Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray, Councilman Gary Hudes and members of the town board proudly joined M.D.S. Enterprises and some new homeowners at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Victorian Homes at Levittown.

Victorian Homes is a 32-unit senior co-op development. The town worked with M.D.S. Enterprises in a public-private partnership to provide affordable homes for area seniors. In addition to affordable sales prices, the public-private partnership allows for what amounts to significantly reduced property taxes.

"We are thrilled to be able to provide seniors with the chance to purchase these co-ops, which affords the homeowners the opportunity to remain in the community in which they settled and raised their families," said Murray. "Our seniors developed this community and we are happy that more of our residents will be able to spend their golden years right here in Levittown."

Victorian Homes at Levittown is located on Gardiners Avenue and is ideally situated. It is next door to the post office and within walking distance of King Kullen, K-Mart, a bakery, an Italian restaurant and other shops.

"These are beautiful homes at a great location," noted Hudes. "We believe that these co-ops are a benefit to seniors and to the community as a whole."

The Hempstead Town Board approved rezoning of the Victorian Homes site from "business" to "golden age." The golden age designation results in what amounts to greatly reduced property taxes. Specifically, the town negotiates payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTS) with Nassau County for residents. These payments are generally in the range of one percent of the purchase price of the homes. Moreover, residents enjoy PILOT payments that are a fraction of market rate property taxes. The purchase price for each of the two-bedroom units at the Victorian Homes Development is $149,000. The homes feature all appliances, wall to wall carpeting, ceramic tiled bathrooms and highly detailed architectural accents. The development also includes a community room replete with a full kitchen and an outdoor gazebo.

Golden age zoned homes also provide affordable sales prices and residents are required to meet age and income qualifications. Minimum age for residents is 62 years. Maximum income levels for the Victorian Homes at Levittown are $45,000 for one person and $55,000 for a couple.

Hempstead Town has been a leader in the development of affordable housing. The town owns and operates more than 1,200 units of senior citizen affordable housing. The town has also worked with the private sector to develop almost 1,300 golden age zoned homes. Finally, the town has built 215 single-family affordable homes and is currently overseeing Nassau County's first mixed income rental home complex, featuring a 20 percent affordable component.

"This is a wonderful day for the Town of Hempstead and our local seniors, who will now be able to remain close to their families, friends, doctors and places of worship," concluded Murray.