74-Unit Public Housing Redevelopment In Nassau Complete

ROSLYN HEIGHTS, NY — The major redevelopment of Laurel Homes in Roslyn Heights was completed, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Monday.

The 74-unit public housing complex replaces dilapidated public housing in North Hempstead’s Roslyn Heights. Obsolete buildings were redeveloped into quality, energy-efficient apartments, including eight for seniors on a modern and family-friendly campus.

"My administration’s commitment to increasing the supply of affordable, energy-efficient apartments is coming to life in communities throughout the state," Hochul said in a news release. "We are making ongoing investments to preserve and revitalize our existing housing stock, including in important public housing developments like Laurel Homes. As we look ahead to 2024 and beyond, I will continue to do everything in my power to boost the supply of housing and help ensure families have a safe, comfortable place to live."

In the last five years, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has created or preserved more than 5,600 affordable homes on Long Island.

Hochul set in motion a $25 billion Housing Plan that aims to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes, the state announced.

Laurel Homes is a North Hempstead Housing Authority public housing development, originally constructed in 1958 with 66 units.

The reconstruction and expansion of Laurel Homes provides 74 apartments in eight two-story buildings and a separate community building. The apartments are a mixture of one-, two-, three-, four-, and five-bedroom units. All apartments are affordable to households earning at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income.

Laurel Homes was designed in accordance with energy efficiency and green building standards required for Energy Star and Enterprise Green Communities certifications.

Energy efficient features in the development include a building envelope with high thermal performance, LED lighting, high-efficiency water heaters, and water-conserving certified fixtures. The development’s new community building features computers, laundry facilities and a playground. The redevelopment project also enhanced security features, with new cameras positioned around the complex to help ensure resident safety. The complex is within a short walk of the Long Island Railroad’s Roslyn station.

"I’m proud to support vital federal funding, including $14 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, for in North Hempstead," U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer said. "This project increases access to safe, affordable, and quality housing for Long Islanders and is situated within walking distance to the Long Island Rail Road for easy commuting. I applaud Governor Hochul and the state’s partners for increasing the number of affordable homes across New York, and I’ll continue fighting for and delivering federal funds that strengthen our communities, help provide more housing options, and improve New Yorkers’ quality of life."

The development team is the North Hempstead Housing Authority and Georgica Green Ventures, LLC. State financing for the $50 million development includes $17 million in Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, $10 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds, and $14 million in subsidy from HCR. Nassau County provided $1 million.

"The revitalization of Laurel Homes is exciting not only for the 350 individuals and families who live there, but for the community of Roslyn and the Town of North Hempstead," Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena said. "By preserving and enhancing Laurel Homes, we are improving the quality of life of our residents and promoting healthy communities and supporting the local economy. Thank you to the North Hempstead Housing Authority for their ongoing commitment to improving the lives for those who call our community home and to the teams involved in this beautiful transformation."