Public Offense: How The Status Of Some Long Island Neighborhoods May Be Negatively Affecting The Local Economy And Housing Market

It looks like the property values across Long Island may be in for another “hit”, but this time it has little to do with the economy or market.

The issue at hand, leaving officials and residents extremely concerned deals with the recent dilemma of Long Island housing clusters of sex offenders in various residential areas.

In fact, authorities cite over a dozen communities, which now call themselves home to those who’ve been charged with serious sex crimes. Coram alone is home to 39 such offenders and is considered the larges cluster of sex crime residents.

And, with mounting concerns, officials are discussing ways to link these communities and examine options to avoid this significant saturation, noting also that there are likely other heavily saturated communities that we are yet unaware of.

According to reports and statistics the most concentrated areas tend to be in low-income areas where rents are cheap and landlords willing to accept tenants with such histories. And, these clusters range in size from 11 offenders (in Brentwood) to 39 offenders (in Coram). Not to mention that many of these communities are family communities replete with schools and an abundance of children.

This say area residents leaves them feeling vulnerable and unprotected, and like they can’t feel comfortable about leaving their children alone either outside or in their home.

And, for many, what that may mean is moving, maybe even off of Long Island, and especially with the added stigma, that’s just not good for the local reputation, housing market or economy.