Watch the Full News Conference Here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7KSAMmHmHQ
Watch the Video on Affordable Housing Here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puk_pORe-dc
Joined by members of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, Westchester County Executive George Latimer signed Land Acquisition Acts that allocate $2,700,000 for the purchase of land in Yonkers, and $3,000,000 for the purchase of land in the Village of Ossining for the construction of affordable housing. Both properties will be marketed and leased to residents ages 62 years and older. The Yonkers property will offer 94 affordable housing units for seniors earning at or below 30% of the area median income, and the Ossining property will provide 74 units for seniors earning at or below 40% of the area median income. The Land Acquisition Acts are the first pieces of legislation Latimer will sign in 2024, proving that furthering fair housing throughout Westchester remains a primary focus.
Latimer said: “Our responsibility as a County government is to make sure that the opportunity for affordable housing is always there. Having access to decent housing is a basic, human right, and homes need to remain at a price point that all people can afford. This legislation is about filling a critical need that people have across our County, and when we allocate significant funding towards the construction of affordable units, we are helping to improve the quality of life for many of our residents and families.”
County NHLA funding is being used to fund a portion of the acquisition costs related to three privately owned parcels in Yonkers. County funds will be utilized to fund a portion of the acquisition costs in Ossining, excluding the value of the non-residential commercial space. The project also received $995,000 in sales tax benefits from the Westchester County IDA.
Since County Executive George Latimer first took office in 2018, the availability of affordable housing has remained a top priority. Six years into Latimer’s administration, more than 5,599 units of affordable housing have been built, gone under construction, or are in the pipeline for the future.
Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Planning Blanca Lopez said: “As 2020 Census data shows that seniors represent the fastest growing cohort in Westchester County, the Department of Planning fully supports the County Executive’s continued commitment to invest in the development of senior housing throughout the County.”
Board Chair Vedat Gashi (D - Ossining, New Castle, Somers, Yorktown) said: “Words are powerful when actions follow. It’s appropriate that these are the first items we take up in our first legislative session. These actions today reflect the concrete steps that the BOL is taking to provide more affordable housing in Westchester. Residents in Westchester – particularly seniors– suffer from a lack of affordable housing. This is a step to bring relief to our seniors. I want to thank our partners on the state level, municipalities, my fellow Legislators and County Executive George Latimer. We will do whatever we can to help seniors and all residents of Westchester County.”
Legislator Shanae Williams (D – Yonkers) said: “As Housing & Planning Chair and former Council Member, I am familiar with this project, and I am thrilled when County and City converge to meet the needs of our residents. Many seniors live on a fixed income, and it’s crucial for them to have the option to reside in safe and affordable housing. The approval of these rental units is a significant victory not just for the elderly population but for the community as a whole.”
Legislator Emiljana Ulaj (D - Briarcliff Manor, Cortlandt, Croton, Ossining, Peekskill, Buchanan) said: “I’m thrilled for one of my first acts as a County Legislator to be voting on the necessary steps for the County to support affordable housing projects for seniors in my district. Many of our seniors have spent decades in our local communities – they need affordable options to continue to live in the communities they love. I commend the Village of Ossining for being a strong partner in this effort, my colleagues at the Board of Legislators, and County Executive George Latimer for his dedication to addressing the County’s most critical needs.”