The fulfillment of the American Dream is an opportunity to live in a decent and affordable home. Although the housing community, in partnership with the government, has made great strides toward achieving this goal, there remains a lot to be done. Reports of illegal occupancy in New Cassel indicates the need for additional construction of affordable housing. Real estate in Nassau county is a booming, competitive industry. As long as the boom continues, it remains increasingly difficult to develop affordable housing for low and moderate-income families. Commenting on this issue recently, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor May Newburger said, "Illegal housing is not the end or beginning of why we need housing, every American should have an opportunity to live in their own home."

Eddie Eason, president, Westbury Community Improvement Corporation, thinks basement apartments are unsafe and illegal, said "we must find ways to create affordable housing."

For this reason The New Cassel Improvement Committee and the Town of North Hempstead co-sponsored a panel discussion on the development of affordable housing in New Cassel, at the Park Avenue School, Westbury on Wednesday, Feb. 7. The panel discussion brought out views and sentiments of housing professionals and community advocates operating on Long Island. It was a positive step toward developing a community-based strategy, for bringing more affordable housing to the New Cassel community. Fifty years ago the Housing Act of 1949 set a national housing policy: "A decent home and suitable living environment for every American family" (Housing Policy for the 21st Century).

Many of the panelists shared the view that since all levels of government impact housing costs and availability, all levels should play a role in providing the opportunity for decent and affordable housing. Jim Morgo, president, Long Island Housing Partnership, believes the town should serve as a "public partner" in securing homes for its residents. "Home ownership," he said, "is good for individuals, and communities to achieve the feeling of accomplishment."

David Schiff, principal, Saccardi & Schiff, and technical advisor to the CDA thinks affordable housing should reflect a wider spectrum and should be approached as a source of stability to the community. Governments should play an important role in housing because decent and safe housing provides positive economic, social, and political results that stabilize neighborhoods and communities and benefits all members of society.

Kevin Saunders, executive director, North Hempstead CDA commented, "Every American should have an opportunity to live in a decent and affordable home." Both he and Kay McKiernan executive director, Habitat For Humanity in Nassau County, cited the scarcity of suitable land as a major obstacle in providing more affordable housing. McKiernan stated that her agency has a lot of money to build houses, and lots of volunteers, but need the land. She believes individuals who build their own home generate a lot of pride. Darryl Lindsey, vice president, European American Bank, said the bank serves as a community bank working in partnership with individuals and groups, on innovative projects like the "First Home Club." The First Home Club provides matching funds, $3.00 for every $1.00 saved by the prospective homeowner.

In addition to the absence of suitable land for affordable housing, other challenges exist for the young family embarking upon home ownership. The number of households in this country have grown substantially in the last several years. Fueled by both natural population growth and immigration, this growth puts heavy pressure on many suburban areas, raising issues such as traffic congestion, the quality of schools and public safety. These factors affect the quality of life for the New Cassel community. Income growth is slow for many households just starting out, delaying home ownership opportunities for younger families.

The panel discussion ended with a question and answer segment during which many residents asked questions and voiced concerns.