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Community Feedback Needed to Assess Affordable Housing Needs and Community Development Goals within the Urban County Consortium

WPCNR COUNTY CLARION LEDGER. From the Westchester County Department of Communications. March 16, 2024:

The Westchester County Department of Planning is asking for the public’s help in crafting its Consolidated Plan, a five-year plan to assess affordable housing needs and development goals in the 31 municipalities that make up the Urban County Consortium.

Once completed, the plan helps to inform the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on how federal funding should be allocated through the CDBG, HOME and ESG programs over the next five years.

To ensure the success of the County’s next Consolidated Plan, the Planning Department is asking for community feedback from residents, business owners, nonprofits and public housing authorities through online surveys.

Commissioner of the Westchester County Planning Department Blanca Lopez said: “The County receives $5 million annually from HUD to invest in communities that belong to the Urban County Consortium.  Participation from the public is extremely important as it will help us shape our priorities around housing, public services, public improvements and economic development for the next five years. We look forward to receiving community feedback as to how the County should direct its federal funding.”

Every five years, Westchester County develops a new Consolidated Plan. The Plan defines strategies to address housing, community development needs and current market conditions for all of the municipalities in the Urban County Consortium. Residents can participate the following ways:

·         Complete a survey as a community resident

·         Complete a survey as a stakeholder (nonprofit organization, business owner or public housing authority)

Below are the communities that make up the Westchester Urban County Consortium:

Ardsley

Bedford

Briarcliff Manor

Bronxville

Cortlandt

Croton on Hudson

Dobbs Ferry

Elmsford

Greenburgh

Hasting on Hudson

Irvington

Larchmont

Lewisboro

Mamaroneck Town

Mamaroneck Village

Mount Kisco

New Castle

North Salem

Ossining Town

Ossining Village

Peekskill

Pelham Village
Pleasantville

Port Chester

Rye Brook

Rye Town

Scarsdale

Sleepy Hollow

Tarrytown

Tuckahoe

Yorktown

The Westchester County Planning Department is working with Civitas, LLC, a community development firm to develop its Consolidated Plan.

Visit the Planning Department’s website for more information.

(Editor’s Note: In the first year of County Executive George Latimer’s ascending to the County Executive position, in 2018  the County coed a snducted a study, the Westchester County Affordable Housing Needs Assessment in the entire county that concluded there was a need for over 11,703 Affordable Housing residences in the county.

In his 2024 State of the County Address Thursday evening, 

Latimer said: “Since our administration first took office in 2018, affordable housing – and the availability of affordable housing throughout the County – has remained a top priority.”

Since 2018, nearly six thousand units of affordable housing have been built, gone under construction, or are in the pipeline for the future. Additionally, Latimer highlighted the Affordable Housing Investment Flex Fund, a new, affordable housing production tool which was created to help increase the number of units across Westchester.)

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Watch the State of the County Address HERE.

Read the full text HERE.

The address featured videos highlighting key accomplishments and initiatives, including:

·         Where We are Today in Westchester: WATCH HERE.

·         A Tribute to Veteran Joseph Frank: WATCH HERE.

·         Housing for All: WATCH HERE.

·         Restoring the Glen Island Bridge: WATCH HERE.

·         Strength Through Diversity: WATCH HERE.

(White Plains, NY) – Westchester County Executive George Latimer delivered his 7th State of the County address, highlighting the County’s achievements, ongoing initiatives and vision for the future. The address, delivered in the Board of Legislators Chamber – “the People’s Chamber” – was attended by lawmakers and community members, and underscored the County’s commitment to progress, innovation and inclusivity.

Latimer said: “Let us see the value in electing leaders who have no scandals, no hate, no conspiracy theories, leaders who aren’t breaking campaign pledges or becoming a national punchline.  Together, we can build on the foundation laid by those who have dedicated their lives to Westchester.”

In his address, Latimer expressed gratitude to Chairman Vedat Gashi and members of the Board of Legislators for their leadership and collaboration. Latimer also acknowledged the contributions of County officials, recognizing their dedication to serving the community.

Latimer said: “We proudly embody the essence of new faces, individuals who bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the forefront. Yet, intertwined with this newness is the richness of experience and a tapestry of accomplishments that defines the very fabric of our community.”

 Financial Stability 

Reflecting on the County’s financial stability, Latimer highlighted the passage of the 2024 Westchester County Budget, which maintains the same County property tax levy as 2023, marking the fifth consecutive year without a levy increase.

He emphasized the County’s prestigious “AAA” credit rating from Fitch Ratings, as well as its improved credit ratings from S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s Investors Service. Additionally, he highlighted the New York State Comptroller lowering the fiscal stress score for the County to zero, indicating outstanding financial stability.

