Seeking the American dream in Inwood

When Zia Nizami heard Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano call his name at the First-Time Homebuyers Housing Lottery, which provides 44 first-time home buyers the chance to purchase one of five houses available in Inwood, Nizami got up, walked to the front of the room and kissed Mangano’s hand.

The Long Island Housing Partnership, which addresses the need for affordable housing and provides opportunities on Long Island for those who may be unable to afford a home, teamed up with the county to give residents a chance to purchase a new Inwood home. There are four detached one-family townhouses available on Harris Avenue for $157,563 each, and one two-family Lawrence Avenue home for $213,022.

Nizami, who now lives in Elmont, was selected first out of 44 people in the lottery on April 5 at the County Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola.

After posing for a photo with Mangano, County Legislator Howard Kopel (R-Lawrence) and Long Island Housing Partnership President Peter Elkowitz, Nizami left the room to call his wife and tell her the good news. “I’m grateful to God, America and Mr. Mangano,” Nizami said.

Before settling on Long Island, Nizami lived in India, the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan. “I’m proud to be in America,” he said. “My wife and I are grateful God answered our prayers.”

Those participating in the housing lottery must earn $66,320 or less for a family of four — 80 percent of the area’s median income of $82,900 — have no property ownership interests in the past three years and meet other guidelines, including being able to obtain a mortgage.

The 44 applicants submitted paperwork on Sept. 30 about their finances, family size and employment in order to be eligible for the lottery. The numbers assigned at the lottery are the order in which their applications will be reviewed.

Applicants will also have to submit three years of tax returns, pay stubs and bank statements so the Long Island Housing Partnership can verify their income and assets as well as qualify them for a mortgage. If applicants don’t meet the requirements, they will lose the chance to buy one of the five houses.

Lori Hill, a 23-year Inwood resident, said she hopes to buy a single-family home with her husband and two children. If given the chance, she said, “I’m looking forward to taking pride in owning my own home.”

Kim Cumberbatch’s name was called last, despite her hopes to be among the first four or five. The Far Rockaway resident said that Inwood is the next community over, so the move wouldn’t be drastic.

“I go to church in Inwood and I like the schools in the district,” Cumberbatch said. “I spend a majority of my time in Inwood, so it’s almost like I’m already living there.”

Hempstead resident Kej Oshin, 27, who works in information technology, said he and his parents would move in the home. “I’m looking forward to progress from renter to owner,” he said. “Also, I’m looking forward to determining how I want my house to look.”

All 44 applicants were sent a letter on April 6 congratulating them on their ranking and informing them that if their number is selected, they will need to update their paperwork. The lottery hopefuls now wait for their applications to be reviewed.

Stephanie Hardy, a Queens resident, had her name called eighth during the lottery, and said Inwood is not far from where she works, so the close commute and the quiet and diverse residential neighborhood appealed to her and her two children. With only five homes available, Hardy said, she remains hopeful.