Homes for veterans planned in Islandia

Six new low-priced homes for veterans returning from the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan could be constructed in the village of Islandia.

Islandia Mayor Allan M. Dorman announced at Tuesday's village board meeting that the Long Island Builders Care Development Corp. -- the charity arm of the Long Island Builders Institute -- would erect the homes on land donated by Islandia-based CA Technologies, as part of its "Building New Homes for Returning Veterans" program.

But Lois Fricke, director of development for the development corporation, said Wednesday that the project is in the early stages and the charity is "still in discussions" with officials at CA Technologies.

The proposal would allow six homes to be built on 3.5 acres of land on a cul-de-sac near Long Island Motor Parkway, Dorman said.

Most of the building materials and labor would be donated. The houses would range in price from $100,000 to $175,000. The program also helps the veterans obtain Veterans Affairs loans.

"They're beautiful homes," said Dorman, who is a Vietnam and Marine Corps veteran. "This is a great deal. When I returned from Vietnam, I wish they had this for me."

The homeowners are chosen by a panel of Veterans of Foreign War officials. Dorman said he plans to hold an information session about the program at Village Hall at 6 p.m. on Aug. 16.

The Islandia homes would be the charity's third project. In June, the group broke ground on a three-bedroom home in Lake Ronkonkoma for Marine Sgt. Ryan Donnelly.

The first home was built in 2010 in Sound Beach. The Town of Brookhaven recently agreed to donate a 90-by-100-foot parcel in Centereach, where the charity plans to build a home.