The Huntington Community Development Agency (CDA) has opened the affordable housing lottery application process for Columbia Terrace, the 14-unit veterans affordable housing condominium complex, at the corner of Columbia Street and Lowndes Avenue in Huntington Station on Monday, November 1. 

Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci, who serves as Chairman of the Community Development CDA) Agency, stated on behalf of his board colleagues: “After much work and anticipation, the Offering Plan for Columbia Terrace has been approved, and we will soon be able to see first-time veteran homebuyers move in to call these condos home. If you are a veteran and qualified to apply, we strongly encourage you to do so. This is one of very few, if not the only multiple affordable housing dwelling specifically for veterans in Suffolk County, which is home to the largest veterans population in New York.” 

Leah M. Jefferson, Director of the CDA stated, “This project has been in the works since 2009, and thanks to funding through the New York Empire State Development Restore grant and a Suffolk County Jumpstart grant, homeownership for these veterans can finally be a reality.” 

Columbia Terrace is a 14-unit affordable condo complex in Huntington Station with a veterans preference. There are 8 two-bedroom units and 6 one-bedroom units. The land was purchased in partnership with the county for almost $800,000 in 2009 for the purpose of this project. This is one of very few, if not the only, multiple affordable housing dwelling specifically for veterans in Suffolk County, which is home to the largest veterans population in New York. 

NYS Empire State Development provided a $1.56 million Restore grant, and sidewalk improvements were made possible through a $250,000 Suffolk County Jumpstart grant.  

Lipsky Building Construction submitted the winning bid, construction was started in late 2018, and CO’s were obtained in December of 2020. The lottery application process will open on November 1, 2021 and end on November 30, 2021; the lottery will be held on December 8, 2021. 

Priority for Placement on Lottery List 

1^st Priority – Veterans who live or work in the Town of Huntington. 

2^nd Priority – Veterans who live or work outside the Town of Huntington. 

3^rd Priority – Individuals who currently reside or work in the Town of Huntington or have a parent, grandparent, child or grandchild residing in the Town of Huntington. 

4^th Priority– Individuals who do not meet the other priorities.  

 What qualifies for Veterans preference? 

To receive preference, a veteran must have been discharged or released from active duty in the Armed Forces under honorable conditions (i.e., with an honorable or general discharge). As defined in 5 U.S.C. 2101(2), “Armed Forces” means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.  You will have to show proof of military service by providing your DD-214, 215, 256, NGB 22, WWII discharge document or a valid military card. 

The application process and all eligibility criteria will be available on November 1, 2021 online at: https://www.huntingtonny.gov/Columbia-Terrace