The amendments to the affordable housing proposal presented by some of the members of this council, entails an increase to the requirement of affordable housing in projects of 25 units to 10%.

This is both unrealistic and shortsighted. (To say the least) Any proposal developed without the input and concerns of the affected multifamily zones’  residents, seems to be, just another political ploy by some of the members of this council.

In a high-density neighborhoods such as Battle Hill, any development should be to attract 100 to 120% of the median income which is the moderate/ middle –income level.

The Gateway Project, on Central Ave, is one of those smaller unit projects that has attracted moderate-income levels to our neighborhood.  Our association welcomed the Gateway, and it has rejuvenated our area.  We are looking forward to Mr. Camacho’s next project on Harmon Street. He will also be taking down these older unkept, unsafe structures and bringing new life again into our neighborhood. 

Battle Hill is one of many neighborhoods that have the highest percentages of lower income housing.  We are striving to increase the amount of moderate-income families, which may include teachers and civil employees into our area.  If you increase the amount of required affordable housing units to 10% for these smaller developers, it's not economically feasible for them to develop.  We are striving to improve our area.

Slumlords are packing our new immigrants into homes like sardines without regard for their safety and well-being, not to mention our laws restricting this.

You are working for White Plains, representing this city’s residents and their neighborhoods.  Yet, not one of the members of this council that proposed these amendments contacted our association to see what we felt is right for our neighborhood.  Were other associations contacted?

Who are you then, really representing here?

You may say that you are representing the people of White Plains. 

Well, WE ARE the People

This indifference and lack of communication between some council members and the neighborhoods has gone on far too long. Enough is enough!

Jean Pollack, Chair of the Affordable Housing Committee stated she favors multifamily zones throughout the city.  Our association would like to thank Jean for her forward thinking of including multifamily zones in all areas of the city. And we look forward to seeing affordable housing projects in Prospect Park, Hillair Circle, the Soundview Highlands Gedney and Rosedale sections of our city.

This forward thinking will bring unity to the city for all income levels in each and every neighborhood.

I implore the council to remember to listen and work with ALL The residents of White Plains.