Forums | MPASA

03 May 2011, 14:49

Jeanne-Marie Scanlon

Capstone Abstract

Title: PATTERNS OF RESISTANCE TOWARDS AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NEW YORK

Affordable housing in the United States has affected low-income families for over the past century. The federal, state and local governments across the country have assisted those in need since the history of housing began when the New York Housing Act of 1879 was implemented. During this time, many New Yorker’s became concerned that urban problems associated with affordable housing would be transferred to middle-class and affluent communities. Areas of concern included lower property value, lower quality of life and higher crime rate.

            In August 2009, Westchester County settled on an agreement to create over seven hundred affordable housing developments across the county. The research examined the resistance against affordable housing developments made by towns, villages and residents. The purpose of the research was to find out how the arguments of resistance varied among residents of Westchester County. The research was obtained by surveying Westchester County residents, interviewing a Westchester County councilman and reviewing court documents pertaining to the housing settlement.

            Once surveys were completed and analyzed, it was obvious that there were in fact patterns of resistance towards affordable housing. Surveyed residents had similar concerns about affordable housing as New Yorker’s did in 1879. In order for affordable housing to be widely accepted, planners need to reconstruct its frame by clearing up misconceptions that are currently associated with it.