Affordable Housing In Southold Town: New Video Spotlights Critical Issue

SOUTHOLD, NY — A new video is set to dispel the myths and misconceptions about affordable housing in Southold Town.

The Southold town board watched the new video, "To Live in Southold Town" at Tuesday morning's work session.

Although the issue is one of the most critical in Southold Town, forums organized to discuss the dearth of affordable housing opportunities have traditionally been poorly attended, town officials said.

Denis Noncarrow, government liaison officer, along with Rona Smith, chair of the Southold Town housing advisory commission, unveiled the video, created by Rory MacNish.

The goal, Noncarrow said, was to try and reach and engage people in a new way.

The Long Island Community Foundation, he said, was interested in seeing what Southold Town has done to address the affordable housing issue.

The video is 12 minutes long.

Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell said despite the necessity of affordable housing, and residents deeming it a critical issue, forums organized to discuss the topic have been poorly attended, while similar forums spotlighting deer and helicopters have had more than 130 or 150 in attendance.

"Everyone supports affordable housing until you put your finger on a map," Russell said.

Smith said, however, that despite negative connotations some have in regard to affordable housing, studies have shown that "there is not statistical difference in the rise of housing values in communities with affordable development." She added, "There doesn't go the neighborhood."

The Cottages at Mattituck have had no effect on property appreciation in Mattituck, she said. Affordable housing "doesn't create a trend. It doesn't really affect your assets, your house," Smith added.

The video focuses on one woman who won a town lottery and was afforded the chance for home ownership at the Cottages at Mattituck. "I still have to pinch myself because I can't believe I bought a house in Mattituck," she said.

East Hampton Town has 500 affordable units and the video includes interviews with East Hampton officials on their programs.

Southold Town has recently advanced new initiatives, such as a plan to allow apartments as a principal use in commercial zones and the adoption of changes to town code that increase allowable density for affordable units from six units per acre to 12 per acre, establishing a limit of 24 units for any proposal.

Russell said the need to keep young people and retirees in Southold is great. "I have always said Southold's greatest export is its young people," he said. "I have faith in people and I do think many recognize the need to keep people here."

The video aims to educate the public about the realities of affordable housing and shatter negative preconceptions.

"Let's have the conversation," Noncarrow said.

Councilman Jim Dinizio said while the town has saved 5,000 acres of land for preservation, Southold Town is also "culpable" for the lack of affordable housing that's resulted and must work toward solutions.

Councilman Bob Ghosio suggested using existing housing stock to address the need.

The video will air on Channel 22, be posted on the town's Facebook page, and its website.