Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone has introduced legislation that would create an affordable housing complex for senior lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender residents.
If approved by the Suffolk Legislature, it would be one of five around the country and the first in the Tri-state area.
David Kilmnick, Executive Director of The Long Island GLBT Network, says many members of the community have faced discrimination throughout their lives.
“Now many of these people who supported a world of open discrimination and hostility toward the GLBT community are the ones who are in retirement and nursing facilities right now," Kilmnick said, "and that makes these facilities unsafe and for the most part un-welcoming for our GLBT elders.”
Under fair housing law, anyone would be able to apply to live at the complex but there would be a community center for LGBT residents.
The development would include 50 units and would be located in Bay Shore.
The legislation creating the development is scheduled to be voted on November 18.