Thirty individuals and families were one step closer to their dream of owning a home on Jan. 30, when a lottery drawing for 30 units of "Next Generation" housing in the Town of Oyster Bay were held.

"This was a very exciting occasion for the Town of Oyster Bay," Venditto stated. "As one of the most desirable places in the world in which to live, property values in the Town of Oyster Bay are still high, presenting a formidable challenge to our young people and families seeking to buy a home. It is expected that the townhouse units in Massapequa will sell for around $267,405, making them literally a dream come true for 30 lucky applicants."

The supervisor went on to say that in November 2004, in response to a growing need for housing for our young people, the Oyster Bay Town Board approved legislation creating a brand new zoning classification known as "RNG-12" or "Next Generation." The legislation, which was developed in partnership with the Long Island Housing Partnership (LIHP), was designed to encourage developers to build price-controlled housing for first-time homebuyers. In May 2005, the town board approved the first 28 units of "Next Generation" as part of a development known as The Seasons at Plainview. The 30 units in Massapequa are part of a development known as The Seasons at Massapequa that was approved in June 2006.

Venditto noted that the "Next Generation" housing district (RNG-12) classification allows for 12 units to the acre of price-controlled, owner-occupied townhouses with garages. It is a floating zone requiring a minimum of two acres for development. Applicants for the townhouse units have to meet income and other guidelines.

Venditto said because of their work on the town's "Next Generation" housing legislation, as well as their outstanding track record in promoting housing opportunities for those who might not otherwise be able to afford a home on Long Island, the LIHP was a natural choice to handle the applications and the lottery for the "Next Generation" units. "I can't think of a better organization to oversee the Town of Oyster Bay's 'Next Generation' housing program than the LIHP," Venditto said. "Since its formation in 1988, the LIHP has become a leader in developing and promoting affordable home ownership. Along with building homes, offering down-payment assistance and arranging financing for housing developments, the group offers technical assistance to municipalities in developing affordable housing. My fellow town board members and I look forward to joining representatives of the LIHP, not to mention some very anxious applicants, at the lottery.

"The town's goal with the creation of the 'Next Generation' housing program was to help keep our sons and daughters in Oyster Bay in the same way our 'Golden Age-RSC-25' housing program has helped keep our parents and grandparents in Oyster Bay," Venditto commented. "By providing our young people with an opportunity to achieve the personal and financial stability that accompanies homeownership, we are helping ensure that our town remains the best place to live and raise a family for present and future generations.