2025 Year in Review: Gwen O’Shea, Community Development Long Island

What accomplishment, milestone, project or transaction stood out for you or your firm in 2025? 

A highlight of my 2025 was watching two of CDLI’s newest affordable housing developments near completion. In partnership with Park Grove Realty, we created 33 units at Baldwin Commons, and with Conifer Realty, 228 units at 159 Main in Hempstead. These developments were years in the making and will bring much-needed housing options to their respective communities. As we wrap the finishing details, I look forward to welcoming residents in 2026 and turning these units into homes.

What emerging trends or shifts will shape opportunities for you, your firm, or market sector in 2026? 

A shift that will shape the way we view real estate is the growing recognition that housing is a key component of healthcare. In 2025, CDLI joined the Health Equity Alliance of Long Island (HEALI) Social Care Network. CDLI participates by delivering home remediation, accessibility, safety modifications, and asthma self-management education to Long Island Medicaid members. We have seen firsthand positive health outcomes that result from safe and stable housing. Moving into 2026, I see new opportunities to work with healthcare partners to preserve and create housing on Long Island.