The affordable housing ordinance which was earlier vetoed by Mayor Mike Spano, missed its chance to be overturned by the Yonkers city council. The ordinance which aimed at a 10% increase in affordable housing units, was rejected in a 4 to 3 council vote upholding the veto.
Mayor Spano, who vetoed the ordinance on July 7, cited a lack of practicality as the reason for the veto. He stated that “the ordinance passed by the council fails to address the fiscal concerns raised by the report, such as what means are available to increase public subsidies necessitated by the AHO.”
He further noted that “The council also presented no alternative analysis or narrative that disagreed with HR&A’s findings, nor did they prepare an analysis regarding the potential effects on the city if it was to significantly increase the tax subsidy to developers.”
Other council members Tasha Diaz and John Rubbo who made a U-turn on their earlier decision to support the legislation, also cited their reasons for this change of position.
Council woman Tasha Diaz claimed that the ordinance was in itself non-inclusive. According to her, the affordable housing legislation failed to make provisions for part of the vulnerable population particularly veterans, senior citizens and single mothers.
John Rubbo on the other hand highlighted most of Mayor Spano view point regarding market rates, public subsidies and the potential of developers leaving the city.
There are no further plans at this time for the city council to revisit increasing the affordable housing requirement.