 Social Services 

Latimer showcased initiatives to support residents, including seasonal suspension of the Bee-Line Bus fares, the expansion of the Child Care Scholarship Program to 500% of the Federal Poverty Level and efforts to address food insecurity.

In honor of Women’s History Month, Latimer announced his support of proposed legislation to provide free home lock changes for survivors of domestic violence within the county while also providing shelter for survivors while the locks are changed.

Environment 

The new Recycle Coach app was highlighted in the speech, as well as the work of the Department of Environmental Facilities in expanding the County’s existing textile recycling program by offering curbside collection and reaching record numbers in waste recovery and recycling.

Latimer also applauded the Board of Legislators for passing the single-use foodware law as well as the Lead Free Parks Act, the Addressing Asthma in Communities of Color Amendment, the Renewable Energy Database Act and the Equity in Environmental Legislation Act.

Latimer pointed out that the County has made a substantial investment of $20 million to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure at County parking facilities, adding that “These efforts underscore our commitment to sustainability and community well-being.”

Affordable Housing 

Housing for All Video: WATCH HERE.

Latimer said: “Since our administration first took office in 2018, affordable housing – and the availability of affordable housing throughout the County – has remained a top priority.”

Since 2018, nearly six thousand units of affordable housing have been built, gone under construction, or are in the pipeline for the future. Additionally, Latimer highlighted the Affordable Housing Investment Flex Fund, a new, affordable housing production tool which was created to help increase the number of units across Westchester.

Mental Health

Latimer announced the launch of Lives Forward, new in 2024. A collaboration between the departments of Community Mental Health and Correction, the program trains much-needed peers to help those with addiction and mental health needs.  He also highlighted the County’s Opioid Response and Overdose Prevention Initiative, Project Alliance, “Reimagining Policing” efforts, supporting the “988” Crisis and Suicide Prevention Hotline, and the County’s Mobile Crisis Response Teams.

Capital Projects 

  Restoring the Glen Island Bridge: WATCH HERE.

For the first time in Latimer’s tenure, he used the State of the County Address to sign the $52.8-million-dollar Glen Island Bridge construction Bond Act. The Act is among the most significant construction projects in Westchester County in the past decade.

Latimer said: “Here in Westchester we support infrastructure, always, and we vote and enact legislation to support it.  We just don’t talk about it.”

Emergency Services

Latimer highlighted the leadership role taken by the Departments of Emergency Services, Environmental Facilities and Consumer Protection, in developing a lithium ion battery safety program focusing on: legislation, safe disposal, firefighter training and public education.  He also spotlighted The HERRO Program and legislation he recently signed aimed at supporting the essential role of volunteer firefighters and ambulance service members by creating a law that establishes guidelines for a property tax break for those who serve, have served and their spouse.

Public Safety 

Also highlighted in the speech was the Westchester County Threat Assessment Center (WESTAC) aimed at preventing targeted violence and providing the public a direct way to report persons or groups they fear may be planning acts of mass violence or domestic terrorism.

Health 

Latimer affirmed his commitment to support the uninsured and underinsured residents of Westchester, bolstering our Federally Qualified Health Centers with $3 million in funding while also setting aside more than $1 million for the County’s Black Maternal Child Health Initiative, and $1.5-million-dollars to promote tobacco prevention and cessation programs.

Economic Development

Latimer applauded the work of the County’s Economic Development Department which established the DIG Program, a competitive program in which five municipalities were selected to undergo a market analysis on improvements to their downtowns and the Clean Energy Careers Working Group with Sustainable Westchester.  They also grew the MWBE program and the Diverse Abilities job fairs, and added more cohorts to the Westchester County Biosciences Accelerator, Element 46 and Launch1000.

Veterans 

A Tribute to Veteran Joseph Frank: WATCH HERE.

During the speech, Latimer singled out Veteran Joseph Frank, a Port Chester native and a distinguished combat Army Infantryman who served his nation overseas during World War II.  Frank is Westchester County’s oldest living veteran – at the age of 106.

Latimer said: “We express our gratitude to Mr. Frank for his selfless service and to all our Westchester County veterans.”

Travel 

Latimer applauded the County’s tourism efforts, highlighting that tourism remained a significant driver of the economy with visitor spending reaching $2 billion in 2022.

Latimer said: “That is why this year we used ARPA funding to dedicate $2.1 million to promoting Westchester County as a tourist destination. As we have said all along this is a great place to live, work and play.”

In closing, Latimer reiterated Westchester County’s commitment to innovation, progress and compassion. He called upon residents to continue working together towards a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

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WHITE PLAINS RECEIPTS DOWN 5.2%

WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. From the NYS Department of Taxation & Finance. By John F. Bailey. March 13, 2024:

Usually January sales tax receipts, just in, show a nice start to the New Year.

Not this year.

