MINUTES

HOUSING COMMITTEE

 

JUNE 4, 2001

 

 

PRESENT:  Legislators Lois Bronz, Bernice Spreckman and Michael Kaplowitz, Barbara Dodds, Jean Cloidt

 

GUESTS:  Norma Drummond and William Brady – Planning, John Strothenke and Tyrone White – WDCCH, Kathy Sundaram – LWV, Bill Randolph – County Executive’s Office

 

 

Meeting called to order at 3:15 p.m.

 

Chair Bronz introduced Norma Drummond who explained to the committee about the HOPWA program.  HOPWA stands for Housing Opportunities for Persons with Aids.  She stated that it is a grant that the County participates in with the City of New York.  The program is two fold in that we get money from the United States HOPWA program and in turn to fund programs for the Cities of Mount Vernon, New Rochelle and Yonkers thru Intermunicipal Agreements.  In Fiscal Year 2001, New Rochelle will not be using any money as they still have money not expended. The money is going to be used to upgrade the program from 60 families to 90 families. The County has received an additional $63,000 which they are hoping to use to help families pay rent thereby avoiding evictions.   In this year’s program two case managers are allocated. 

 

Motion made by Legislator Spreckman to accept grant.  Seconded by Legislator Bronz.  Approved by all.

 

Motion made by Legislator Bronz to enter IMA’s with Mt. Vernon and Yonkers.  Seconded by Legislator Spreckman.  Approved

 

Next item – Mr. Brady from Planning explained to the committee about the property located in Mount Vernon that the County is interested in purchasing to convert to 11 rental apartments.  Discussion ensued as it is in a commercial area and the Committee asked Mr. Brady if he would be in contact with the City of Mount Vernon to see if they could create another apartment with the first floor.  At this point the Housing Committee is in favor of maximizing housing.  The Committee also is in support of maximizing housing with respect to the handicapped -–first floor apartments.  Mr. Brady will speak to Westhab and report back to the committee.

 

It was decided to take no action on the above matter until we hear from Mr. Brady.

 

Minutes of March 19, 2001 – Moved by Legislator Spreckman, Seconded by Legislator Bronz.   -   Approved by all

 

Minutes of April 2, 2001 -  Moved by Legislator Spreckman, Seconded by Legislator Bronz  -  Approved by all

 

Minutes of April 19, 2001 – Moved by Legislator Bronz, Seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz – Approved by all

 

Minutes of May 21, 2001 – Moved by Legislator Bronz, Seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz – Approved by all

 

Our next meeting will be June 18, 2001, to meet about Housing for Disabled.

 

Motion to adjourned made by Legislator Spreckman, Seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz.

 

Meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m