Affordable Housing Transfer Program

About the Program

Category: Community and Economic Development (Best in Category)

Year: 2009

In 2008, Suffolk County, New York, under the direction of County Executive Steve Levy, transferred to local townships under 72-h of the General Municipal Law a total of 28 properties to be used for the development of affordable workforce housing. A new provision of the County’s Workforce housing program gave eligibility preference to returning Veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. Section 72-h of the New York General Municipal Law authorizes the sale of properties between municipalities in the State of New York. In Suffolk County, the program provides for the transfer of property taken by the County for non-profits for development of affordable housing and final transfer to economically disadvantaged persons. This partnership with other governmental entities and legislative agendas at both the County and Town levels, the process of submitting application for permits and approvals from multiple governmental agencies, as well as support and cooperation from the communities where the properties were located.