Nassau County getting federal housing funds
Housing and poverty Credit: iStock
Nassau County is to get $18.2 million in federal funding for public improvements, affordable housing and services for the newly homeless. The aid is part of the annual funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The funding includes $14.1 million granted under formulas that take into account local poverty rates, population and age of housing stock; these funds can be used for a range of projects, from affordable housing to public improvements.
According to the county’s action plan, more than 20 municipalities will get the money, much of it for village and community downtown revitalization. Some will be spent on nonprofits’ programs for seniors, youths and low-income residents.
“It will basically go to beautification projects, streetscapes, park improvements — that’s the focus,” said John Sarcone, the county’s director of housing and community development.
Another $3.5 million will go toward creating affordable housing for low-income families, while about $685,000, will provide shelter and basic services for those who lost their homes.
Nassau’s HUD allocation has gone down in recent years as the federal deficit grows. Last year, HUD said, Nassau got $21.5 million for the same programs; two years ago, it was $20 million.
