MINUTES

HOUSING COMMITTEE

MARCH 19, 2002

PRESENT:  Co-Chairs Lois Bronz, Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Legislator George Oros, Peter Mosbacher, Barbara Dodds and Jean Cloidt

GUESTS:  Alice Fisher of NCCJ and Rob Lederer of Whole Nation

Meeting called to order at 3:05 p.m. by Co-Chair Bronz.  Chair Bronz introduced Alice Fisher of the National Council for Community and Justice.  Ms. Fisher stated that NCCJ has joined with Whole Nation to form American Communication Conversation.  This is an organization that forms a group of individuals with a focus.  They are basically Study Circles that work on issues – discussing issues that are common to their area.  Whole Nation is the facilitator.  Whole Nation is based in New York; mission began in early 2001.  Mission is to bring about racial reconciliation in America.  They organize dialog in the community.

They are hoping to bring their network into other areas and working with NCCJ they are hoping to accomplish this.  When they form these study circles that they want to include all types of organizations and all walks of life.

Study circles have been going for three years in White Plains.  Legislator Bronz then explained that the County has not been involved in study circles but has been involved with the Housing Resource Center.  She further explained that the mission of the Housing Resource Center is to facilitate dialog on community housing. 

Whole Nation is involved in Harlem, Morningside Heights, Mr. Lederer explained that they are involved with churches and synagogues because of organizing problems.  They went to these organizations, as they are allies.  Ms. Fisher stated that they have called on all of their study groups to move them to action.  The reason why NCCJ partnered with Whole Nation is that they have an action component in their organization.

In Manhattan they are trying to address the issue of homelessness.  The action that they are doing is a published statement paper that can be used as a guide to helping homeless with information about services, social services, and other agencies.  The second action is

that at the end of May they will be holding an interfaith service. 

Mr. Mosbacher stated that it comes to his mind that there is not more affordable housing in Westchester because of NIMBYism in this County.  Mr. Mosbacher looks at the cost of land, property size, cost of construction, materials, available land, etc.  This is paramount in his mind. 

Co-Chair Bronz then explained to Alice Fisher and Rob Lederer how the Board works, committee structure, etc.  She also explained that in Westchester there is a large group of organizations that are involved with the housing issue and this committee works closely with these organizations.  When Mr. Bill Randolph joined the meeting, Mrs. Bronz stated that the County Executive has at the top of his agenda the housing issue.  Mrs. Bronz stated to Mr. Randolph that sometime in the near future, we should have someone from the County Executive’s office come down and tell us what is going on with regards to Housing and the business community getting involved.

At next meeting will try and have Mr. George Raymond come and make his presentation.

Motion made to accept minutes – Mosbacher, seconded Bronz, all approved.  Minutes approved.

Meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m.