At a recent meeting of the Town of Hempstead Board, a senior housing project was unveiled before the town board. The project has also been submitted to the Nassau County Planning Commission. The property talked about for the housing project is located in Elmont off of Elmont Road, south of Hempstead Turnpike.

The property in question has been owned by the Town of Hempstead since 1985. The proposal calls for the property to be rezoned from business to the Town of Hempstead's Golden Age zone. Once rezoned, a plan to construct an apartment complex containing 30 units can proceed.

Of the 30 units, one would be used for the superintendent while 29 would be for public sale. The estimated prices are $125,000 for large two-bedroom units and $115,000 for smaller two-bedroom units.

The presentation was made by Angelo Delligatti, who represents the Town of Hempstead's Department of Planning and Economic Development. The Town of Hempstead's council members listened to the presentation and reserved decision. The purpose of the project is to give comfortable yet affordable housing to area seniors, according to Delligatti.

If the town decides to go ahead with the project, the town will donate or sell the property at a minimal price to a developer that will build the complex and sell the units at a fixed price according to state and federal guidelines. "If you take the land cost out, you can certainly keep the cost of the individual units down," said Delligatti.

Those purchasing the units must be at least 62 years old. In addition, the units are restricted to those individuals who have a maximum income of $37,200 and couples with a combined income of $42,000.

The co-ops will be offered first to residents of the Elmont School District. After those residents have been satisfied, if there are still units available, they will be offered first to the unincorporated areas of the town and after that, the entire residents of the town.

Town of Hempstead Councilman Joe Kearney said that it is more than likely the project will come to fruition. "Senior housing is desperately needed in Elmont," he said. "It's very important for the community."

If all goes well, there should be a co-op plan by the end of the summer. Seniors will then be able to apply for the units and get on the list from which the right to purchase the co-ops will be determined by lottery.

If the town does decide to change the zoning on the land, the town would enter into contract with the developer. The developer would then have to get approval from the New York state attorney general for the offering plan for the co-ops. Once that is completed, then the developer can apply for a building permit and commence construction on the building.