Data shows that from 1996-2021, the Hudson Valley region lost a net total of 146,763 people to out migration, which calculates out to 5% of the Hudson Valley’s population.
Elected officials, seeking to appease vocal constituents, frequently uphold restrictive zoning laws that favor single-family residences over more diverse housing options.
In 2023, the Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection investigated 617 complaints and returned $66,000 to homeowners.
YONKERS—Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano announced on Nov. 5 he recently sworn in Commissioner Louis J. Albano and Deputy Commissioner Lee J. Ellman to head the city’s Department of Planning & Development. The Yonkers City Council confirmed the mayor’s appointments at its Council meeting last week.
“Collectively, Lou and Lee bring over 70 years of experience in municipal planning and community development,” said Mayor Spano. “Their in-depth knowledge and expertise with urban planning, zoning, and housing in Yonkers and with our surrounding communities make for a seamless transition in continuing the city’s ongoing economic development and urban renewal.”
Albano and Ellman have taken over their respective positions effective immediately.
Albano has served as the city’s Deputy Commissioner of Planning & Development since 2013 where he was directly responsible for coordinating and monitoring new and ongoing development projects for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program; developed plans in accordance with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; and interpreted and analyzed zoning ordinances, regulations and renewal plans.
Previously, Albano served in the City of Mount Vernon’s Planning and Community Development department in various roles including Commissioner, Executive Director of its’ Urban Renewal Agency, and served as Director of Housing and as a Compliance Officer. Albano replaces former City Planning & Development Commissioner Wilson Kimball, who vacated her position in April 2020.
Ellman transitions into the Deputy Commissioner position after serving as Yonkers’ Planning Director since 1992. During his role as Director, Ellman has overseen the City’s Planning, Landmarks Preservation, Zoning Boards and Environmental reviews. He has led major Yonkers developments including the Alexander Street Master Plan, the Ravine Avenue Master Plan and Renewal Plan, the Ridge Hill Project Planning Renewal Zoning and Environmental Review and, most recently, the Ludlow Transit Oriented Development Plan.
Ellman holds a Bachelors of Arts from the State University of New York at Albany and a Masters of City and Regional Planning from Rutgers University.
Boasting a vacancy rate in the low 4% and uninterrupted positive trends in rental rates, fundamentals for Westchester multifamily are strong.
“We are thrilled to be opening our first office in Columbia County and expanding our reach in the Hudson Valley,” said Liz Nunan, President and CEO of Houlihan Lawrence.
The property was originally developed at a reported cost of approximately $250 million and was one of the first new major multifamily projects to be built in White Plains in some time.
Brokers contend that companies will be attracted to Class A-type space, while properties rated at either B or C will have trouble attracting tenants.
Receive original business news about real estate and the REALTORS® who serve the lower Hudson Valley, delivered straight to your inbox. No credit card required.
