
East Islip, NY People’s Arc of Suffolk has signed a 10-year lease for a 4,000 s/f freestanding retail/office building at 59 Sunrise Hwy. The property will be repositioned for nonprofit use.
Jason Merrell of Island Associates Real Estate represented the landlord, while Frank Pagano and Cole Gartmayer of Avison Young represented the tenant.
The transaction highlights continued demand for well-located freestanding properties throughout Suffolk County, particularly among nonprofit and service-oriented organizations seeking visibility, accessibility, and long-term stability within established Long Island communities.
“This was a great example of adaptive reuse and finding the right long-term fit for the property,” said Merrell. “The building offered strong accessibility and a flexible layout that aligned well with the tenant’s operational needs. We’re excited to see the property transition into a use that will provide valuable community-based services and programs for adults with developmental disabilities.”
The lease further reflects continued demand throughout the Long Island market from nonprofit and community-based organizations seeking standalone properties capable
New York tri-state multifamily investors are increasingly reallocating capital to less-regulated markets across the U.S. as rent control and legislative risk erode returns at home. With over 60% of New York City’s rental housing stock classified as rent-stabilized, the traditional value-add model — buying under-performing buildings,