FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                            Apr. 23, 2008

REPORT DETAILS NEW WAYS TO CREATE AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN OFFICE PARKS

A new report recommends that governments consider steps to encourage the creation of affordable housing in under used office parks.

The report, “Office Park Housing: Adapting Underutilized Office Parks for Housing,” a collaboration of the county Department of Planning and a consultant, suggests that 15 percent of the housing units created could be set aside as affordable without public subsidy.  Municipalities can create affordable housing units through the use of inclusionary zoning, which sets aside a portion of the housing to be developed as affordable.

“Creating affordable housing on unused office park land is a creative new way to address our affordable housing needs,” said County Executive Spano. “It’s also an example of smart growth and green development through the reuse of under-utilized land.”

The concept of exploring development of affordable housing on under-utilized office park land was an initiative included in the county Housing Opportunities Commission’s “Affordable Housing Action Plan.”  This latest report highlights the benefits of this approach, including the potential for some residents to work in nearby office buildings and better security and a more complete mix of retail services through 24/7 use of the sites.

The study focused on existing office parks because they already have the needed infrastructure, including connections to utilities and parking areas that are unused during most hours of the day.  They were also evaluated based on location and access to public transportation.  The map in the report shows the locations of office parks throughout central Westchester County, each of which could be feasible office park housing.  The sites in the study are also representative of many potential sites in the county. 

 The report is available on line at http://www.westchestergov.com/housing.htm.  (Go to the Reports and Resources section.)  For more information, contact Deb Delong, director of housing, at (914) 995-6494 or ddd2@westchestergov.com.