Councilman Mazzei’s Resolution Paves Way for Construction to Begin, Create Tax Revenue From Commercial Property

PATCHOGUE, NY – Brookhaven Town Councilman Timothy Mazzei, Supervisor Mark Lesko, Suffolk County Legislator Jack Eddington and Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri today announced that the Town Board has partnered with Suffolk County and Patchogue Village in making 45 units of workforce housing available to artists in downtown Patchogue.

“The Artspace Lofts will be a major benefit for our local economy, creating jobs and bringing in new tax revenue from a piece of property that has been property tax exempt for generations. The support of the Town Board for this resolution brings the ground breaking of this construction project one step closer,” said Councilman Mazzei.

At the September 29 Town Board meeting, Brookhaven approved a resolution offered by Councilman Mazzei to exempt 45 units of housing at Artspace Patchogue Lofts from property taxes for 32 years, while taxing the commercial component of the property. Taking this action ensured the units will remain affordable, while increasing the amount of taxes the property generates through the commercial portion of the project. Because the land is now a municipal parking lot, it currently generates no property taxes

“The Artspace Patchogue Lofts are a continuation of the ‘Miracle of Patchogue’ – reinventing and revitalizing the village with creative projects for housing, businesses and tourism. This project brings all three of these components to the heart of the village,” said Supervisor Lesko. “By working together, we’re helping to create jobs, cultural amenities and affordable housing opportunities to the South Shore of Brookhaven.”

Through the partnership of Brookhaven Town, Suffolk County and the Village of Patchogue, Artspace Patchogue Lofts will offer affordable workforce housing. The Village acquired property for the housing project, while Suffolk County provided funding for infrastructure improvement and Brookhaven enacted the tax legislation.

"This ArtSpace Project is another exciting example of how all levels of government have been working together to revitalize downtown Patchogue. Projects like this one have breathed a new kind of life into neighborhoods across the United States, and we are fortunate that Patchogue will soon be one of those neighborhoods with its very own cultural center," said Suffolk County Legislator Jack. Eddington.

The Artspace Lofts are 45 units designed as living and workspace for artists, with 10-foot ceilings, concrete floors, public gallery areas and 2,500 square feet of commercial space. Located in Patchogue Village on Terry Street and Taylor Lane, the rental apartments will range in size from studios to three bedroom units. Every unit within the five-story building will be designated as affordable, workforce housing.

"This project is a testament to the partnership that was formed between the Town, County and State and will go a long way toward the continued success and revitalization of Patchogue Village," said Patchogue Village Mayor Paul Pontieri. "I would like to thank Supervisor Lesko, Councilman Mazzei and Legislator Eddington for demonstrating their unwavering support for this critical project and working with the Village to make it a reality."

The ground breaking for Artspace Patchogue Lofts is expected to take place at the end of November of 2009, with construction taking approximately 15 moths to complete.