MINUTES

HOUSING COMMITTEE

 

July 16, 2001

 

 

PRESENT:  Legislators Lois Bronz, Bernice Spreckman  and Jean Cloidt

 

GUESTS:  Planning – William Brady, Norma Drummond, CountyExecutive – William Randolph, George Raymond, Chairman, WCHOC, Karen from the LWV

 

Meeting called to order at 3:00 p.m.  Chair Bronz asked the Committee to review the pending minutes for June 4th and June 25th.

 

On motion by Legislator Spreckman to accept minutes of

June 4, 2001, seconded by Legislator Bronz – all approved.

 

On motion by Legislator Spreckman to accept minutes of

June 25, 2001, seconded by Legislator Bronz – all approved.

 

First order of business was to move Item # 5 up to top of the agenda – Pound Ridge agreement. 

 

Norma Drummond deferred to Mr. Raymond who spoke about the Housing Opportunity Commission.  He stated that the Commission is about to celebrate their 10th year in operation.

 

It was stated that for the first nine years they have not received any financial assistance.  This year and next they will be doing a housing needs assessment for the County.  They will also do research on what other states do for affordable housing.  They are requesting $25,000 to prepare this research.  Mrs. Bronz told him that he should put in a formal request stating his needs and what they are proposing to do.  Mrs. Bronz stated that she felt the Committee would have no problem in supporting it and would help it through the CountyExecutive’s Office.  He was referred to Kate Carrano in Budget for her assistance in putting this proposal together.

 

Mr. Raymond gave to the Chairman a copy of a letter sent to Mr. Larry Salley about Assistive/Assisted Housing.  It was discussed that the letter should be discussed with Mr. Salley at a later meeting.

 

Bill Brady from Planning addressed the committee with regards to 470 South Fifth Avenue, Mount Vernon.

 

Right of first refusal is an exception with regards to affordable housing projects.    This will be a 55 unit building for senior citizens.  This site is currently vacant.  The income levels will be 30 to 50 or below the County’s median income.  The County will be only investing $158,000.  This project is for seniors only as it has no Federal money involved in it.  Mr. Brady stated there is another project coming up for 71 units that will have Federal money thereby handicapped individuals will be allowed.  This project will be able to handle seniors with handicaps.  This population will be sixty and over – nearer to seventy.

This project is independent living for Seniors.

 

Motion made to accept proposal by Legislator Spreckman, Seconded by Legislator Bronz – All approved.  Signed out of Committee

 

Norma Drummond presented the request for authorization to enter into an agreement with Town of Pound Ridge to receive community development and housing program funds.  This is the first time in 27 years that Pound Ridge has opted to join into the Consortium.  The only community that will not be a member is Mount Pleasant.  Motion to accept made by Legislator Spreckman, seconded by Legislator Bronz.  All approved.  Signed out of Committee

 

Correspondence from Legislator LaMotte with regards to BlueMountain Housing Development – received and filed.

 

Correspondence from Chairman Latimer with regards to NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal – received and filed.

 

Correspondence from Chairman Latimer – BRI report received and filed.

 

Motion made by Legislator Spreckman to adjourn at 4:00 p.m., Seconded by Legislator Bronz.