Suffolk Considers Subsidizing Housing for Young Professionals

John Mitty Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Today Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Shaun McKay, and Legislator Sarah Anker gathered at the college’s Grant Campus to discuss the possibility of providing subsidized, affordable housing to young working professionals on Long Island.  Housing specialists attended the conference to exchange ideas and express their support.

The issue is that many savvy, ambitious students are graduating from Long Island schools, but they aren’t staying inside the Long Island economy, because they cannot find anywhere to live.  “The bottom line is that Long Island is experiencing a brain drain,” explained Legislator Anker.  “We are raising smart kids through an excellent educational system, but many of our kids are not staying on Long Island because they can’t find affordable housing.” 

Anker is sponsoring Resolution 1533.  If the resolution passes, the Department of Economic Development and Planning will investigate whether they can build or subsidize affordable housing for young professionals.  A Planned Young Adult Community, rather like a Planned Retirement Community, could provide affordable housing to young people in need with limited finances.  Graduates often are struggling under the burden of student debt.  Limited credit history can also make it challenging to locate affordable housing when it is in so much demand.  

 

jmitty@longislandyellowpages.com

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