COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION

MINUTES: - OCTOBER 1, 2001

 

 

MEMBERS:          Stewart-Cousins, Chair, Bronz, Oros, Mosiello, Ryan, Abinanti,

 

 

BOL:                     Bass, Giordano, Spreckman, Simpson

 

GUESTS:             Liz Salvi (Law), Charlene Indelicato (Co. Attorney), Stacey Dolgin Kmetz (Law), Linda Trentacoste (Law), Bill Randolph (CEO), 

 

 

Chairwoman Stewart-Cousins opened the Legislation Meeting at 1:30 p.m.

 

The proposed amendment to the Westchester County Affordable Housing Plan was the first item of discussion.  The proposed legislation would amend the Westchester County Affordable Housing Plan to reflect the need for affordable assisted/assistive senior housing in Westchester.  The inclusion would make this type of housing eligible for funding from different government sources. 

 

The Planning Department furnished legislators with the County’s current “Statement of Need” which constitutes our affordable housing plan.  It was explained that passing the amendment would update the “Statement”.  A brief discussion ensued on what constitutes affordability.  Currently, Westchester seniors can spend as much as 65% of their income on rent.  The committee agreed to pursue what affordability should mean in this county in a broader context at a later date.  Presently, it was agreed that the proposed amendment was acceptable and important.

Motions of Bronz and Mosiello moved out the amendment for all purposes

 

A proposed Local Law amending the Right of First Refusal was the next item discussed.  Defining “county purpose” as it relates to

 

COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION

MINUTES – OCTOBER 1, 2001

PAGE 2

 

the legislation was the main discussion.  Currently the law permits the board to dispose of land at a nominal price for “county purposes.”  The CountyAttorney addressed the Committee and opined that affordable housing fell in the category of such a purpose.  Legislators questioned whether others had defined affordable housing in the same way.  An opinion from the Attorney General’s Office was also produced.  Legislators agreed to look over documents and opinions for continued discussion at a later date. 

 

Bronz made a motion to adjourn the Legislation meeting and Ryan seconded the motion.  Meeting adjourned at 2:20 p.m.