Recognizing his commitment to building stronger communities and affordable homes throughout Westchester County, County Executive George Latimer received the ACE: Henry V. Kensing Community Builder Award at the Allied Community Enterprises (ACE) 2019 Dinner Gala. ACE is a non-profit organization that seeks to elevate awareness of local housing needs, and develop affordable housing for low and moderate income households. The award is named after the late Henry Kensing, former ACE Vice President, Mount Kisco Mayer and Town Justice, and long-time Westchester County activist. Kensing understood the importance of building diverse, resilient communities, and it is in his spirit that County Executive Latimer was selected for the prestigious honor.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “When I first took office as Westchester County Executive, I made a personal commitment to ensure that every resident living in Westchester had an equal opportunity to succeed. Developing affordable homes for low and moderate income households is essential to that mission. We need to elevate awareness of our critical housing needs, and develop support programs that help to create stronger communities. Hank Kensing was an exemplary public official; I was honored to have known him.”
Executive Director of ACE Joan P. Arnold said: “Housing is an essential building block in developing strong communities. George Latimer understands this completely. It is for this reason we are delighted to present the Henry V. Kensing Community Builder Award to Westchester County Executive, George Latimer. Even before George was elected, he was talking to and meeting with the not for profit Housing Coalition. From these meetings he created a comprehensive list, including a Housing Needs Assessment, revitalizing the Housing Opportunities Commission, wastewater reform and source-of-income legislation. George has moved forward on all this and, more. This is exactly what leadership looks like in the Kensing mode, and George is making great strides in rebuilding an inclusive and sustainable Westchester County and for that we should all be thankful.”
Under Latimer’s leadership, Westchester County has begun construction on 336 affordable housing units throughout Westchester, with approvals pending for an additional 234 units. An additional 394 units have been proposed, totaling 964 units as of February 2019.
Kensing died on Oct. 24, 2016, leaving behind a legacy in the affordable housing arena. Each year, the Award is given to a public servant who has proven their pledge safe and affordable housing to residents across Westchester.