Politics on the Hudson

The Federal government is again telling Westchester County there’s work to be done on its housing implementation plan.

Westchester County last week submitted its revised housing implementation plan, a framework for complying with a federal mandate to build 750 affordable housing units in mostly white communities over seven years.

“We have seen two versions of the implementation plan and, while the county has worked to improve it, there is still work to be done to set a clear strategy for promoting diverse, inclusive communities,” according to a release issued yesterday from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

A two paragraph statement posted on HUD’s web site, said the county must explain how “it will utilize the full range of tools available to ensure the development of 750 new affordable homes in eligible high-opportunity communities and to overcome any anticipated barriers.”

“It is again time for us all to work to ensure the County meets its fair housing obligations under the settlement and promotes inclusive, diverse communities throughout Westchester. HUD will continue to work with the County, the Monitor and others to produce a plan that builds a framework for the successful implementation of this historic settlement.”

In revising the plan, county officials said last week they had worked with the court-appointed monitor, James E. Johnson, and HUD officials.

Deputy County Executive Kevin Plunkett had said those conversations were “constructive and helpful.”

“We have a complex task in front of us. Getting the implementation plan right is critically important because it sets the framework for all the pieces necessary to build the housing units and comply with the settlement. We look forward to the monitor’s response and will continue to work closely with him and his team.”

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