Matinecock Court is affordable to households earning up to 80 percent 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 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), and stands today as 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 the project being celebrated today.
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.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Matinecock Court is a testament to Governor Hochul’s determination to break down barriers to housing and make communities across New York more affordable and accessible. 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. We are incredibly proud to have helped bring this long-awaited development across the finish line, and we thank D&F Development Group, Housing Help, Suffolk County, our State partners and everyone whose commitment made this day possible.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York is tackling the housing challenges that affect both families and our economy. 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.”
New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Willow Baer said, “People with developmental disabilities are living and working successfully every day in their communities, often with minimal support. 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.”
Senator Charles Schumer said, “I’m proud that the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, which I worked to protect and expand, has generated $36 million to help build 145 new affordable homes in Suffolk County. Matinecock Court also provides supportive housing for veterans and people with disabilities. I commend Governor Hochul for her continued efforts to create and preserve affordable housing across New York, and I will not stop fighting for the federal resources needed to support these critical efforts.”
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. I am proud to see over $32 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credit dollars go to this project, and I will continue fighting for resources to create the affordable, supportive housing that our state needs.”
Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal said, “Building more affordable housing, including supportive units, is key to addressing the state’s affordability crisis. As we work to preserve our existing housing stock, we must also build more housing units that are financially attainable for New Yorkers who are working two or three jobs to make ends meet. I am proud to push this agenda alongside the Governor, and I will continue fighting for a more equitable agenda as we craft the state’s five-year housing plan and legislative agenda for the upcoming session.”