New York state officials designated the Village of Patchogue as a pro-housing community.

The new designation from the state opens up millions of dollars in state funding for the village to apply for a modest increase in its housing inventory.

Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri says the village has built more than 700 residential units over the last 15 years.

"It says we're pro-housing, meaning we believe in housing. We believe in development and how important it is,” he said. "We've always been about making Main Street better and the only way to make Main Street better is to put people on the street. The only way you put people on the street is to put young families into downtown."

Residents like Madeline Rosario, of Patchogue, say the housing is needed as the village continues to grow. 

"As long as it's affordable,” she said. "I think the growth has been really good for Patchogue. It needs it. We've seen a lot of growth in Patchogue already. Like, Main Street, just for special events, parades, everything.”

But not everyone is not sold on more housing. 

Some expressed concerns about overcrowding and parking availability. 

"It is very crowded. Parking is tough here,” said John Faro, of Center Moriches. "I don't know where they'd put [new housing]. I mean I'm not familiar with all the land here, but I don't see any available land for housing, at least for apartments. But it ruins the whole decor of Patchogue."

Other pro-housing communities on Long Island include the towns of Brookhaven, East Hampton and Riverhead; the villages of Farmingdale, Freeport, Hempstead, Mineola, Port Washington North, Sag Harbor and Westbury; and the City of Long Beach.