A residential development in Huntington, New York, has officially reached completion, concluding a nearly 50-year journey that transformed a contentious legal battle into a functional community.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the project's completion on September 2, 2026, highlighting the development as the culmination of a multi-generational effort to expand housing access. The site, which features 17 two-story buildings, is designed to serve households earning up to 80% of the area median income, with specific provisions for veterans and individuals with disabilities.
From Legal Conflict to Residential Community
The origins of Matinecock Court date back to 1978, when Housing Help Inc. first sought to establish a subsidized housing project in the Town of Huntington. The initiative faced immediate resistance due to local zoning ordinances that prohibited the multifamily density required for the project. This impasse led to a federal lawsuit, Huntington Branch NAACP v. Town of Huntington, which challenged the town’s zoning policies as discriminatory.
The litigation spanned over a decade, moving through the U.S. District Court and the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. The plaintiffs argued that the town’s refusal to permit multifamily housing effectively blocked lower-cost options for residents. In 1988, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed a ruling that the town had violated the Fair Housing Act, setting a significant legal precedent for housing equity in the United States.
Modern Infrastructure and Accessibility
The newly completed Matinecock Court includes a diverse range of housing options, comprising one, two, and three-bedroom units. The development prioritizes accessibility, with 15 units tailored for residents with mobility disabilities and six for those with sensory impairments. Furthermore, the site includes eight supportive apartments specifically for individuals with developmental disabilities and four homes reserved for veterans.
The $98 million project was financed through a combination of public and private funding, including over $36 million in federal and state Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and $28 million in direct subsidies. State agencies, including the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities and Empire State Development, also contributed to the funding package.
Designed as an all-electric community, the development incorporates modern energy-efficient technologies, such as heat-pump water heaters, enhanced insulation, and Energy Star appliances. Located near the Northport Station of the Long Island Rail Road, the community is integrated into the local infrastructure, providing residents with access to public transit, schools, and essential services. The completion of the site serves as the final resolution to a proposal that began as a local housing dispute and evolved into a landmark federal legal case.
