ON DEMAND
In Search of the American Dream
Mt. Sinai resident helps in struggle

By Christy Brothers/ info@longislandernews.com

With more and more young, educated professionals leaving Long Island in search of affordable housing, many people are concerned what this will do to industry and economy. The Long Island Campaign for Affordable Rental Housing, (LICARH), has started a grass-roots movement by adding a lifelong Mt. Sinai resident to its team. Scott Lyon, 26, was hired to help educate and inform people in order to rally support so elected officials will take action.

One major accomplishment Lyon had was gaining support from county executive Steve Levy to reserve 8.3 million in the Suffolk County budget for a dual program that helps land preservation and affordable housing development. “We believe that Scott is very well qualified,” said L. Von Kuhen, Chairman of LICARH. “He has established momentum and the need to have public dialogue.”

Lyon understands the housing problem. He is currently living with his parents and plans on getting married in a year. “We decided that once we’re married we will reevaluate our financial situation and decide whether or not to stay on Long Island,” said Lyon. “I would prefer to stay.”

“The magnitude of the problem continues to worsen,” said Kuhen. The rental housing problem stems back to the way Long Island was developed. The design of Long Island is geared towards homeowners. If there were more rental units available the price would come down, said Kuhen. According to LICARH statistics, Long Island’s housing market is approximately 80% private ownership and 20% rental housing.

“There are certainly code and safety issues, but there are provisions that can be safe,” said Kuhen. Opportunities to develop apartments in houses and on top of stores are still out there. In many communities the opportunity to develop new apartments is sparse, but rental housing still needs to be part of the mix, said Kuhen.

LICARH started three years ago and with the help of St. John’s University Law School developed model legislation to present to local governments that offered examples of ordinances that would help develop affordable housing. The goals include helping promote and stimulate the growth of rental housing for low to middle income individuals of all races and backgrounds and educate the public about resolutions to the housing crisis.

The housing crisis on Long Island means that nurses, teachers, construction workers and many other professions are leaving. “It’s more and more difficult,” said Lisa Strahs-Lorenc, Director of Community Relations at Long Island Works Coalition. But, you must look at the bigger picture. There are relatively higher starting salaries on Long Island and many unique careers to pursue, added Strahs-Lorenc. Not to mention that housing prices have skyrocketed across the country, in places like Boston, Chicago and California.

The economy on the Island is already suffering due to young people leaving in droves. LICARH statistics state that 73% of Long Islander’s believe the major problem in the next ten years will be the lack of affordable housing. Businesses are frightened that the lack of workforce housing will severely threaten Long Island’s economy.