Really ??? What Am I mIssing ?

What am I missing? Can someone, anyone please help me? What constitutes “Affordable Housing”?

Here now starts my dilemma… I currently reside in an apartment complex, here in Patchogue. 

As of a year ago, both of my adult daughters have moved out on their own, leaving me and my wife to enjoy to enjoy our time together.  Although we’ve grown accustomed to the complex, we have begun to search for a new place to call home. 

Be it a purchase or rental of a Co-op, Condo, or Single family dwelling, I am still looking in my immedaite area. I...We both love it here.

We’re floored with all the new construction going on in the immediate area. The fact that we love Patchogue, was no surprise that we have focused on staying in the neighborhood and continuing to be part of a community.

Now here is where we begin to run into serious obstacles.

From what we’ve been told, our household income exceeds the maximum income limit to even apply for these locations. What takes me for a loop is the amount of the limits being used for the application process.

In 2001, my monthly payments we’re $1,150, now years later the apartment is costing us $1,550 without any modernization or upgrades of any type.  Fortunately, we are able to support ourselves without any public/social assistance.  I understand that many others find themselves in very different and difficult situations necessitating the assistance offered by the state and county. However, now more than ever I feel like I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Do we keep working long and hard, taking the next step, the next promotion, taking home the bigger paycheck, providing a comfortable living for our families and our futures? Or do we accept the “Status quo”.

We’ve become slightly more aggressive in our house hunting endeavor, but just as you hear (or as I should say, “I” hear) about a new state or county program, construction plan, housing lottery, etc. I’m informed that we making too much money to even apply. I’ve also been informed that the programs I’m inquiring about are currently closed or that my veteran status does not qualify me for veterans grant that can be used for down payment and closing costs.  I served from 1981 to 1995, that’s when I returned home to Long Island.

I’m amazed at the cost of living in Suffolk, I’m amazed because I have lived all over the country, as well as overseas.  I’ve witnessed first hand of how others adapt to their living situations, however It’s not like here, Long Islanders have had to sacrifice more than in any other location that I’ve laid temporary residence in. Over here, there is nothing suprising for my next-door neighbor (and his wife) to bring in 3 or 4 paychecks a week just to make ends meet.  It’s nothing for homeowners having to lease out a portion of their own homes just to afford to live in it.

So now back to my point.  What constitutes Affordable Housing? Is government assistance a viable factor, much like the median income and cost of living?  It’s sad to think that at this point, one of my options is to leave the town that I love so much. I am certain I am not alone.

I truly do understand the need for housing, affordable housing for everyone. But not just for those in a certain tax bracket.

Gas is teetering on $4.00 a gallon. The cost for Public Transportation is outrageous.

Companies are down sizing, Employers are looking to cut spending to the “Bare-Bone” minimum.  Adult college graduates are either moving back in with mom and dad or picking up and leaving relocating to out of state where affordability constitutes living the American dream.                  

Back when we first moved onto the Island, $20,000.00 could get you into a home in Sufflok Couny.  Now $20,000.00 can get you an "OK" car, let alone a single  income home.

For as long as I can remember the adage “If you work hard at something, you will succeed”.  Not so much now. Over the last few months I’ve been confronted by the opposite.  Please, once again let me know, what am I missing?