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.
“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,”
WHITE PLAINS—A little over two weeks after the Westchester County Board of Legislators approved the measures, Westchester County Executive George Latimer signed the bills into law authorizing a total of $5.7 million in bond financing for land purchases that will seed the development of two affordable senior housing projects in Ossining and Yonkers.
The developments, which will be marketed and leased to residents aged 62 and older, will feature a total of 168 units.
County Executive Latimer signed Land Acquisition Acts that allocate $2.7 million for the purchase of land parcels on Warburton and Woodworth avenues in Yonkers that will be developed into 94 affordable housing units and 49 parking spaces for seniors earning at or below 30% and up to 80% of the Westchester County area median income. He also signed a bill that earmarks $3 million for the purchase of land at 136 Croton Ave. The development there, when completed, will offer 74 affordable units and 79 parking spaces for senior residents earning at or below 40% and up to 60% of the Westchester County area median income
The Land Acquisition Acts were the first pieces of legislation Latimer signed into law in 2024. Westchester County New Homes Land Acquisition 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 Ossining project also received $995,000 in sales tax benefits from the Westchester County IDA, county officials stated.
“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,” Westchester County Executive Latimer said. “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.”
Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Planning Blanca Lopez noted at the press conference that six years into the Latimer Administration, more than 5,599 units of affordable housing have been built, gone under construction, or are in the pipeline for the future.
County Board of Legislators Chair Vedat Gashi (D - Ossining, New Castle, Somers, Yorktown) stated, “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.”
Legislator Shanae Williams (D – Yonkers), Housing & Planning Chair and a former Yonkers City Council member said, “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) added, “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.”
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.
In 2023, the Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection investigated 617 complaints and returned $66,000 to homeowners.
Located at 23 Mulberry St. in the Hollow neighborhood of South Yonkers, the $48 million, four-story building has 60 energy-efficient, affordable apartments for seniors.
“Today marks a significant milestone on the path to ensuring the success of our nation’s most vital infrastructure project,” said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy.
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