Lottery applications open for affordable housing complex that prioritizes veterans

After more than a decade, the Town of Huntington is taking names for an affordable housing lottery aimed at veterans.

The lottery application process for Columbia Terrace, a 14-unit condominium complex at the corner of Columbia Street and Lowndes Avenue in Huntington Station, is open until Nov. 30. The lottery will be held on Dec. 8. Nonveterans also are eligible to be placed on the list.

The development has eight two-bedroom units and six one-bedroom units. The sales price for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit is $253,250, and a one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo is $233,250, according to town documents.

"After much work and anticipation, the Offering Plan for Columbia Terrace has been approved, and we will soon be able to see first-time veteran homebuyers move in to call these condos home," Town Supervisor Chad Lupinacci said in a new release. An offering plan are the rules and regulations of the community.

The program is being run through the town’s Community Development Agency, which is chaired by Lupinacci.

The first priority for placement on the lottery list goes to veterans who live or work in the town, then veterans who do not live in Huntington, followed by individuals who currently reside or work in the town or have a parent, grandparent, child or grandchild residing in Huntington. The fourth and final priority goes to those who do not meet the other priorities.

To receive veteran’s preference, the applicant must have been discharged or released from active duty in the Armed Forces under honorable conditions and show proof of military service.

All applicants must meet first-time homebuyer and federal Housing and Urban Development income criteria.

The application process and all eligibility criteria are available at huntingtonny.gov/Columbia-Terrace.

The project began in 2009, when the town partnered with the county to purchase the land for the project for almost $800,000. New York State Empire State Development provided a $1.56 million Restore grant, and sidewalk improvements were made possible through a $250,000 Suffolk County Jumpstart grant. The final cost of the project is about $3.3 million.

Bob Santo, past commander of the American Legion Greenlawn Post 1244, said the program is the best way to say, "Thank you for your service."

"I do hope that there will be more such efforts making it possible for veterans who are first-time homebuyers to achieve the American dream of homeownership," he said. "It will also benefit our town by enabling veterans to return home after their service and contribute to their hometown of Huntington."