On June 19, the town board voted unanimously to support a brand-new housing implementation plan (HIP). The primary focus of the plan is to ensure that efficient, cost effective and well-designed affordable housing supply is created and maintained for local citizens.
The Southold Town Housing Advisory Commission, established within the housing fund legislation, is charged with the task of creating the HIP.
Along with the goal of promoting diverse housing stock comprised of rentals and home ownership, a parallel goal identifies potential locations within exiting buildings and unimproved lots for new construction for affordable housing.
Also critical is the ned to assess and monitor the need for affordable housing in town, encourage the implementation of design standards for affordable housing that foster energy efficiency, ensure a transparent process, determines selection of qualified participants for affordable housing, and to foster successful and stable housing tenure through education to landlords, tenants, and first-time home buyers. HIP is focused on legislative initiatives that ensure all affordable housing remains perpetually affordable.
On the heels of Tuesday night's vote cam a meeting at the Southold Town Human Resources Center in Mattituck.
John Vahey of the Housing Advisory Commission welcomed Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell and Lisa Tyson, director of the Long Island Progressive Coalition. They discussed strategies to create affordable housing.
Russell said one problem confronting the town is "the amazing lack of dialogue." There is no one single solution, or "silver bullet" that will solve the housing crisis, the supervisor said. "Historically, Long Island is almost out of land. We have to be a little bit more creative."
Russell commeded members of the former town board for planting the seeds for long-term affordable housing solutions.
Most recently, the
Cottages at Mattituck are a successful initiative because of the town's forward-thinking legislation.
Lisa Finn, The Independent
