MINUTES

HOUSING COMMITTEE

APRIL 30, 2002

 

 

 

PRESENT:  Co-Chairs Lois Bronz and Andrea Stewart-Cousins

Staff:  Barbara Dodds and Jean Cloidt

 

GUESTS:  Rose Noonan, Housing Action Council, Lauren Blake, Community Housing Resource Center, Nancy MacMillan, Planning Dept., Stanley Schear, FSW, George Raymond, Housing Opportunity Commission, Bill Randolph and Dave Meyers, County Executive’s Office, and John Strothenke, Westchester Disabled on the Move

 

Co-Chair Lois Bronz called the meeting to order at 3:10 p.m.

 

Co-Chair Bronz introduced Rose Noonan of the Housing Action Council who explained that the Community Housing Resource Center was created by an initiative of United Way and the County of Westchester.  She stated that it has been in operation for approximately a year.  Ms. Noonan then introduced Ms. Lauren Blake who is the Director of the Community Housing Resource Center.  She joined the staff on April 1, 2002. 

 

Ms. Blake explained that the goal of the Community Housing Resource Center is to work with leaders and residents of the County to foster a more favorable climate for affordable housing.  Ms. Blake stated that they are working with communities to help them gather information, work with zoning codes, master plans, and process the information necessary to create affordable housing.

 

Ms. Blake stated that the Community Housing Resource Center has and is currently working with 10 – 12 communities.  She gave a brief overview of their work with a few communities:

 

Port Chester – helped them adopt a Mission Statement and taking a position on redeveloping Waterfront area & affordable housing.

 

Briarcliff Manor – working on affordable housing mission statement – building community support.

 

Rye – Have given Consultants and Town Board technical assistance to identify sites, help with codes with possibility of establishing accessory apartments.

 

Somers – in 1991 they had a survey completed and master plan created.  They then put it on hold and it was resurrected in 2001 and the Community Housing Resource Center is helping them create support within the community.

 

Ms. Blake stated that their goal is to collaborate with other agencies and to be non-threatening.  They are showcasing their success stories and are trying to make it appealing to other communities.

 

Mrs. Noonan explained that the initial board of the Housing Action Council was comprised of many sectors and individuals.  It included United Way – John Nolon, Lois Bronz – Westchester County, Dennis McDermott – Chase Manhattan Bank, Sobeida Cruz – Hispanic Resource Center, Al Annuziata – Builder’s Institute, Saul Yanofsky – school system, Jeannette Phillips – Religious sector, John Saccardi – Planning/Consulting Firm.  They tried to include individuals with varied knowledge.

 

There was a discussion with regards to open space and how it affects affordable housing.  It is felt that coalitions for housing and open space can effective work jointly together and accomplished goals.  The goal of the Community Housing Resource Center is to create a non-threatening climate with regards to Affordable Housing.

 

Mr. Raymond was questioned about the housing production – he stated that 150 units have been completed, 150 are under construction and should be completed by 2003.  Mr. Raymond stated that in the 90’s, 229 units were constructed each year. 

 

Co-Chair Bronz asked Dave Meyers if in the future he could come and address the Committee with regards to the County Executive’s proposal for Affordable Housing.  Mr. Meyers stated that he would be happy to do that in the future.

 

Motion by Co-Chair Bronz to review and accept minutes of April 16th,  seconded by Co-Chair Stewart-Cousins.  All in favor – Aye - motion

passed.

 

Motion by Co-Chair Bronz to review and accept minutes of April 22nd, seconded by Co-Chair Stewart-Cousins.  All in favor – Aye – motion passed.

 

On motion by Co-Chair Bronz, seconded by Co-Chair Stewart-Cousins, meeting adjourned at 4:05 p.m.