September 26, 2009
Perhaps only in the upside-down world of Westchester would county legislators, in the midst of rampant unemployment, gripping recession and widespread economic dislocation, feel compelled to issue apologia for agreeing to build affordable housing. A half-century ago, John F. Kennedy (and doubtless his ghostwriter) gave the world "Profiles in Courage"; here in Westchester, following the Board of Legislators' approval this week of a $51 million settlement of a False Claims Act/fair housing lawsuit, taxpayers get treated to profiles in regret.
"We all know that we were in a bad situation, and we had to choose the best of a bad situation," said Legislator Michael Kaplowitz, D-Somers, a reluctant "Yes" vote for the settlement, which was approved, 12-5, Tuesday night. It obliges the county to help build some 750 units of affordable housing over the next seven years, most of it in communities that have thwarted such accommodations.
His colleague John Nonna, D-Pleasantville, who earlier had objected to any of the units coming into a portion of his district, issued a 1,250-word essay explaining his "difficult" vote for the agreement. "The important point is that we move forward to try to accomplish the settlement in cooperation with our towns and villages, the (government-appointed) monitor and federal government and be mindful and attentive to the concerns of our residents."
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