A noteworthy legislative amendment was the exclusion of “squatters” from the definition of “tenant” under the current tenancy laws.
It is important to note that while the new Good Cause Eviction Law went into effect in New York City immediately, other municipalities throughout New York State will need to opt-in by enacting this legislation if they so choose.
GREENBURGH—On Sept. 14, Westchester County Executive George Latimer cut the ribbon on the Mayfair Apartments in Greenburgh. The completed project involved the redevelopment of the former WestHELP Greenburgh Homeless Shelter on the Westchester Community College Campus built in the 1980s into 74 units of affordable rental housing for seniors aged 62 and older.
The project developed by Marathon Development Group of Peekskill transformed long-vacant buildings once used as transitional housing for homeless families, into 60 one-bedroom, eight two-bedroom, and six studio apartments for residents with low and moderate incomes.
Westchester County Executive Latimer said, “The Mayfair Apartments are one more instance of the county seeing the potential in an underdeveloped, underused property, and transforming it into something that will pay dividends in the community that it serves. Creating fair and affordable housing opportunities has been a keystone of my administration—it is something we strongly believe in. We know that our residents are not fleeing Westchester, and we want to see them living happily and comfortably in the place they have always called home. After years of discussions between the county, the developers, the town of Greenburgh, the Valhalla School District and the Board of Legislators, we can finally see this long-awaited project come to fruition.”
The six-acre site includes nine buildings; six of the residential buildings have been connected with community rooms and elevators to make the second floor more accessible for the seniors. The administration building will be the last building on the site to be rehabilitated.
Mayfair Housing offers on-site laundry rooms in each building, a community room and a computer lounge. The property was also renovated to include a number of ‘green’ features including: Energy Star Certification under Low-Rise New Construction Program Solar panels; rigid insulation for the exterior walls and foundation, and additional insulation in the attic which brings the total insulation level to approximately R-49; LED lighting throughout the complex; high-efficiency hydronic PTAC units to provide heating and cooling for each apartment; water-conserving fixtures and native and non-invasive landscaping.
HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “The state’s investment in Mayfair Apartments furthers our mission to expand and preserve affordable housing opportunities for seniors, especially in high-cost areas like Westchester County. The transformation of this property from a Single Room Occupancy transitional facility to a permanent living community with 74 spacious apartments will benefit the town of Greenburgh and all the residents who now call Mayfair Apartments home.”
State financing for the $17 million development includes $11.3 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. Supportive services for 20 supportive units set aside for homeless single adults over the age of 62 are funded through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and administered by the New York State Office of Mental Health.
Developer Mark Soja of Marathon Development Group, said, “The financial assistance of New York State Housing Finance Agency along with the support of County Executive Latimer, the County Legislators and the Town of Greenburgh were instrumental in the conversion of the former Westhelp site into quality, affordable housing for families aged 62 and over. Mayfair Apartments will provide low and moderate income senior citizens with a modern affordable community they are proud to call home.”
Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner added, “Members of the Greenburgh Town Board and I are pleased to have partnered with Westchester County Executive George Latimer to convert an abandoned homeless shelter into much needed affordable senior citizen housing. The lucky seniors who live here will be able to take advantage of Greenburgh programs and services and be within walking distance to the Westchester Community College where they can take courses and participate in inter-generational learning.”
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