On April 5, 2017, at Babylon Town Hall, Community Development Corporation of Long Island (CDCLI) and Conifer Realty, LLC conducted a lottery to select residents and establish a waiting list for 90 brand new affordable apartment homes which are nearing completion in Copiague. The lottery for Copiague Commons was hosted by Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer. Participants were welcomed by Councilman and Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez, who introduced all of the community members, elected and appointed officials, and drew the first names in the lottery.
Gwen O’Shea, President and CEO of CDCLI, described the genesis of the project, from visioning plan to reality. She said, “We received well over 500 applications for the 90 new apartments. This clearly demonstrates the critical need for diversified housing on Long Island. CDCLI is committed to addressing the needs of Long Island residents and their desire to have innovative, cost-effective housing, because we all know home matters. This project is a great example of what public, private and philanthropic investment can do for community development. It wouldn’t be possible without the leadership of Supervisor Shaffer and County Executive Bellone. Their commitment to home is evident. Finally, but as important, we are all thrilled to be joined today by the families and community members who we strive to serve.”
Suffolk County Legislator and Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory said “Increasing the number of affordable units and diversified housing stock is an important component of building a sustainable, stronger Suffolk. I am so happy to see this project come to fruition. It is wonderful to see what can be accomplished when the public and private sectors work together for the good of the community.”
Sharon Fattoruso, President of the Copiague Chamber of Commerce said, “I am very happy with the construction of the beautiful Copiague Commons and to see that we are moving forward with the revitalization plan for downtown Copiague. To see the 90 apartments rented definitely shows the need for affordable housing on Long Island. As President of the Copiague Chamber of Commerce, I feel with all the improvements that will be made to the downtown area, businesses will thrive. I would like to thank our County Executive Steve Bellone for his vision, Conifer Realty, CDCLI, Supervisor Rich Schaffer and the Town of Babylon for making this happen!”
In anticipation of today’s event, Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer said “I am pleased to see the transformation of this former eyesore into beautiful new apartments, adjacent to the railroad station, and half a block from the commercial center of the community. This is the first housing to have been constructed under our new Copiague Downtown Zoning Code. Developments, such as this, that are driven by the community participation are crucial to our continued economic prosperity.”
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone concurred and added “Copiague Commons is the first of many good things happening in the Copiague community. Smart growth developments such as this are essential in order to meet our future housing needs, keep our downtowns strong, and contribute to the sustainability of the region.”
Arthur Krauer, Conifer Realty’s Senior Project Director, described the development as consisting of two 45 unit four story apartment buildings separated by a courtyard. He said “The buildings are energy efficient, include a spacious and furnished clubhouse with a kitchenette, on-site laundry facilities, a fully equipped fitness center, and parking. Applications will be screened according to the Resident Selection Plan, and applicants will be called in for appointments according to their position on the list. The first families are expected to take occupancy of their new apartment homes this summer.”
Julia Meszaros, who was chosen third in the lottery and was present at the event said “I am super excited! This will be where my fiancé and I begin our life together and raise a family. Thank you for this opportunity.”
Funding and incentives for this new housing have been provided by New York State, Suffolk County, the Babylon Industrial Agency, Capital One Bank, Citi Community Capital, Red Stone Equity Partners, CDCLI Funding Corporation and others.”
About Conifer Realty, LLC
Conifer is a nationally ranked, full-service real estate company specializing in the development, construction, management and ownership of high-quality, affordable housing communities. Since its inception in 1975, Conifer has grown considerably – currently owning and managing over 14,600 multifamily units representing 220+ apartment communities in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Ohio. In addition, the Company consistently maintains a pipeline of over 30 unique projects in various stages of the development process. For more information, please visit www.coniferllc.com, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coniferrealty and follow us on Twitter @ConiferRealty.