Robert Andruzzi, a resident of Plainview, was recently re-appointed to the Town of Oyster Bay Housing Authority Board. He was first appointed to the Housing Authority in July 1996 and his current term will run until Aug. 31, 2004.

The Housing Authority, which is comprised of seven members, is an autonomous body responsible for maintaining ten senior housing complexes throughout the town. "We have the major responsibilities of dealing with funds and making reports to the federal government," said Andruzzi. "We come under the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) jurisdiction and that is where our responsibilities lie. We maintain the records in accordance to HUD rules and the well-being of the residents is something we place on a high level."

Of the seven members on the board, members of the Town Board appoint five people and two are elected by the tenants, thus called tenant commissioners. They run on a two-year term and the other members on a five-year term.

"A major concern for us is that most of our housing is senior citizen housing, although we do have low-income in some of the units," said Andruzzi. "Unfortunately we are not seeing as much new federal money for expansion as we were 25 years ago when we were able to do a lot more building. The need is certainly there. We are not expanding, but rather just maintaining. Unless the federal government decided to make a change, and I do not see that happening in the near future, that is our problem."

When Andruzzi retired as a public administrator, Town Councilman Delligatti first approached him and asked if he was interested in the Housing Authority because he knew Andruzzi's background. "He thought I would understand everything," Andruzzi said. "He wanted more people on the board with municipal-type backgrounds." Andruzzi agreed and has been on the board since.

Housing Authority members are required to attend at least one meeting a month. "You have to be there when you're asked to be there. It takes dedication," said Andruzzi. "I find it very interesting."

Since retiring and joining the Housing Authority Board, Andruzzi bought a tax accounting business, making him his own boss and allowing him the flexibility to have time for monthly meetings. "It was retirement from one thing and into the real world to do something else," said Andruzzi. "I am not finished yet."

The Housing Authority's meetings are open to the public and allow public comment. For more information, contact the Oyster Bay Town Board at 624-6400.