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Health & Fitness

Time for Westchester to Move Forward Together.

Response from Legislator Borgia to Housing Monitor Johnson's report on Westchester Zoning

Time for Westchester to Move Forward Together

Response from Legislator Borgia to Housing Monitor Johnson’s report on Westchester Zoning

Earlier this week, the HUD Housing Settlement Monitor James Johnson issued a report naming the Town of Ossining and the Village of Croton as two of seven Westchester municipalities that have exclusionary zoning practices.  This conclusion, I believe, is mistaken.

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As the Westchester County Legislator representing both the Village of Croton and the Town of Ossining, where I also served as Town Supervisor for two terms, I am in a unique position to respond to this report, which even Mr. Johnson himself acknowledges is “preliminary.”

Both Ossining and Croton are welcoming of ethnic, economic and cultural diversity and have made significant efforts to create housing opportunities that reflect this spirit. Both have long-standing community partners that foster the development of affordable housing which encourages the community vitality that comes with diversity. Both municipalities adopted affordable housing ordinances long before Westchester County made the housing settlement with HUD, because there is a broad community understanding that creating safe housing for residents at every economic level contributes to a community’s well-being and quality of life.

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Although I disagree with many of the report’s conclusions, I believe that it does provide an opportunity to have further conversations with Mr. Johnson and his team that will provide a deeper and richer understanding of our communities to HUD. These conversations will also help our communities consider serious, long-term planning needs to meet the housing requirements of our future.

We are fortunate to have capable, hard-working strategic thinkers like Croton Mayor Leo Weigman and Ossining Supervisor Sue Donnelly as leaders. Both municipalities have expressed willingness to work with Mr. Johnson and his team to provide additional community information that will give Mr. Johnson a richer and deeper view of the Village of Croton and Town of Ossining and the circumstances behind community planning decisions the communities have made. The County Board of Legislators will also take an active role in the discussions, through the Government Operations committee, which I chair. 

I look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to lead to a better understanding of present circumstances and more collaborative and creative ways to meet the needs of our shared future. It is by working together that we uncover the best way forward. 

Catherine Borgia


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