Brookhaven IDA closes on 100% affordable housing complex in Port Jefferson

Port Jefferson, NY According to Frederick Braun III, chairman of the Town of Brookhaven Industrial Development Agency (IDA), the agency has closed on a package of economic incentives for a proposed 73,430 s/f, 53-unit, 100% affordable residential rental complex.

The complex proposed by a partnership of the non-profit Community Development of Long Island and Conifer Realty LLC of Rochester will be known as Port Jefferson Commons. It is to be constructed on a half-acre blighted site at 1601-1605 Main St.

The closing took place on June 29. The IDA board approved the $34.75 million project on August 20, 2025. 

Conifer and Community Development have together completed other affordable housing developments on Long Island, including the newly constructed Port Jefferson Crossing, which is adjacent to the project and received financial assistance through the IDA.

“This project, when completed, will help to revive what has been a blighted site,” said Braun. “It also presents an opportunity to create high-quality affordable housing in Upper Port by furthering the village’s ongoing revitalization efforts. 

The project, close to the Port Jefferson LIRR station, furthers the Village’s goals for Upper Port as outlined in its Urban Renewal Plan and 2030 Comprehensive Plan Update. The project also adheres to the State’s Workforce Opportunity Goals. 

“Port Jefferson Commons reflects thoughtful, transit-oriented development that transforms a prominent corner of Main Street,” said Lisa Kaseman, Conifer SVP for NY Development. “We’re proud to continue our partnership with the Town of Brookhaven IDA, Community Development of Long Island, Suffolk County, NYS Homes and Community Renewal, and the Village of Port Jefferson to build on the momentum established at our neighboring Port Jefferson Crossing community. This development expands housing opportunity and supports the Village’s long-term vision for a more vibrant and thriving Main Street.”

The complex will consist of 32 one-bedroom units and 20 two-bedroom units targeted at households earning 30%, 50%, 60%, and 80% of Area Median Income. It also will include a one-bedroom super’s unit.The concrete lower level will have 60 parking spaces, apartments, commercial space, a fitness room, lobby, mail room, and laundry on the ground floor. The upper two stories will be wood-frame construction that will include the remaining residential units and a community room. All the apartments will be ADA compliant, with six fully adapted units designated for mobility-impaired residents and two units adapted for hearing and vision-impaired residents.

The developers plan to rent about 2,485 s/f of the ground floor for retail/office space, including a potential green grocer/market. 

The village has been highly supportive of the project and has committed $2 million in Restore New York funding to the project. Construction is expected to take 18 months. The project is to remain affordable for at least 50 years. 

Conifer and Community Development have partnered on the project with New York-based Regions Affordable Housing, a state and federal low-income housing-tax-credit investor.