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Affordable Housing Council Called for by WPCNR Reader
Posted on Wednesday, November 23 @ 12:18:34 EST by jfbailey
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WPCNR MR. & MRS. & MS. WHITE PLAINS VOICE. November 23, 2005: A reader takes note of recent affordable housing projects on the way and proposed for the community and points out government recommendations:
Mr. Bailey in reading “More Details on Affordable Housing: Boon or Boondoggle, The High Cost of Affordable Housing,” community should and must be actively involved with county and city government in the development of affordable housing in White Plains.
As recommended by NYS and Washington concerning community, communities should establish a Local Advisory Commission encouraging community participation. Here are some thought to reflect on before the process begins.
November 23, 2005
Affordable Housing Local Advisory Commission
White Plains, NY Westchester County
It is highly recommended as a mandatory requirement addressing the development, construction, usage of any and all public land, any and all usage of private land to fill the need of “Affordable Housing” in communities in White Plains, and through out Westchester County, that a public community Local Advisory Commission be established; With the mission to meet and fulfill the needs of it’s local citizens, residents, senior citizens, disabled and low income families.
The sole purpose, goal and mission of the Local Advisory Commission is to engage community, neighborhood organizations, affordable housing advocates, senior citizens, environmental groups, planning professionals, elected officials local government, county government, developers (both nonprofit and for profit), healthcare professionals, public safety officers and tax payers.
With the objective being community participation and advisory ad-vocation to local and county government. Assuring that the participation of community, residents, and neighborhood organizations will be instrumental in all development, community usage, and creation of affordable housing initiatives in White Plains.
Requirements of Affordable Housing – New Construction
For Profit Development
Mandated legislation establishing a minimum of 15% affordable housing be allocated to senior citizens, assisted living senior citizens, disabled senior citizens, and fixed income senior citizens living under the county’s median income; Usage to be a combined multi living usage providing for senior citizens.
Mandated legislation establishing a minimum of 50% of living units will be affordable to households earning no more than the county’s median income.
Fixed frozen affordable rent guidelines protecting long-term senior citizens and assisted living senior citizens. Establishing long term affordable housing vacancy protection for senior citizen housing.
Priority Community Housing Living, establishing and ensuring that White Plains qualifying residents - families are given first priority options for affordable housing living. Families and or residents of White Plains of senior citizens parents or family members have priority options first in affordable housing facilities.
Any conversions of affordable housing units from rental to private ownership are prohibited. Ensuring sustainable affordable housing meets long-term goals.
All usage of public land (county and city land) development for affordable housing implements a component of public facility usage. Creating the development of open public space usage, public facility usage, community usage, and senior citizen public usage. Mandated public parking, all year round public use of open spaces.
Senior Citizen Tax Revenue Fund
For Profit Affordable Housing
A percentage of the tax revenue generated from For Profit Affordable Housing development should be mandated for senior citizen living or senior citizen assisted living programs. Assisting senior citizens meeting the needs of senior citizens residing in the affordable housing facility. Senior citizen programs and assisted financial needs of below median income senior citizens; 15% mandated senior citizen population.
Stabilized Long Term Affordable Housing Units Cap
Mandating long-term affordable housing rental cap on the 50% affordable housing units protecting affordable housing rental units.
Public Assets – County and City Land Acquisition - Sale
Protection and tax revenue
All public taxpayers county and city land should be protected retaining the public assets and investments for the people of Westchester County and White Plains. Any and all public land use and or ownership of public land is the property of long term tax payers and should be mandated as public land usage through legislation. Protecting the public land for future generations.
All public land for public or private usage should be established as a city or county leased property generating public taxpayers revenue. Generated taxpayer’s revenue to be allocated for the acquisition – upkeep of public land and development of public land for public usage and enjoyment.
Establish legislation protecting the transfer of all new affordable housing construction facilities involving county and city taxpayers land from private sale transfers. Ensuring that taxpayer’s public land is protected and remains as a public county and city land asset.
Public Interest – Elected Officials
Citizens and Taxpayers
Affordable housing, affordable housing issues are the issues and concerns of the residents, families and citizens of Westchester County – White Plains, the taxpayers and families living in our communities and neighborhoods.
It is the privileged responsibility of our elected representatives in county government and local city government to protect our interests and provide us the citizens and taxpayers with affordable housing that will benefit the welfare of our families and loved ones.
It is our elected officials responsibility to ensure that benefit to us, protect that benefit to us and provide that benefit to us. Benefiting the citizens by establishing an independent Local Advisory Public Commission inviting the public to participate collectively in the process through a partnership with community and government. The establishment of such a commission and its creation should and must be organized through community neighborhood organizations, comprised of the people and citizens from within community.
Carl Albanese
White Plains
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Average Score: 3
Votes: 3
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