. It will also help maintain Brentwood’s diversity by keeping housing accessible to a mix of income levels.

Looking Ahead

Construction is expected to start next year, with completion in 2028. While it cannot solve Long Island’s housing shortage on its own, Joseph’s Village demonstrates what can be achieved when historic preservation, social responsibility, and coordinated action come together.

For Brentwood, the project is not just another development; it is a continuation of the academy’s legacy in a new form, offering both shelter and a sense of belonging to those who will call it home.

To learn more about the vision behind Joseph’s Village and what it means for the Brentwood community, read the full Newsday article. It offers an in-depth look at how this transformative project is honoring the past while building for the future.

FAQ

What is Joseph’s Village in Brentwood, NY?

Joseph’s Village is a 176-unit affordable housing community opening in 2028 in Brentwood, NY. Built within the historic Academy of St. Joseph, it will offer studios, one-, and two-bedroom apartments while preserving the building’s original architectural features.

When will Joseph’s Village open?

Joseph’s Village is scheduled to open in 2028 after redevelopment of the former Academy of St. Joseph.

Who can live in Joseph’s Village?

Residents will include veterans, seniors, adults with disabilities, and income-qualified individuals and couples.

How many units will Joseph’s Village have?

The development will feature 176 apartments—studios, one-, and two-bedroom layouts.

Will the building keep its historic character?

Yes. Key features like the brick façade, marble entryway, and stained glass windows will be preserved.

What makes this project significant?

It combines affordable housing creation with historic preservation, addressing community needs while honoring local heritage.