Northfield Community LDC: Celebrating 25 Years of Membership
By Leslie Rivera, Staten Island Chamber of Commerce
The Northfield Community Local Development Corporation (Northfield Community LDC) was started in 1978 by a group of local merchants, property owners, and residents of Port Richmond with the goal of community development, safety, and advocacy.
Northfield LDC’s goals are to enhance the quality of life within the community through the development of affordable housing, the promotion of economic and cultural development of the community, and providing community members with the resources they need to thrive safely.
Northfield LDC offers a wide range of programs and services to support the Staten Island community. Since 1980, its Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) has helped more than 100 low-income homeowners and tenants improve energy efficiency through free audits and conservation upgrades. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization also provided vital Foreclosure Prevention counseling, helping residents facing economic hardship secure Housing Assistance Fund grants.
“We help stabilize people through counseling, and the different resources that are available; we’ve helped home buyers apply for the homes and the mortgages, but we’ve also purchased homes and made them available for first-time buyers and people that were at or below the 80% median income,” says Kathleen Bielsa, Executive Director of Northfield Community LDC.
Through its work, community projects, and collaborations, Northfield Community LDC has established itself as a key community liaison and asset in serving Staten Island homebuyers and remains an active member of the Staten Island business community today.
“When joining the chamber, we saw how important it was to connect with other businesses and organizations, and raise awareness of the work we do,” explains Kathy Sforza, Economic and Community Developer Coordinator for Northfield Community LDC. “Through the chamber, we’ve become a part of Business Guild 3 as well, which has helped us build strong relationships with local businesses, too.”
Join us in congratulating Northfield Community LDC on their 25th anniversary chamber membership!
