MEDIA RELEASE

OCTOBER 14, 2008

CONTACT: JOSHUA SLAUGHTER
    Office:  (631) 852-1300
Cell:  (631) 456-1718
 Email: Joshua.Slaughter@suffolkcountyny.gov

NORTH BELLPORT VISIONING MAKING STRIDES

BROWNING SECURES PASSAGE OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION PROJECTS

Hauppauge, NY – Today the North Bellport community took two giant steps closer to realizing a vision that began just two short years ago. Legislator Kate Browning (WF-Shirley) secured the approval of two vital resolutions that will bring an influx of much needed home ownership, safety, and beautification to the neighborhood.

The first resolution solidified the transfer of 25 parcels from the county’s inventory to the Town of Brookhaven, which will work with Habitat for Humanity to construct and rehabilitate homes. These properties will become available for first-time homebuyers at an affordable price. In October 2007 Legislator Browning fought to have these parcels pulled from the county auction list at the request of the Greater Bellport Coalition. Instead of falling into the hands of speculators, who would most likely flip the parcels into rentals, the homes will now be available to those who want to live the American dream.

“North Bellport has been neglected and taken advantage of for far too long,” said Browning. “Home ownership is going to be the key to taking back this community. Now twenty-five new homeowners will have the opportunity to call Bellport their home, while speculators will have to start looking for a new community to prey on.”

The Greater Bellport Coalition was formed to implement a visioning plan for the area in August of 2006. The coalition hired Sustainable Long Island, a non-profit planning organization, to help implement a viable approach to revitalizing the community.

“Legislator Browning's resolution securing the transfer of these properties will give working families in the community an opportunity for home ownership that they might not have had otherwise,” stated John Rogers, Co-Chair of the Greater Bellport Coalition.  “It is an important part of a vision plan that seeks to guide development in the community and improve the quality of life for its residents.”

There is an additional 50 parcels in North Bellport waiting to be transferred to various non-profits for the same purpose.

“Sustainable Long Island applauds Legislator Browning’s efforts,” said Sarah Lansdale, Executive Director of Sustainable Long Island.  “Legislator Browning has been responsive to the needs of the community from the beginning of this processes and supportive of the implementation of the community’s vision.  We look forward to our continued work together to make Greater Bellport’s vision a reality.”

A second resolution appropriated $70,000 through Suffolk County’s Downtown Revitalization Program for additional street lighting on Station Road. The intersection of Station Road and Montauk Highway has been identified by the coalition as a focal point to changing the face of the area. The new lighting will improve safety in a location notorious for crime, while at the same time improving the aesthetics of the neighborhood. The $70,000 is in addition to $35,000 appropriated last year for the same purpose. This will provide the necessary resources to extend the project farther along the roadway.

“I am thrilled to be able to provide these much needed improvements to Station Road,” stated Browning. “Street lighting helps reduce crime, in addition to enhancing the look and feel for the area. This money is going to go a long way towards improving the walkability and safety for the community.”

The monies will be transferred to the Town of Brookhaven and administered through the municipality.

“The Central Bellport Civic Association (CBCA), which is the fiscal agent for the Greater Bellport Coalition, is very appreciative of the efforts of Legislator Browning in securing the Revitalization funds to be allocated to the community,” said Gail Ellis, Executive Director of the CBCA. “This would go a long way in accomplishing some of the long awaited and much needed improvements to the neighborhood. As the lead agency that initiated the visioning process, we are excited to be a part of this notable miracle happening in our community.”

The Central Bellport Civic Association and the Greater Bellport Coalition will be working with the Town of Brookhaven   to make sure these funds are distributed as planned.