The deadline for rental applications at the Summerwind in downtown Riverhead has been extended for a month, according to recent press releases sent out in the past week from both Riverhead Town and Suffolk County.
Councilwoman Jodi Giglio, a partner in the Summerwind Project, said Riverhead residents will have preference in a lottery to decide the ultimate rental make-up of the 52-unit building. In a lottery format, 75 percent of the Summerwind, or 39 units, will be comprised of Riverhead residents.
Senior vice president James Britz at the Long Island Housing Partnership, who is currently reviewing applications for the affordable housing project, said the organization has sent out approximately 800 applications to those who, in the past five years, have asked to be put on the project’s waiting list.
“So far we have around 20 applications for the 52 units,” Britz said Wednesday. “We figured we’d extend the deadline, which we will do when we see a program not get out as much through the press.”
If less than 52 applications are received by that date, a lottery will no longer be held and qualified applicants will receive units on a first come, first serve basis.
The deadline is now May 1, meaning applications sent to the Long Island Housing Partnership must be post-marked on or before that date.
Applicants are subject to review and must pass a background check into their rental history and provide various documents, including bank statements and tax returns, to qualify for housing at the Summerwind, now called “Summerwind Square.”
Ritch said there are three different income levels for the program and applicants need to earn less than 80, 100, or 120 percent of Riverhead’s median income, to qualify.
Rent for studios begin at $905 per month.
According to the county press release, half of the project’s 52 units will be available to those who make less than 80 percent of the median income.
For a family of one, the maximum amount that can be earned is between $59,3000 and $100,00.
The maximum cap for a two-bedroom apartment is $127,100, he said.
To make rent at the Summerwind, he said renters should make between $25,000 and $30,000.
The Long Island Housing Partnership will screen applicants and conduct a lottery to determine occupants. The application and comprehensive details of the eligibility criteria, income guidelines, and other elements of the program are available by calling the Long Island Housing Partnership at 631-435-4710. The application can also be downloaded from the Suffolk County Website homepage: www.suffolkcountyny.gov
In a release sent out by the Town of Riverhead, Supervisor Sean Walter said, “Summerwind Square and other planned downtown apartments on Main Street will address a dire need for quality housing in and around the Riverhead area, specifically the central business district. By creating desirable housing above businesses we will breathe new life into the downtown economy and create a walkable community.”
Walter said the Town of Riverhead recently received a $250,00 New York Main Street grant that will, in part, seek to promote further downtown apartments above existing storefronts.
The survival of local journalism depends on your support.
We are a small family-owned operation. You rely on us to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Just a few dollars can help us continue to bring this important service to our community.
Support RiverheadLOCAL today.
