Westchester County recently announced that it will allot $2.7 million towards affordable housing in Yonkers. An additional $3 million will also be allotted for Ossining.
On February 7, Westchester County Executive George Latimer joined members of the Board of Legislators to sign Land Acquisitions Acts. This marked the first pieces of legislation Latimer signed into law this year. The County maintains that this indicates its ongoing commitment to prioritize and advance fair housing for its residents–particularly seniors. Latimer himself referred to affordable and fair housing in Westchester County as “a critical need.” He also stated that “having access to decent housing is a basic, human right“. During six years as County Executive, Latimer touts 6,000 affordable housing units constructed, under construction, or are anticipated soon.
Blanca Lopez, Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Planning, indicated her support of this work. According to the 2020 census, seniors are the fastest growing demographic in the county. Therefore, Lopez applauds this “commitment to invest in the development of senior housing.”
Likewise, Legislator Shanae Williams representing Yonkers’ 16 district also commended this legislation.
The approval of these rental units is a significant victory not just for the elderly population but for the community as a whole.
Watch a video on Affordable Housing in Westchester County
The legislation allocates funding for the purchase of land reserved for the construction of new housing units. The newly planned James Linburgh Senior Apartments will be located on Warburton Avenue and overseen by Conifer Realty. The plan consists of 94 units available for lease to residents 62 years and over earning at or below 30% of the area median income.
County NHLA funds are to be used to cover a portion of the costs regarding three parcels in Yonkers that are privately owned, and the Westchester County Industrial Development Agency also granted $995,000 in sales tax benefits to incentivize the project. The project has been under consideration for years, with the allocation of significant County funding being one of the final catalysts to prepare for the forthcoming construction.
Latimer recognizes the particularly high cost of housing in Westchester County, and hopes to ensure and encourage projects that will have a lower impact on communities and the environment, while also allowing Westchester County residents to continue to stay in the places they call home. He believes that continually working towards the development of affordable housing is one way in which the County can continue to foster diversity and incentivize residents to remain in their communities.
