Nassau County Legislator Jeffrey Toback (D-Oceanside) recently joined Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi and members of the Long Island Housing Partnership to announce that they will be working with the Town of Hempstead and the Long Island Housing Partnership to build affordable housing in the community of Inwood.

"We are standing on the site of what will soon be the realization of the American dream for several Inwood residents - home ownership. I am proud to have been part of this project and eagerly look forward to the day that the beautiful homes are built and ready for occupancy," said Legislator Toback.

The issue of affordable housing, or the lack thereof, has been a longtime priority of Legislator Toback. Since he was elected in 1999, he has worked diligently to implement affordable housing initiatives in Nassau County and his hard work has finally paid off as the Long Island Housing Partnership is about to construct eight housing units on an empty lot located on Harris Avenue in Inwood.

The price of the homes will be approximately $145,836. All homes will be sold to individuals earning no more than 80% of the area median income requirement and the selection of homeowners will be done through a lottery process, with priority given to Inwood residents. Nassau County will also be providing HOME Down Payment Assistance Program funding for this project, which is available for prospective applicants who meet specific guidelines. The Down Payment Assistance Program funds are essentially a deferred payment, non-interest loan, to assist the buyer in a first-time Nassau County home purchase. Prospective applicants will also receive mortgage counseling from the Long Island Housing Partnership and the Nassau County Office of Housing and Intergovermental Affairs.

"With home prices steadily rising in Nassau County, the 'American Dream' of owning a home is not possible for many residents. It is essential that we make home-ownership a reality for first time homebuyers," County Executive Suozzi said. "The collaboration between Nassau County, the Town of Hempstead and the Long Island Housing Partnership is a win-win for everybody.