Win For Southampton Affordable Housing As County Legislature Authorizes Funding

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Two affordable rental projects in Southampton Town are one step closer to becoming reality.

On Tuesday, the Suffolk County Legislature approved two resolutions under the Suffolk County Affordable Housing Opportunities Program authorizing $2.15 million for land acquisition that will open the door for two affordable housing projects in Southampton Town — Sandy Hollow Cove Apartments and Speonk Commons.

The two projects represent the first two developments that will create affordable rentals townwide, a release said.

“The East End has a critical need for affordable housing to maintain both our economy and our local community,” Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming said. “The sites, which are in transit-oriented locations, further the goal of reducing traffic and supporting the workforce that drives our tourist economy. In light of our community’s desperate need for affordable housing, the hard work by the town, the county, and the developers on these two projects has created a framework that I hope will encourage similar projects in the future.”

“This is exactly the right type of investment we need to make to lure young professionals to the East End and make Suffolk County a more affordable place to live and work,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone.

The Sandy Hollow project will be sited on County Road 52, a short distance from County Road 39, and the Speonk project will be directly adjacent to the Speonk train station.

The Sandy Hollow project will include three two-story buildings and 28 rental units, with 14 studios, 12 one-bedrooms and 2 two-bedroom apartments, available to residents earning between 50 percent and 90 percent of average median income.

The Speonk project will consist of six two-story buildings and 38 rental units. The unit mix will consist of 12 studios, 14 one-bedrooms and 12 two-bedroom apartments, available to residents earning between 50 percent and 90 percent of the average median income, and one manager’s apartment. One building will have a community room and laundry on the ground floor.

“The significant financial commitment by Suffolk County is critical to delivering these apartments at an affordable price,” said Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman.

David Gallo, president of Georgica Green Ventures, LLC, thanked Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Legislator Bridget Fleming and all members of Legislature for their commitment to delivering critically needed workforce housing in Southampton.

The approval will allow the projects to stay on schedule for completion within the next 16 to 18 months.