03/17/2010
The two-paragraph text of a March 16, 2010 press release by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development:
Last year, HUD, Westchester County, the U.S. Attorney's office, and members of the community all worked together to agree to a settlement that promotes fair housing and civil rights while investing money in Westchester County. We have seen two versions of the implementation plan and, while the County has worked to improve it, there is still work to be done to set a clear strategy for promoting diverse, inclusive communities."
The County must explain how it will utilize the full range of tools available to ensure the development of 750 new affordable homes in eligible high-opportunity communities and to overcome any anticipated barriers. It is again time for us all to work to ensure the County meets its fair housing obligations under the settlement and promotes inclusive, diverse communities throughout Westchester. HUD will continue to work with the County, the Monitor and others to produce a plan that builds a framework for the successful implementation of this historic settlement.
Should the Monitor likewise deem the revised submission insufficient to accomplish the objectives and terms set forth in the Settlement Order, the Monitor is obliged to specify "revisions or additional terms" that the County is obliged to incorporate into an Implementation Plan [see Settlement Order, ¶ 20(d)].