Huntington Station: Recently, Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-18th L.D.) joined with colleagues and members of the community at a very special press conference/ribbon-cutting marking the end of a bureaucratic journey. The event also celebrated the beginning of a new life for JoJo Timpanero, who served in the U.S. Navy, as she moved into her new home in Columbia Terrace, a veterans-preference development.
“Seeing JoJo settle into her beautiful new home in Columbia Terrace is the final chapter in a long struggle,” said Bontempi. “Government officials and other members of the community had to work together to solve a riddle created by red tape and other challenges that were delaying JoJo’s dreams of homeownership. Our veterans have given so much to all of us; local government should be facilitators for them, not a thorn in their sides.”
Earlier this year, Bontempi sponsored a resolution that forgave the Suffolk County subsidy for Columbia Terrace, which was getting in the way of JoJo’s efforts to secure a mortgage. This solution was made possible after months of communications with Huntington’s Community Development Agency and the Town Supervisor’s office. Additionally, when JoJo needed financial assistance with her down payment, generous individuals and organizations came forward to help save the day.
“We all had a shared goal that had to be achieved,” added Bontempi. “The fact that we eliminated the hurdles shows that where there’s a will, there’s a way with hard work. We owe this to our veterans.”
To learn more about Columbia Terrace, visit: https://www.huntingtonny.gov/Columbia-Terrace