Town Celebrates National Community Development Week

The event was visually marked by a photo opportunity featuring key figures, including Town Clerk Kevin LaValle; Jayne Mannino, Accountant at the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD); Councilman Neil Manzella; Councilwoman Jane Bonner; Marie Michel, DHCD Deputy Commissioner; Supervisor Dan Panico; Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig; Alison Karppi, DHCD Commissioner; Lucia Elam, DHCD Deputy Commissioner; Cynthia Granada, DHCD Account Clerk; Brian Simonetti, DHCD Disability Coordinator; and Councilman Michael Loguercio.

Brookhaven, NY – In a significant event at the Town Board Meeting on April 4, Supervisor Daniel J. Panico, along with members of the Town Council, honored National Community Development (NCD) Week, which takes place from April 1-5. This year’s celebration is particularly momentous as it marks the 50th anniversary of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program.

The commemoration allowed the town to highlight the crucial roles of both the CDBG and HOME Investment Partnerships Programs in fostering community development, providing affordable housing, essential services, and community infrastructure, and promoting economic development in areas with low and moderate-income.

The Brookhaven Town’s Department of Housing and Community Development, with its diverse divisions, stands at the forefront of these efforts, striving to meet the varied needs of its residents and enhance the quality of life within Brookhaven. Further details about their initiatives and successes can be found on the official website, www.BrookhavenNY.gov.

NCD Week’s Origin and Importance

Introduced in 1986 by the National Community Development Association (NCDA) along with elected officials, NCD Week serves to spotlight the significant impact of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program on national development. Its primary aim is to educate Congressional members about the program’s value, achievements, and the ongoing need for increased funding.

The Department of Housing and Community Development in Brookhaven embodies the spirit of NCD Week year-round, with its various divisions unified in their mission to tackle resident needs and elevate living standards across Brookhaven.