US Representative Gary Ackerman (D-Queens-LI) presented a $600,000 check to help rebuild Harbor Homes, the low-income housing project in Port, located on Middle Neck Road, just north of Main Street, and across the street from the Sands Point Nursing Home. The money is the first installment of a $12 million package that has been secured for the project.

Joining in the announcement was State Senator Michael Balboni (R-Mineola), Assemblyman Thomas DiNapoli (D-Thomaston), Nassau County Legislator Craig Johnson, North Hempstead Housing Authority Vice President Roberta Nixon and Joe Gallo representing the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. Town of North Hempstead Supervisor May Newburger was unable to attend.

The funds will pay for the new construction of 66 two-story townhouse apartments for low-income families, most of whom currently live in the existing Harbor Homes development. Because of the deteriorating condition of the existing 50-year-old complex, it will be totally demolished and completely rebuilt on the present site. The number of units will remain the same and will consist of 10 one-bedroom, 43 two-bedrooms, eight three-bedrooms and five four-bedrooms. The one-bedroom units will be handicapped accessible.

Well-known public advocate Roberta Nixon, who is the vice president of the Town of North Hempstead's Housing Authority and resides in Port Washington, commented on the current condition of Harbor Homes and the improvements the new plan includes. She spoke of the unsafe stairways that sometimes shake back and forth when residents are on them. She noted that the asbestos in the complex, while encapsulated, still needs to be addressed. Additionally, plumbing and heating systems are antiquated. (John Belanich, the director of Littig House Community Center, which is located in the development, advised that the center is currently shut down because of heating problems; and some tenants are also waiting a long time to have their heat restored.)

Ms. Nixon is glad to report that the plan calls for each apartment to have its own thermostat, washer and dryer and air conditioning. "The plan is just beautiful," she said proudly.

Funding from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York's affordable housing program will be used to partially finance construction costs. Additional funding is to be provided by the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal's public housing modernization funds as well as low income housing tax credits. In addition, the Town of North Hempstead' s Housing Authority will donate the land.

The rebuilding is slated to begin in May 2003 and run through 2005. It is scheduled to be completed in three phases, which includes knocking down and rebuilding two buildings consisting of 24 units at a time. The residents, which include families as well as single individuals, elderly and young people, will be temporarily relocated in stages to vacant units within the complex not under construction or they will be housed short-term in existing locations in Great Neck.

Each unit of the new complex is expected to become occupied. Presently, the development includes vacant units, as many have not been rented as tenants moved out because of the facility's condition. In order to qualify for Harbor Homes, the annual income for a family of four must not exceed $57,350.

"This rebuilding plan has been desperately needed for some time," Ackerman said. "We're pleased that the ball is finally rolling toward a new day for Harbor Homes residents. As we renew this development, we renew our commitment to provide affordable housing to all who need it."

When asked to comment, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor May Newburger echoed the congressman's remarks, saying that the renovation is long overdue. "It is truly a blessing," she declared.

This is an example of a partnership of federal, state and local government representatives working together to rebuild homes and the lives of our residents who need it most, State Senator Mike Balboni said. "I am pleased that Congressman Ackerman was able to bring resources to the project."

"Today, in Nassau County and throughout Long Island, there is a critical need for a reliable supply of well maintained affordable housing, " DiNapoli said. "These funds, secured through this intergovernmental partnership led by Congressman Ackerman, provides the financing necessary so the town can redevelop and revitalize Harbor Homes and continue providing safe and affordable low-income housing for seniors and families with children right here in Nassau County."

Harbor Homes is run by the North Hempstead Housing Authority.