New housing complex in Island Park aims to help homeless veterans
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation will build the 58-unit apartment complex where the former Long Beach Motor Inn once stood.
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It's an effort to end veteran homelessness on Long Island.
Tunnel to Towers Foundation is starting construction of "Veteran Village" in Island Park.
The foundation will build the 58-unit apartment complex where the former Long Beach Motor Inn once stood, destroyed by Superstorm Sandy in 2012 and an eyesore in the community since then.
Tunnel to Towers demolished the old motel in December, and Nassau County donated the property on Austin Boulevard.
"We didn't pay for the land, that's what I like about Tunnel to Towers. If you want to give us something for free, we promise we will put something up there that is spectacular and will be great for the community," said Frank Siller, CEO of Tunnel To Towers.
The much-needed affordable housing complex will be more than just a place to live; it will be an on-site support center offering veteran job training, education assistance, and mental health support.
Construction is expected to finish by the end of 2027, with a grand opening in 2028.
Veterans can start applying for leases next year. According to Tunnel to Towers there are 30,000 veterans experiencing homelessness nationwide.
