Public weighs in on affordable housing set-aside law

The Yorktown Town Board opened and closed a public hearing June 16 on a proposed affordable housing set-aside law that would require residential developments of more than 10 units to include units sold or rented at prices affordable to qualifying households. The updated proposal would reinstate a December 2011 law that was repealed in November 2016.

Members of the Community Housing Board said the town continues to need more affordable housing, pointing to projects such as Underhill Farms, Toll Brothers, AMS and Hallocks Square, which would have generated 45 affordable units under a set-aside requirement. Several residents and faith leaders also spoke in support of expanding affordable housing.

One speaker suggested giving preference to Yorktown residents or those with ties to the town, but Community Housing Board member Ken Belfer said a local preference would not be allowed under the law.

“Set-asides are akin to many other obligations property developers may accept – such as road improvements and green spaces – in exchange for being given the right to build,” said Peter Cleary, chair of the Yorktown Democratic Committee, in a statement to Yorktown News. “These are negotiated transactions, not commandments, so developers aren’t being forced to do anything – but do so when they clearly see a benefit to themselves.”

Some board members questioned whether income eligibility rules may need refinement. Supervisor Ed Lachterman suggested a density bonus as an alternative to a set-aside requirement. Planning Director Robyn Steinberg said the town has a range of tools to expand affordable housing, while Councilman Ilan Gilbert said the town could start with a set-aside requirement and add other tools over time.