Local elected officials, developers and housing advocates joined in the grand opening of the recently completed Matinecock Court, a nearly $98 million affordable housing development in East Northport, on September 2.
The newly constructed development creates 145 affordable limited-equity cooperative homes, including eight supportive apartments reserved for individuals with disabilities and four apartments reserved for veterans.
“For far too long, New Yorkers have faced a housing market where finding an affordable place to call home can feel out of reach,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “Matinecock Court shows what is possible when we build the housing New Yorkers need. These 145 affordable homes will give a wide array of households the opportunity to put down roots, build stability and become part of a thriving community. By making this development a reality, we are opening the doors to a more affordable future for generations right here on Long Island.”
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “A safe and accessible place to live should be a right, not a privilege, for all New Yorkers. This $98 million development will help revitalize Huntington while combating rising costs throughout Long Island.”
Matinecock Court is affordable to households earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income. The development consists of 17 two-story residential buildings with a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes for residents.
Eight supportive apartments are reserved for eligible people with developmental disabilities, and four homes are reserved for veterans. Support services are provided by AIM Services Inc. There are 15 units to accommodate people with mobility disabilities and six units to accommodate residents with sensory disabilities.
The all-electric development was designed in accordance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Multifamily New Construction program and HCR sustainability guidelines. Energy-efficiency features include all-electric heating and cooling, electric heat-pump water heaters, enhanced insulation, LED lighting, Energy Star appliances and low-flow plumbing.
Residents will have access to a clubhouse and on-site parking, and individual homes featuring outdoor patio areas. Matinecock Court is located near the Long Island Rail Road’s Northport station and close to Suffolk County bus service, schools, shopping, restaurants, and a library.
Developed by D&F Development Group in partnership with Housing Help, Inc., Matinecock Court has been decades in the making. The development, first proposed in 1978, was championed by Housing Help, Inc. and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
According to Hochul’s office, Matinecock Court is a seminal example of Fair Housing Act litigation, going up to the United States Supreme Court in 1988. The Court affirmed the landmark holding of the Second Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals that the town of Huntington had violated the Fair Housing Act by not permitting a rezoning of the site, which had a racially disproportionate impact. The lawsuit ultimately resulted in settlements that helped pave the way for projects such as Matinecock Court.
“While the completion of Matinecock Court represents a great achievement for housing, it also marks the beginning of a beautifully designed and vibrant community,” D&F Development Group Owner Peter G. Florey said.
“Matinecock Court is the culmination of nearly half a century of persistence and an extraordinary fight for fair housing,” said Housing Help Inc. Executive Director Pilar Moya-Mancera. “Today, that legacy lives in 145 affordable homes for families, veterans, seniors and people with disabilities. The law has become life. Matinecock Court reminds us that persistence can do more than build homes — it can shape the law, change public policy and open doors for generations to come.”
Financing for Matinecock Court includes a mix of public and private sources, including Federal and State Low-Income Housing Tax Credits from HCR that are expected to generate more than $36 million in equity and $28 million in subsidy. The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) provided $1.7 million. Empire State Development (ESD) provided a $1 million Regional Council Capital Fund grant. Suffolk County provided approximately $4.2 million through its Housing Opportunity and SOAR programs. Operating expenses for the supportive units are funded through OPWDD.
“After decades of perseverance, 145 households now have an affordable place to call home in East Northport and an opportunity to build lasting stability through this unique cooperative model,” New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said. “We are incredibly proud to have helped bring this long-awaited development across the finish line.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “These 145 affordable homes will help more New Yorkers put down roots here on Long Island, near jobs and opportunity, while giving employers a stronger foundation to attract and retain the workforce they need to grow.”
“People with developmental disabilities are living and working successfully every day in their communities, often with minimal support,” New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Willow Baer said. “These dedicated units, and the inclusive planning of Governor Hochul’s housing agenda, will allow more people to realize the dream of living independently in an affordable and safe environment, while keeping New York’s communities diverse and thriving.”
New York State Chief Disability Officer Kim Ridley said, “Matinecock Court sets a vital standard for accessible and inclusive housing in New York. By integrating homes specifically designed for individuals with physical, sensory and developmental disabilities, this development ensures that members of our community can live independently with dignity, security and equal access. Governor Hochul’s commitment to expanding accessible housing is creating real opportunities for New Yorkers with disabilities to thrive within vibrant, supportive neighborhoods.”
“Long Island’s long-term success depends on communities that combine opportunity with a high quality of life. These homes sit near transit, schools and employers, creating new options for families ready to build a future here,” Long Island Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Linda Armyn and Dr. Kimberly R. Cline said. “The LIREDC was proud to recommend State funding here, strengthening Long Island’s economic foundation for years to come.”