County Legislature supports two housing projects

The Westchester County Board of Legislators has passed to pieces of new legislation: the “Land Acquisition Act” and the “New Homes Land Acquisition Bond Act.” They are focused on providing long-term, stable affordable housing options.

With its votes, the Legislature is funding the acquisition of 1.71 acres at 21-23 Park Ave. in Yonkers where affordable apartments are due to be constructed. The Legislature also approved supporting the White Plains Housing Authority’s latest round in the redevelopment of its Winbrook housing community, now known as Brookfield Commons. The third new building in the redevelopment of Winbrook into Brookfield Commons is to add 174 affordable rental units at the site  targeted for households earning between 30% and 90% of the county’s Area Median Income (AMI).

The Legislature authorized the county to purchase approximately 1.71 acres of real property located at 21-23 Park Avenue in Yonkers for an amount not to exceed $4,900,000. The legislature also authorized the county to convey the property to Kearney Realty & Development Group, Inc. for $1 to construct 82 affordable apartments that will be marketed and leased to households earning at or below 50% and up to 70% of the AMI.

The legislation regarding the White Plains development authorized the county to enter into an inter-municipal developer agreement with the City of White Plains, the White Plains Housing Authority and Trinity Financial, Inc. The new Brookfield Commons building would be constructed at 161 S. Lexington Ave.

The county’s action finances the construction of certain infrastructure improvements including, but not limited to, on-site and off-site paving, curbing, sidewalks, retaining walls, storm water detention, drainage systems, sanitary sewer system, water lines, lighting, signage, landscaping, construction management and also covers county administrative costs.