Hempstead, NY Community Development Corporation of Long Island (CDCLI) hosted a Lenders Forum at the Hofstra University Club, sponsored by The Wilbur F. Breslin Center for Real Estate Studies at Hofstra University, New York Community Bancorp, Citi Community Development, and Bethpage Federal Credit Union. Thomas Curry, comptroller of the currency, delivered the keynote address. The event was attended by bankers, non-profits, government officials, and others interested in community development and community investment.

Marianne Garvin, president and CEO of CDCLI, said “The solutions to Long Island’s shortage of affordable rental and ownership housing for low- and moderate-income people depend upon financing and capital from our banking partners.  Tom Curry has worked to promote affordable housing finance both through his work as Comptroller of the Currency and as the NeighborWorks America board chair.  He has expanded homeownership opportunities and supported community revitalization across the nation.  We are very grateful for his leadership.” 

“Serving on the NeighborWorks America board for more than 10 years has brought me a deep appreciation for the dedication and accomplishments of community-based organizations and banking institutions who work in partnership to improve their communities,” said Thomas Curry, comptroller of the Currency.  “Many things may lead to community decline, but even stable communities can slide into distress because of aging housing stock, or because physically impaired elderly owners or those who lack the resources simply can’t keep up with needed repairs and maintenance.  In areas affected by widespread foreclosures, property values remain depressed.  Access to rehabilitation financing is critical to preserving the economic health of communities with a significant percentage of older housing stock.  By being a part of this effort, your community organizations and the banks we oversee fulfill an important role in our nation by helping to keep strong neighborhoods thriving and bringing back struggling communities.”

Kevin Law, CEO of the Long Island Association and co-chair of the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council, moderated a panel with: Edison Reyes, Program Manager, Community Engagement for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York; Valerie J. Williams, Regional Manager, Community Affairs for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; and Denise Kirk-Murray, District Community Affairs Officer for the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Law said, “Progress on Long Island is made through collaborations between financial institutions, government, the real estate industry, and the non-profit sector.  An understanding of the roles and tools available from our state and federal financial overseers is crucial to our success.”