Team

Leonard T. D'Amico

Leonard T. D’Amico determined to be a successful businessman like his father, his namesake, he made a decision in 1982 that changed his life. He decided to take a huge risk and enter the Real Estate Industry. During the next 22 years the industry presented many challenges but through hard work, innovation and perseverance it paid off. Then in 2004, after many successful Real Estate ventures, Len co-founded The D & F Development Group, LLC (D&F) and has been co-owner since then. As Co-CEO of D & F, Len’s responsibilities include Senior Management oversight as well as Strategic Corporate and Financial Planning. In the last 10 years The D & F Development Group has developed projects with the combined total of over $500 million. D&F owns and manages over 2,600 residential units and employs over 200 persons in the NYC region. D&F is comprised of four operating units: The D & F Development Group, a real estate company; D & F Construction Group, which constructs predominantly mid-rise residential buildings as well as hospitality; Carlisle Senior Living Communities, an Assisted Living Care Company and LTD Management, a property management company which was founded by Len in 1984.

D&F has focused on projects that are socially beneficial such as developing affordable independent living facilities for seniors. Several projects in the Metropolitan area include local charitable organizations as partners. These projects provide new housing for seniors, whose incomes are at the lower end of the scale, as well as providing needed financial support for the charitable partner. In 2006, as part of a 4 ½ acre land acquisition in NYC, Len and D&F started a large scale development which included several mid-rise multi-family affordable rental buildings as well as two and three family homes in a planned community named Locust Manor Estates. In 2008, D&F started the development and building of a new 80 unit townhouse community around an existing rental building which was at the end of its useful life. As the new homes were built in phases, the existing building remained occupied. In 2009, D&F became one of Nation’s leaders by developing housing in NYC using creative financing. Working with a local Non-Profit, an independent senior living residence was financed using a HUD 202 Grant along with Federal Tax Credits. This new method of financing had been done only once in the country. The technique is new and innovative and when done in NYC, has all its own challenges.

In 2013, Len and D&F took on a whole new dimension. They moved their headquarters to Levittown and through their Carlisle Senior Living Communities Brand, entered the Assisted Living Industry. The first of their A.L. Communities, named Village Walk, was approved in the Village of Patchogue, NY. Once again the challenge of entering a new industry energized Len which pushed him and the team to continue to rise above. Village Walk was completed and opened with great success in 2018.

A second A.L. Community, Village Green, was approved and ready for construction. Len thought that this was the D&F team’s greatest challenge. It was to transform one of the original bowling alleys built by Levitt in the 1950’s into 110 beds of Assisted Living, while at the same time maintaining their offices in 10,000 sq ft of that building. After totally renovating the office space in 2013, the D&F Construction Group now had to surgically remove the 20,000 sq ft portion of the building where the bowling lanes were located. Included in this surgery was to dig down 20’ and underpin the existing 65 year old building. D & F now has a 70,000 sq ft A.L. Community with a lower level exterior courtyard attached to its headquarters.

Over the years, Len has involved himself in many political, educational, cultural, civic and charitable causes. He has volunteered to work on several of the Queens Borough President’s Task Forces such as: Fresh Kills Closure and Illegal Conversion. He was appointed in 1998 to the Queens Borough Public Library Board of Trustees, where he served as Board President between 2006 and 2008. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Queens Centers for Progress, formerly Queens Cerebral Palsy and is a member of the Board of Directors of Queens Economic Development Corp. In 2010 he and Peter received the Kings of Queens Award from the Queens Courier/Queens Business.

While attending High School, Len worked as an intern for the Queens Borough President’s office. During this time, he also had extensive exposure to the world of politics by working on several political campaigns. Through these endeavors, Len was eventually selected to be a member of several political committees. Len then went on to assist NY State Senator George Onorato for eight years on a part-time basis.

Len has always had an interest in the technical sciences. After finishing High School, he started working as a field engineer for on Optical Laser Systems and Micro Computers in the mid-seventies for Eastman Kodak. Although Len acquired an advanced skill set in technology, he also had a desire to be an entrepreneur. With that desire in mind, Len attended Queens Borough Community College at night, where he received his AS degree in Business Administration. He continued his education at St. Johns University where he received his BS in Finance. While Len was working full time at Kodak and attending University at night, Len started working weekends towards obtaining his RE license. In 1984 Len left Kodak and started his own Real Estate firm. He then developed knowledge of LP Partnerships, Coop conversions, managing distressed properties and initiating new projects.

He resides in Nassau with his wife Wendy, who has worked by his side for over 20 years. He has two successful daughters, Amanda and Lauren. Len is also proud to recognize his mother Gloria D’Amico, who was the first woman to hold the position of the Clerk of Queens County, NYC.