Affordable housing, retail space unveiled in New Cassel

Wednesday morning's rain couldn't dampen the smile of Yolonda Stinson, a single mother who secured a new apartment in New Cassel's downtown redevelopment project.

Stinson, 32, threw her name into last month's lottery for a spot in one of two newly constructed buildings that include 50 apartments and retail space as part of the hamlet's $60-million revitalization project.

"When I saw the opportunity to step up a little for me and my boys, I thought I'd apply," Stinson said of her sons, 10 and 12.

Town of North Hempstead officials and others huddled under a tent in front of one of the buildings on Prospect Avenue to unveil that part of an overall revitalization project.

"We never gave up," said Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman. While North Hempstead as a whole is one of the wealthiest areas in the nation, the New Cassel revitalization is a testament to ensuring that all residents "live with dignity," he said.

"I want this place to look like down on Franklin Avenue in Garden City," Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-Mineola) recalled saying early in the project development, referring to the strip of upscale shops. It's a vision McCarthy said was becoming a reality.

Town Councilwoman Viviana Russell said that when she first moved to the area 11 years ago, abandoned buildings and crumbling shops lined the streets.

Sherri-Ann and Mitch Innes, who also won an apartment in the lottery, toured a two-bedroom unit as Mitch Innes, 26, an Army veteran who spent three years in Iraq, carried their 8-month-old daughter.

"I love it. It's wonderful," Sherri-Ann Innes said as she opened closets. "The baby will have her own room."

All residents of the two new buildings were selected through the lottery, with preference given to current New Cassel residents.

The town has selected lottery winners for the remaining 48 apartments, but continues to check their financial qualifications. Winners must have a household income ranging from $26,000 to $72,000, depending on family size.

A variety of work continues in the area. Prospect Avenue is being reconstructed with $8.5 million in federal stimulus funds. Nassau County Legis. Robert Troiano (D-Westbury) promised that a party will be held along the thoroughfare in the spring after it's completed.

New in New Cassel

North Hempstead officials Wednesday unveiled two newly constructed buildings representing $18.1 million of New Cassel's $60 million redevelopment project.

Apartments: 50 units.

Retail: 16,000 square feet of retail space.

Developer: First Sterling Financial, Inc.

Rents: Range from $819 for a one-bedroom apartment to $1,400 for three bedrooms.

Selection: Residents are chosen in a lottery, which began last month

Applicants: 173 applicants, 73 from New Cassel.

Income requirements: $27,000 to $72,000, depending on family size.