Westchester County sales tax receipts plunged 11% to start the County 2024 Fiscal year.

If this trend continues, the county deficit they ended 2023 with — $23.7 Million dollars below projected sales tax revenue in 2023, could significantly increase.

Was all that sales tax projected in 2023 based on the full effect of the last 1% sales tax increase by the county—and it did not deliver as expected? It looks like it at this point. If we fell short countywide last year on the sales tax handle with the 1%, and the present 11% decline the effect of 3.2% inflation, that spells trouble, big dollar trouble. Big economy trouble.

The county collected $70,697,235 in January 2024 according the New York State Department of Taxation & Finance. In January a year ago, the County collected $79,248,711 (when inflation was running 8 to 9%).

Inflation “under control” may  be the answer to this abnormal decline,  (now that 3.2% is the inflation rate as now according to the government yesterday).

But are consumers so strapped by the pile on inflation that automatically raises and retains every monthly increase rate of last year that they are “buyed out?”

However, the City of White Plains sales tax handle also declined 5% in January, $4,943,308 in January  compared to $5,217,397 in January 2023.

This still means that the city, if they equal the sales taxes collected February to June 2023 ($28,677,431) this year will see $51,377,961 in sales taxes equal to last year.

February figures will be in next week. Perhaps the 11% and the 5.2% lags at the county and in White Plains will turn around sharply which they need to do.

It also raises the question in my mind whether controlling inflation is really good for the economy or at least cities, counties, and towns. Government  economic figures influence how people feel.

The Federal Reserve consistently raised interest rates  to control “cool down the economy” because inflation hit 8%. They have lowered it to 3.2%. Meantime jobs keep being added to the economy, wages  keep going up, and prices keep going up but slowing. I see this anomaly every week.

The big Companies are doing well and not treating people right. The companies  have increased inflation and prices of gas, heating oil and natural gas that supply the economy. Banks have raised mortgage rates to profiteer on people who want to buy homes. Manufacturers have cut payrolls through layoffs and added price increases too in efforts to show nice fat “recovery”  good profit numbers for shareholders and the value of their stocks.

Meanwhile, people should realize that lowering the inflation rate to 3.2%, does not mean you’re paying less.

Only the rate of the price going up is lower. You, Mr. and Mrs. And Ms.White Plains are supporting the fat cats greed, feeding it. You are buying the economic propaganda, too.

You and me are paying all the increases (including what the lower inflation rates automatically deliver) in cumulative effect every month the inflation is not a zero.

In essence, companies find ways to raise prices and justify them. The justification is their continued and growing profit.

That is capitalism.

Inflation is not the enemy.

Inflation is good for business, good for governments, good for politicians if the propaganda on the economy is spun just right to reflect their being in power, or out of power and they can fix it.

The Federal Reserve has been applauded for reducing inflation, while the government has not moved at all to control corporate hunger for price increases by blaming them in the least for inflation.

It is always external causes, never the corporations that continue their profiteering regardless of the misery it causes their consumers, their workers who are considered expendable.

Even economists support this myth of controlling inflation, which when they control it continues to hurt the consumer,too. But somehow it never seems to hurt businesses which set their prices, do not set competitive prices and map corporate strategies for their benefit.

They never heard of the term “fair price.”

Inflation is not the enemy.

It is us.

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ArtsWestchester will honor nine individuals and organizations at its April 10 Arts Awards event for their contributions to the cultural landscape of Westchester County.

“Our region’s outstanding quality of life would not be possible without the inspired work of these honorees,” said ArtsWestchester CEO Janet Langsam. “These honorees motivate all of us to continue to support excellent creative work by Westchester artists and arts organizations.”

Since its inception in 1976, the Arts Awards have celebrated vision, commitment, and leadership in the arts community. This year’s winners represent a diverse array of talents and contributions:

Artist Award: George Otero-Pailos of Rye is recognized for his pioneering artwork and experimental preservation practices.

Arts Organization Award: The Neuberger Museum of Art, in Purchase is a world-class museum and cornerstone of arts education and engagement since 1974.

Sophia Abeles Education Award: Arc Stages, in Pleasantville has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to providing contemporary theater programming and arts education to local communities.

Community Award: The New Rochelle Council on the Arts has been a catalyst for cultural enrichment in New Rochelle for nearly five decades.

President’s Award: Lee Balter of Tarrytown is honored for his extraordinary support of the arts in the Hudson Valley and his tireless advocacy for arts education and access to the arts.

Larry Salley Photography Award: Elizabeth Diaz of Yonkers is recognized for her powerful photographic work and a portrait series celebrating the transgender community.

Advancing Equity Organization Award: Yonkers Arts and New Era Creative Space are acknowledged for their commitment to promoting equity and inclusion through the arts.

