Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Leftfield Community LDC outlines weatherization, home‑repair and community land trust options
Summary
Kathleen Bealsa of Leftfield Community LDC described Staten Island weatherization programs, HUD‑certified counseling and a 'Beyond Weatherization' pilot that can fund roof and heating repairs, and discussed community land trust models to expand affordable homeownership for households below 80% of area median income.
Kathleen Bealsa, speaking for Leftfield Community LDC, said the organization administers the Staten Island weatherization program and HUD‑certified counseling services that include free energy efficiency upgrades and health and safety repairs for income‑eligible households.
She outlined the Beyond Weatherization program, which can replace roofs, steps, windows and heating systems for low‑income homeowners where standard weatherization is insufficient. Bealsa also described homebuyer assistance and a community land trust (CLT) model that buys land while allowing buyers to purchase only the house, limiting equity growth on resale to preserve long‑term affordability.
Bealsa emphasized eligibility limits tied to area median income and the likely strings attached to CLT models that restrict future equity increases. She encouraged the borough to continue supporting counseling, home repairs, and land‑trust explorations as part of a broader affordable‑housing toolkit.
No board vote occurred on these items during the consultation; presenters were able to answer questions about program eligibility and referral processes.
