Housing Project Takes Shape on North State

Briarcliff Manor's first post-settlement affordable housing project is making progress on North State Road.

Replacing the former Comstock Residential Contracting building at 445 N. State Rd. are three buildings that will house 14 two-bedroom apartments and some commercial space.

The village approved a zoning amendment to allow for the construction of the residential buildings that will meet the requirements set forth by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as part of the Westchester County settlement agreed that requires the county to implement 750 affordable housing units.

At a recent People's Caucus of Briarcliff Manor meeting, Mayor William Vescio acknowledged he felt the settlement "was wrong," but the village took advantage of the proposal to develop the North State Road site in a way that meets its requirements.

"This village had an opportunity to put in place affordable housing at no cost to the village," he said.

Families with income in the 80 percent or below area median income (AMI) range for the county will be eligible for the units. The agreement states the units will remain "affordable" for at least 50 years.

"What we did was change that zoning to allow for commercial and residential," Vescio said.

The developer received a grant to help pay for the construction, which has made significant progress over the last several months. The frames of the three buildings appear to be in place, while some brick has been added to one of the residential buildings.

"We are so far ahead of everyone else as far as this game goes, it cost us nothing; it was like a no-brainer," said Vescio.

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For further reading:

Affordable Housing Project Moves Forward in Briarcliff

North State Road Housing Development Reapproved

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