Kings Park housing won’t be low-income

An attorney for a proposed Kings Park apartment complex told residents at a public hearing that the units would offer affordable — not low-income — housing.

Several speakers at the hearing Thursday night said they worried that the proposed 36-unit complex on Indian Head Road would attract residents who need government subsidies to pay their rent.

“It possibly could bring a different element to the community,” said Robert Wendt, who said he has had to convert apartments at properties he owns to subsidized, or Section 8, housing when he could not find renters.

More than a dozen residents attended the hearing before the Smithtown Town Board. Developers are seeking a zoning change to permit garden apartments.

East Meadow attorney Vincent Pizzulli, representing the developers, said the apartments would be rented for market rates. There would be 28 one-bedroom units and eight two-bedroom apartments, he said, adding that potential renters could include senior citizens.

“It’s primarily aimed at drawing local residents,” Pizzulli said. “This presents another option for them to stay.”