Affordable housing in Westchester

[x635 4,066]

Personally, I feel one of the biggest issues facing the WC Fire (and EMS) service is lack of affordable, or even any housing for young single working class people. Besides Pound Ridge, does anybody know of districts that are doing something about this situation? It seems like WC is just interested in servicing the wealthy upper middle class, and the low income population, and those of us inbetween are forced to live with our parents, pay out incredible sums of rent, live in an undesirable area , and/or to buy in the county is a rare oppurtunity. Even when you are married, it is tough to buy. Why can't we live in the towns we grew up in, like generations before us did? IMO, most of these Manhattan tranasplants are destroying Westchester for us, and forcing the true citizens out. And most of them could care less about us either. $$ talks I guess. When a new park or "open space" or whatever yuppie issue is more important than your local services, you have serious issues....how can these people justify voting down firehouses and engines etc as well.

This isn't just a volunteer issue either, IMO. Paid personel are forced to move to Dutchess and even further, how is this going to affect off duty recall times when a disaster strikes? Also, how does a 1+ hour commute each way affect stress levels?Also, how much does gas and wear and tear eat in to your paycheck and time spent traveling eat into your personal and family life?

Just a little rant and something to think about.

[Guest DG795]

Yorktown has recently passed legislation that gives a tax break to Yorktown volunteers (EMS and Fire). Although this measure seems small in the big picture, we are all pleased and believe it is a step in the right direction.

[x635 4,066]

Ardsley has the same thing. Still doesn't help the person who can't or is not ready to buy yet though. Just a small token for those who do own a overpriced home, but as you said hopefully a step in the right direction.

[Guest DFFD227]

Also Hastings-on-Hudson has some affordable housing going up, or is up. Right on Warburton AV.

[DRD 0]

We have the discussed the issue in the Larchmont Fire Department. In the Vilage of Larchmont housing for young people simply does not exist. The Chiefs and older members of the department were very receptive to the idea of a "member house", however, by the time anything actually gets done in the Village i'll be married with kids and have already moved out. How do departments expect to maintain a young and active membership if they can't make retention a priority?

[chris498 31]

This problem exists in Katonah as well. I live nearby in BH now becuase there is no affordable housing in K-town. Houses cost 500K and up...... apartments..... try 1500 and up per month. We have been luck to recruit many new members who own homes in the town... they will be around for a while to come...... I on the other hand will stay most likely long enough to be President of my department for the next two years.... and then, I'm out. Looking at CT. Dutchess Co. and maybe even down south.... but I can't stay here. It is sad, it makes me angry, but the cost of living, coupled with the slow movement of my town to act on these issues will drive me out..... is there really a solution??? Most of this has to do with supply and demand.... just not enough housing and too many who want it........ just know you are all not alone in your frustration.

[x635 4,066]

http://www.nyjournalnews.com/newsroom/1230...affordable.html