City’s residential rehab program is launched

Mayor Pamela Panzenbeck, chair of the Glen Cove Community Development Agency, announced the launch of the Residential Rehabilitation Program, coordinated by the Glen Cove CDA and supported by the Nassau County Office of Community Development. The program aims to provide needed home improvement funds to income-eligible seniors and disabled residents in Glen Cove.
The program is designed to assist seniors 60 and older, as well as disabled homeowners, in making essential home repairs. These repairs can include energy conservation measures, remediation of code violations and installation of handicap accommodations.
“It allows people to stay in their home, if otherwise they may be could not,” Panzenbeck said. “We like to try to allow people to stay in their homes as long as they want to.”
Barbara Battaglia has lived in her home for over 25 years. She met the age and income criteria for assistance when she had her leaking roof fixed in 2021 through the program.
Amid the challenges of the pandemic, she reached out to the Community Development Agency, submitted an application, and underwent a walkthrough by an agency representative to confirm the necessary repairs. It was completed in one day, with additional gutters installed on the side of her house.

“We were very, very, very pleased,” Battaglia said. “It’s a very good, worthwhile program. After all this time, it’s still holding on (with) no problems at all.”
The initiative recognizes the need for increased home accommodations as the centenarian population is projected to quadruple over the next 30 years. A 2023 Pew Research Center study reveals disabilities are more common among older Americans. Nearly half of those aged 75 and older and about a quarter of those aged 65 to 74 have disabilities, compared to younger age groups. Common disabilities include difficulties with walking, independent living and cognition. Six percent of Americans report difficulties with independent living, and five percent have cognitive difficulties, with these issues being more common among older adults.
Panzenbeck added that as of May 31, three residents have applied for the grant. She added that since the reinstatement of this program 10 years ago, the CDA has been able to assist dozens of homeowners with projects consisting of roof and siding replacement, boiler and hot water installation, window and door replacement, ramp and chair lifts, and handicap accommodations.
For many seniors and disabled residents, maintaining their homes can be a significant challenge, especially when dealing with physical limitations and financial constraints. The Residential Rehabilitation Program provides a lifeline for these individuals, ensuring their homes remain safe, comfortable, and accessible.
Ann Fangmann, executive director of the Glen Cove CDA, said the program is important.
“For Glen Cove resident homeowners in need, funding from this program can make a substantial improvement to the quality of their home life,” she explained. “We appreciate the support of Nassau County to make this funding available to our Glen Cove residents.”
Applicants must be residents of Glen Cove, have lived in their current home for more than one year, meet specific income guidelines, and be up-to-date with their property and school tax payments. The income guidelines are set according to the median income for the area, with a maximum of $162,500 for a household of eight.
The pre-screening application is available in both English and Spanish on the Glen Cove CDA’s website by visiting GlenCoveCda.org, clicking on the programs tab, and selecting Residential Rehabilitation Application. Early submissions are encouraged.
To apply by phone or obtain further information about the program, contact Camille Byrne, of the Glen Cove CDA, at (516) 676-1625, extension 112, or via email at cbyrne@glencovecda.org. All inquiries and applications are handled with the utmost confidentiality to protect the privacy of the applicants.
Approved applicants will receive funding that is secured by a lien on their home for five years, ensuring that the homeowner remains living in the home during this period. This condition helps maintain the integrity of the program and ensures that the funds are used to benefit those truly in need. For more information, contact Rose Melillo at rmelillo@glencoveny.gov or call (516) 676-2000.