Affordable Housing Complex for Veterans Breaks Ground in Islandia

The nation’s fist affordable housing complex for Long Island veterans who served during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan broke ground Thursday in Islandia.  

The charity Long Island Home Builders Care Development Corp. (LIHBCDC) is behind the building.  

“There has never been anything like this to my knowledge,” said Tom Datre, president of LIHBCDC. “We are providing much needed housing for those who bravely served our country – and their families – in a community where all the neighbors will be veterans.”  

Six homes are to be built through LIHBCDC’s “Building New Homes for Returning Veterans” program on 3.5 acres donated by CA Technologies in Islandia. The group plans to complete construction by Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11. The subdivision, known as Veterans Way, is on the south side of Motor Parkway, west of Old Nichols Road.  

Participating in the ground breaking ceremony were leaders of LIHBCDC, members of the Long Island Builders Institute; elected officials, including Islandia Mayor Allan Dorman; veterans’ group leaders; CA Technologies executives and veterans who have applied for the homes.  

“None of this wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for Long Island Homebuilders Care … if it wasn’t for the generosity of CA Technologies,” said Dorman.

Veterans interested in purchasing the homes, which will be sold at prices substantially below market prices, must meet certain qualifications and will be selected by a committee of local, county and state commanders of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.  Applications will be accepted through June 30.  

The “Building New Homes for Returning Veterans” program was created by LIHBCDC, a nonprofit 501(c) 3 arm of Long Island Builders Institute, in 2009. So far, it has built two homes with additional homes planned after completion of the Islandia subdivision   

Applicants for the homes should write a letter to LIHBCDC, 1757-8 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Islandia, NY 11749 detailing their contact information, military service, present employment and living status and why owning one of these homes would be life changing.  

“We want people to know about this program so veterans will apply and those who want to assist our effort will donate generously," said Lois Fricke, director of development for LIHBCDC.  

For more information on the program contact Fricke at 631-232-2345 or lois@lihbc.org. Any one wishing to donate to the program should contract Fricke or go to www.lihbc.com. All donations are tax deductible.  

Adam Famularo, general manager of Cloud Strategy and Solutions at CA Technologies, represented the software company at the ground breaking.   Officials of LIBHCDC attending the ceremony were chairman Edgar Goodale, president Tom Datre, vice president Mark Baich, treasurer Clara Datre, secretary Jay Ratto and director of development Lois Fricke. Mitchell Pally, CEO of LIBI, and LIBI president Larry Davis also participated.  

In addition to Dorman, other officials at the ceremony were Brian Beedenbender, district director for Rep. Tim Bishop, Suffolk Legislators Sarah Anker, Rick Montano, Thomas Cilmi, Thomas Barraga and Jack Kennedy. Steve Flotteron, John Cochran and Trish Bergin, members of the Islip Town Board, also participated.  

Representing veterans groups were Joe Cognitore, chairman of the selection committee and commander of the Rocky Point VFW Post, VFW state junior commander Michael Pascal, VFW Inspector for the Department of New York Dennis Sullivan, VFW DAV commander Bob Smith, Past County Commander Sid Lynn, VFW commander John Mauro and Suffolk County director of veterans affairs Tom Ronayne.