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ARMONK, N.Y.- District Three Legislator John Nonna said Independence Party candidate Michael Smith got it wrong when speaking about affordable housing in Westchester.
At a primary bid campaign last week, Smith said the initial cap for the affordable housing settlement exceeded its $52 million dollar limit by more than $40 million. However, Nonna said thats absolutely untrue, adding that Smith is wrong to claim the federal government will be able to override zoning.
The housing settlement was a difficult choice made after a tremendous amount of deliberation and analysis, said Nonna. The fact is it saved the taxpayers over $200 million in a likely judgment plus the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development would still be able to sue the county to enforce the agreement the county made to foster fair and affordable housing in return for obtaining community block development grants.
Nonna does agree with Smith, though, that the Tappan Zee Bridge is in serious need of replacement and suggested a light rail system be implemented.
I think everyone agrees that the Tappan Zee Bridge needs to be replaced and a plan needs to be developed very shortly because its a looming problem, said Nonna. The key to the replacement is to have some sort of public transportation included into any plan for a new bridge and I would say a light rail would be best.
Nonna said a rail system over the Hudson River would greatly decrease the number of commuters on the roadways.
Because of the amount of commuters, light rail will reduce the number of people on the road and there would be less traffic and congestion on our highways, Nonna sad. To my understanding one of the proposals would link up a light rail system from Rockland County over the Tappan Zee Bridge to Westchester and it would connect with Metro North so people could commute to NYC from Rockland or the other way.
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