Advancing Equity Individual Award: Andromeda Turre of Katonah is honored for her groundbreaking work in using jazz as a tool for social change.

ArtsWestchester’s 2024 Arts Awards will be held at 11:30 on April 10 at the Brae Burn Country Club in Purchase. For more information, visit www.artswestchester.org.

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Outbreak Outlook – Northeast – March 11

MAR 11

READ IN APP

Welcome to the Northeastern edition of Outbreak Outlook! It is only available to paid subscribers. If you wish to become a paid subscriber and access region-specific information, please click the Subscribe now button below. Thanks for reading! -Caitlin

BY DR. CAITLIN RIVERS (Reprinted with permission)

Subscribed

Respiratory Diseases

ILI

There was little improvement across the Northeast this past week, with most states reporting stable rates of outpatient visits for ILI and hospitalization for flu. The percentage of visits to the doctor that were fever and cough or sore throat fell slightly from 4.4% to 4.2%, which is an improvement but only a small one.

Northeast Region: ILI Activity

Percent of doctors visits for ILI symptoms

Most states in the region did not report significant changes in outpatient visits for ILI. Exceptions include New Hampshire (+0.4 points to 3.1%) and Vermont (+0.6 points to 1.7%). Vermont also saw an increase in influenza ED visits.

In contrast, Maine reported a decline in the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI (-0.6 points to 2.8%), alongside a decline in the proportion of ED visits for flu.

In terms of hospitalizations, most states reported stable rates, including Maine (4.8 per 100,000), New York (3.8), New Jersey (2.8), Vermont (4.3), Pennsylvania (4.2), and Massachusetts (7.2).

New Hampshire (+0.5 to 2.9 admissions per 100,000) and Rhode Island (+0.7 to 2.5). In addition, Connecticut reported moderate increases in influenza hospitalization.

Activity in New York is easing, but slowly. At the state level, outpatient ILI is low at 2.2%, but hospitalizations remain above what is normally seen this time of year. New York City is quite a bit higher at 7%. Activity there is also dropping, but (again) slowly.

Northeast Region: Change in ILI Activity

Percent of doctors visits for ILI symptoms

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COVID-19

All signals are turning green for Covid-19 in the Northeast, with improvements in wastewater, hospitalizations, and ED visits. I hope to see continued improvements through the summer months, until the season restarts in (probably) August.

Wastewater data continue to show improvements. We haven’t seen concentrations this low in the Northeast since the summer, although it still remains higher than it was last spring.

New hospitalizations for Covid-19 uniformly made moderate or substantial declines across the Northeast, with all states near or below the national average of 4.6 new admissions per 100,000 population.

Northeast Region: New COVID-19 Hospitalizations

Average rate per 100,000 population

There were substantial declines in hospitalization rates in New Hampshire (-20% to 3.2), Maine (-25% to 3.7), Vermont (-36% to 2.7), New Jersey (-36% to 4). Rhode Island saw rates fall by 55% to 1.8, which is the lowest rate in the region and the lowest it has been in Rhode Island since last summer. New York (-16% to 4.7), Connecticut (-14% to 4.9), and Pennsylvania (-13% to 4.6) saw moderate declines in new hospitalizations.

All states reported decreases in ED visits for Covid-19 (ED data was missing for New Hampshire).

Northeast Region: Change in New COVID-19 Hospitalizations

Weekly new hospitalizations per 100,000

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Stomach Bugs

I expect norovirus activity is at or near peak (still) in the Northeast, with test positivity at 16.5%. The region usually sees highs this time of year, with improvements through April and beyond. Be careful out there!

Northeast Region: Norovirus Activity

Test Positivity, Percentage

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Food recalls

The following foods are being recalled because they are contaminated. Please check your cupboards and throw out any of these items:

New

• Multiple brands of cinnamon sold at discount stores, for lead contamination. The best resource I found to quickly survey affected products is here.
• Raw Farm brand cheddar cheese (more info)
• Sargento Foods shredded cheese. This recall affects food service customers and does not include Sargento-branded retail products. (more info)

Previously reported:

• Roland brand Tahini (more info)
• Trader Joe’s Soup Chicken Dumpling (more info)

• A big recall of Queso Fresco and Cotija Cheese is affecting numerous consumer products: (more info)

• Robitussin Honey CF Max cough syrup products (more info)
• If you have food allergies, you may wish to review these FDA safety alerts and USDA alerts for foods with undeclared allergens.

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In other news

• New York City health authorities have reported two cases of measles. Both have a history of international travel.
• New Jersey health officials have reported a mumps outbreak affecting eight family members in Hunterdon County, potentially linked to international travel. While mumps cases in the U.S. were just 436 last year, past outbreaks have seen over 6,000 cases. Symptoms include swollen cheeks and jaw, fever, and headaches.