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Nassau County has transferred ownership of a notorious, derelict motel, once plagued by drug activity and prostitution, to a nonprofit organization. This group plans to invest $20 million to transform the site into housing for veterans in need, officials announced on Monday.
Bruce Blakeman, the County Executive and a Republican, officially handed over the deed for the former Long Beach Motor Inn, located in Island Park, to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Their goal is to develop 58 affordable living units designed for “transitional” homeless veterans who qualify based on income.
The county had previously battled to shut down the problematic property, successfully taking control of it in 2014.
“We are transferring this property to Tunnel to Towers—a site that was once in disrepair, associated with drugs and prostitution, a blight on the community, and a hazard to public safety,” Blakeman stated at a press briefing before signing the deed at the county legislative building. “This will allow them to build 58 units for our veterans, providing them with a home.”
“We owe it to our veterans to ensure they have a roof over their heads and the opportunity to enjoy a fulfilling life in a brand-new apartment within a welcoming community,” he continued.
The old property will be razed with the new facility set to be completed in 2026. It will offer veterans trying to get back on their feet far more than just a place to live, according to Gavin Naples, the senior VP for Tunnels to Towers.
The new housing facility will include on-site support services for veteran residents such as transportation, job training, health and financial counseling, and addiction treatment — creating a comprehensive, wraparound support system intended to help veterans rebuild their lives, officials said.
“Our ultimate objective is to provide a platform of supportive service and help veterans reintegrate back into the community, reconnect with families, go on entrepreneurial career paths, and provide long-term housing solutions for veterans that are struggling with affordable housing,” Naples told The Post.
Veterans who apply for the housing when applications become available would have to meet certain criteria, such as having been honorably discharged. They also would need to meet monthly costs of staying there — a number that Naples said hasn’t been decided upon but will be a “great deal” and will not exceed the cost of affordable housing in the area.
He pointed out that this program is more aimed towards those he described as “transitionally” homeless rather than “street” homeless, who he said can be supported through different avenues of the non-profit.
“If anyone is wondering what good government looks like — this is it,” Rep. Anthony D’Esposito said.