WPCNR'S THE FEINER REPORT. By Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner. May 5, 2004:
I am very pleased to report that a compromise has been reached regarding the proposed Hastings affordable on Warburton Ave. The Greenburgh Town Board met with Eric Anderson, Sue Smith of the Hastings Affordable Housing Committee and with Sharon O’Shea of the Warburton Ave neighborhood Association. Some great results:
****There will be 14 affordable housing units built at the site of this foreclosed property. A few weeks ago the developer had proposed 16 units of housing—8 luxury and 8 affordable. This is a big improvement! 100% affordable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
****3 buildings will be built, instead of 4 – an enhancement for the neighborhood.
****More open space. The developer has purchased property next to the 3 buildings which can be used by the community for a community garden or community benefit!
****The housing development, as proposed, is almost entirely within the Hastings Zoning Code.
****No commercial units in this development. Originally, when the proposed development was suggested, the developer was planning 5500 sq feet of commercial space.
****This will be a green building.
****The town will received back taxes owed by the property owner. And, the property will be placed back on the tax rolls.
What pleases me the most about this initiative is the fact that during the past few weeks the Warburton Ave Neighborhood Association worked closely with town officials and the developer to make this compromise work. Special thanks to Sue Smith and Jim Keaney of the Hastings Affordable Housing Committee for working so hard so affordable housing could happen in Hastings. Hastings Manager Neil Hess and Mayor Lee Kinnally also deserve special recognition. Special thanks to Association members Jim Metzger, Cyndy Travis, Larry Houghteling, Larry Young, Barbara Erwin-McGuire, Al Straub, Tina DiLuoffo and Michelle Noe. A special thank you to Vanessa Merton for acting as a liaison between the community and town. I will invite each of the above named leaders to accept Greenburgh’s Citizen of the Month award at our May 12th Town Board meeting at Anthony Veteran Town Park, Heatherdell Road, Ardsley on Wednesday, May 12th at 7:30 PM (newcomer’s reception being held from 6 PM to 7:30 PM the same night).
This is a perfect example of democracy in action. We all worked together ---for the common good. And, everyone came out a winner!
PAUL FEINER
