A row of 17 houses have resided on a pier in the Rockaways for decades. While home to generations of Italian immigrant families, the houses were owned by the government for years — until now.  Recently, with the help of Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith (D-St. Albans) and Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer (D-Far Rockaway), the City is allowing the residents to purchase the property.  While they haven’t officially bought the houses, they will have the opportunity to do so after they are appraised.