RyeCity REVIEW THE
September 02, 2022 | Vol. 10, Number 35 | www.ryecityreview.com
Latimer proves affordable housing is a top priority
ALL ABOARD! Rye and New Rochelle square off in a preseason scrimmage on Aug. 29. The Garnets and Huguenots open the regular season this week, along the the majority of Section I’s soccer teams. For story, see page 16. Photo/Mike Smith
Westchester recognizes International Overdose Awareness Day On Aug. 31, Westchester County Executive George Latimer officially recognized “International Overdose Awareness Day” at a ceremony called “A Day of Remembrance and Awareness.” The ceremony took place at the city of White Plains Library Plaza. The event was created to honor the lives of individuals lost to overdose, and to recognize the people, providers and programs working together to reduce stigma and overdose in Westchester County, and New York state. The event was co-sponsored by Westchester County, city of White Plains, National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence/Westchester and other members of the recovery community. In addition to the ceremony, Latimer announced the annual recognition would appear in digital form outside the Westchester County Center. The county is also collaborating with community organizations on several educational and training programs throughout the month of September. Latimer said: “Overdose deaths can be prevented, and in Westchester County, we are doing everything we can to work together to stop death by overdose. It isn’t always easy to speak up if you think a family member or friend is struggling with addiction, but if you let that intimidation get the best of you, the result could be incredibly tragic. On Overdose Awareness Day, and every day throughout the year, let us come together with our community partners and organizations in the hopes of
stopping overdose death in Westchester.” Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health Michael Orth said: “Many lives have been lost and many families have been destroyed because of overdose. Let us stop that on Overdose Awareness Day.” Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Health Dr. Sherlita Amler said: “Overdose is now the third leading cause of death in our country, and substance use disorder is a complex disease that requires an all hands on deck approach to address. Addiction can disrupt and sadly destroy a family, and the consequences of addiction reach far beyond the addict. On Overdose Awareness Day we collaborate as public health and mental health professionals to help prevent, respond and treat those who are struggling.” Executive Director of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence/Westchester Inc. Joan Bonsignore said: “It is important to bring attention to the international crisis of substance abuse and opioid overdose that permeates our society in the U.S. and around the world. No life is lost in vain. We are coming together to make a difference, and we need to put an end to this fentanyl massacre that is killing our children.” For additional information on International Overdose Awareness Day and resources here in Westchester County please contact the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health at 955-5220.
Since 2018, more than 4,700 units of affordable housing have been built in Westchester County.
With more than one million people collectively calling Westchester County home, County Executive George Latimer is proving his commitment to the availability and opportunity for affordable housing. Since the start of Latimer’s administration in 2018, more than 4,700 affordable housing units have been built, went under construction or are in the pipeline. Through new construction and redevelopment, homes to buy or apartments to rent, and a designated number of affordable units for seniors, Latimer is ensuring affordable housing is available to everyone, in nearly every town and village in Westchester. “We want Westchester County to be home to anyone who wishes to join us here, and providing afford-
able housing opportunities is a big part of that,” Latimer said. “In County government, it is our job to make sure that housing is available, that it is fair and accessible to everyone, and that it is at a price point that everyone can afford. This is about filling a critical need that people have, and we are helping Westchester’s families when we can get them into decent housing that they can afford.” Latimer has allocated millions of dollars in the budget each year to develop and rehabilitate affordable housing units. A combined total of $50 million that was allocated in the 2022 Capital Budget represents the largest single year commitment to affordable housing in the county’s history.