Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, with members of the Westchester Board of Legislators and Deputy County Executive Richard Wishnie
Joined by members of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, Westchester County Executive Kenneth W. Jenkins signed a Land Acquisition Act allocating $10,000,000 for the purchase of property in downtown White Plains for the construction of affordable housing. The property includes two buildings located at 99 Church Street and 6 Cottage Place, and will support the development of 108 affordable homeownership units for first time homebuyers, and 89 parking spaces. The Land Acquisition Act is the first piece of legislation Jenkins will sign as County Executive, proving that furthering fair and affordable housing opportunities remains a top priority in Westchester.
Jenkins said: “We are continuing on our path to create as many affordable housing opportunities as possible for Westchester County’s residents. Every member of our community should have the right to make a home here, and housing needs to be available at a price point that all people can afford. This Land Acquisition Act is filling a critical need, and when we allocate significant funding for these kids of projects, we are helping to improve the quality of life for our residents and families.”
Westchester County Commissioner of Planning Blanca Lopez said: “We are excited to invest in this development that provides opportunities for individuals and families looking to purchase affordable homes. This particular development touches upon several planning goals that we have been discussing for some time now. It implements adaptive reuse of a former office/dormitory building into housing, it addresses the need to increasing the number of homeownership housing, and it is a transit-oriented development located in downtown White Plains and near various modes of public transportation.”
Board of Legislators Chairman Vedat Gashi said: “As we enter the new year, I am elated that Westchester County continues to prioritize fair and affordable housing, specifically homeownership. Thank you, colleagues, for your tremendous work on this issue and thank you, County Executive Ken Jenkins for your commitment and for signing this important law into action.”
Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson said: “I am deeply thrilled and grateful that the first legislative act signed by newly appointed Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins is the approval of an adaptive reuse affordable housing project in my district. This transformative initiative will bring 108 affordable condominium units to Westchester, offering hope and opportunity for families seeking the stability and pride of homeownership. At a time when our County urgently needs more affordable housing options, this project is a testament to our shared commitment to building a stronger, more equitable community. I applaud County Executive Jenkins for making this a priority and standing with us in the fight for housing affordability.”
Legislator Shanae Williams said: “As the Housing Chair, I am proud to kick the year off by supporting this Land Acquisition Act that will help create much-needed affordable homeownership opportunities for Westchester residents. It’s our goal at the BOL to focus more on affordable home ownership, not just rentals, so Westchester residents can invest here and raise their families here. This is just the beginning and we hope to see more municipalities throughout Westchester follow suit, with our support.”
