Mangano Opens Veteran Housing At Mitchel Field

County ensures safe and affordable housing is provided for our nation’s heroes

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano was today joined by County Legislator Dennis Dunne and local veterans at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the first County-owned veteran homes at Mitchel Field in East Garden City. Last month, the County Legislature approved the County Executive’s plan to lease 42 homes to veterans and their families and an additional 18 homes for active military personnel for a total of 60 homes at this property. The County took ownership of the property on April 1, 2011 from the United States Navy. The County has begun the process of renovating the homes and locating veterans and their families to occupy the homes, which are two-story, three bedroom duplex units.

“My administration is providing affordable housing for our nation’s heroes and their families right here in Nassau County, because even one homeless veteran is one too many,” said County Executive Mangano. “No veteran should be left homeless. It is my hope that our program will serve as a national model that recognizes veterans for their selfless service and dedication to our nation.”

Nassau County is working closely with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Community Development Corporation of Long Island to secure veterans eligible for the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program that provides Housing Choice Vouchers for qualified veterans. Another 18 homes will be renovated for use by active military personnel and their families. The County is working with the local military bases as well as the Automated Housing Referral Network (AHRN), the official housing referral system used by military housing offices, in order to locate occupants for these homes.

Legislator Dennis Dunne added, “As a retired Marine, retired Director of the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency and former Ranking Member of the Veterans Committee, I can tell you that this is a terrific day in the history of Nassau County. On behalf of the men and women that served our nation, I applaud County Executive Mangano for working tireless to make this day a reality.”

Nassau County Legislator Joe Belesi stated: “It is a great day when we can take care of those that have sacrificed so much for our country. I thank County Executive Mangano for his leadership and determination to ensure that veterans have a place to call home in Nassau County.”

Nassau County will screen prospective occupants, bill and collect rents and maintain the property (landscaping, rubbish removal and repairs). The project is self-supporting, with the fees generated from the occupancy of the homes going to fund the renovation and maintenance of the homes.

 

 

Pictured (left to right) are: Carlos Berrios, Veteran; U.S. Marines Lt. Colonel Paul Mogg; County Executive Mangano; U.S. Marines Chief Warrant Officer II Jeremy Gabrielson; Nassau County Director of Veterans Service Agency Michael Kilbride; For a Mayfield, veteran; and Nassau County Legislator Dennis Dunne.