Dear Friends and Housing advocates,
We are writing to invite you to an important meeting to discuss the development of Workforce Housing in Yonkers. When and Where:
Monday, December 8th, 6:00 PM
Yonkers Riverfront Library, Meeting Room 2-B
(1 Larkin Center in downtown Yonkers, near the Metro North station).
Purpose:
As you may know, there are now two different proposals for a new Affordable Housing Ordinance pending before the City Council's Real Estate Committee. One strong proposal was put forward by Councilmember McDow and City Council President Lesnick back in February; the other proposal was proposed by Mayor Amicone earlier this month. Both draft ordinances are attached.
While McDow-Lesnick and Amicone proposals are very different, we understand that in the coming weeks the Council may seek to reconcile them in a new, compromise ordinance.
To put in mildly, a lot is at stake in these negotiations!
A critical issue is whether future developers of multi-family housing in Yonkers will be required and/or encouraged to include affordable workforce housing in future developments, as a percentage of units constructed.
The provisions of whatever ordinance that is ultimately adopted will have a far-reaching impact on Yonkers and its residents.
Therefore, we believe that citizen participation in the deliberations is critical, and particularly from housing, religious, labor and community organizations concerned about these issues.
At the December 8 meeting, we will review the two ordinances, and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each. We will also discuss ideas and strategies for advocating together as a coalition on these issues. Then, having educated ourselves, and armed with information we can participate in a more meaningful way in the Public Hearing and before the City Council.
