Westchester Insider: Westchester County Board of Legislators: Press Release: BOL Approves Lease for Westchester's First LGBTQ+ Friendly Affordable Housing Complex.

 

BOL APPROVES LEASE FOR WESTCHESTER’S

FIRST LGBTQ⁺ FRIENDLY AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMPLEX.

 

White Plains, NY - A new affordable senior housing development is coming to White Plains following a vote of 17-0 by the Board of Legislators on Monday night. This project has been in the works for nearly two decades, and with the lease agreement now formally approved by the county legislature, the project is finally moving forward.

 

The property at 143 Grand St. was purchased by the county in 2000. It is partially occupied by the County’s Board of Elections, though most of the property has remained vacant for years. The new development will transform the property into a beautiful and functional affordable housing complex.

 

Legislator Ben Boykin (D - White Plains, Scarsdale, West Harrison) said, "As someone who is intimately familiar with this property, first as a White Plains City Councilman and now as a County Legislator, I am thrilled to see this project finally come to fruition. Creating safe and inclusive spaces for our seniors is crucial in guaranteeing that they are able to age with dignity and respect.”

 

A corporation formed by HANAC, Inc. and Monadnock Development LLC, will construct the new apartment complex called Court Street Residences on the southwesterly corner of Court and Quarropas Streets. It will consist of at least 140 residential units for applicants aged 55 and older. The facility will be all-electric and will incorporate green technology, making it environmentally friendly and sustainable. It will also feature a range of amenities such as parking, community rooms, an exercise room, on-site laundry, a computer room, and medical/hospital offices with significant programs for seniors. These services will provide a good quality living environment for future residents.

 

Legislator Tyrae Woodson-Samuels (D - Mount Vernon), Chair of the Housing Committee said, “Inclusive, affordable housing empowers and strengthens the fabric of our society. This housing today is a symbol of how far we have come, providing Westchester's residents and LGBTQ+ elders with safe, affordable, and affirming housing, as well as space for programs and medical services. As Chair of the Committee on Housing, I am proud to be a part of this effort to create a truly inclusive community where everyone can thrive.”

 

The units will be subject to affordability restrictions for the entire term of the lease, which can be up to 95 years. The new development will also set aside a portion of the units for households with incomes at or below 80% and 60% of the area median income (AMI), as defined by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. This will secure housing for seniors who need it most.

 

Housing affordability affects households of all backgrounds and demographics, but the elderly and individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ are statistically more likely to experience discrimination and harassment as a result of housing affordability. The population is also less likely to have children or other family members to help meet their needs as they age, further exacerbating the crisis.

 

Chairwoman Catherine Borgia (D - Cortlandt, Croton on Hudson, Ossining, Briarcliff Manor, Peekskill) said, “Affordable housing is more than just putting up a building, it's building a community. When we create housing for demographics often overlooked, we foster a sense of belonging and unity. Inclusive, affordable housing empowers and strengthens the fabric of our society. I am proud to be a part of this effort to create a truly inclusive community where everyone can thrive.”

The LOFT: LGBT Community Services Center will also be leasing space at the new mixed-use development. They will coordinate outreach to the eligible LGBTQ+ seniors and assist them with applying for the available units. This ensures that the new development will be an inclusive community that meets the needs of all seniors.

 

Judy Troilo, Executive Director for The LOFT, said, “There was a time in our history, in the not-so-distant past, when members of the LGBTQ+ community weren’t living long enough to need senior housing.  There was also so much fear associated with identifying as LGBTQ+ publicly.  This housing today is a symbol of how far we have come. Granted, we still have a long way to go, but this is a tremendous day.  Our long-standing goal of providing Westchester’s LGBTQ+ elders with safe, affordable, and affirming housing has arrived! In addition, our brand-new center will include space for our growing programs, and a home for a partner provider to offer medical and mental health services specifically to LGBTQ+ individuals and families here in Westchester County. Having all these incredible services under one roof is truly groundbreaking and will no doubt become a model for others to follow nationally.”