Community Voices Heard

On Tuesday, July 29th, CVH members met face to face with 3 of the most powerful Newburgh City Officials. Mayor Nick Valentine, City Manager Jean-Ann McGrane, and Director of Planning and Development Bob McKenna came to the Forum to answer to CVH's concerns about housing policies in the Master Plan and the planned Waterfront Development. 6 CVH members gave testimony about their experiences with housing living as a low income resident of Newburgh, and then asked a specific question to each of the City Officials. Some of the questions were: Will you include housing that Newburgh residents can afford in the proposed development? Will you require everything new that is built to include some housing that we can afford? Will you hire and train Newburgh residents for all new jobs?

Despite all of the research and work CVH members had done to come up with these questions, the City Officials were hesitant to answer many of the questions directly. They also strongly fought the format of the meeting, but became more comfortable as it went on.

Some of the highlights: Director of Planning and Development Bob McKenna agreed to push for some housing units in the Development that will be affordable for households making 25-125% of the Newburgh Household Median Income. Mayor Nick Valentine committed to hiring Newburgh residents for 100% of the jobs created by the proposed Waterfront Development, as well as setting aside money for a training program. All three agreed to put rent stabilization back in the Master Plan. They also agreed to adjust the definitions of low income, moderate income, and workforce housing in the Master Plan to better reflect Newburgh's income levels rather than the Area's.

The meeting was covered in 4 local papers, on cable news, and on the local NPR affiliate.

Mid Hudson News Coverage

CVH Leader Brenda McPhail is interviewed for a segment on affordable housing on WAMC, the local NPR affiliate

Earlier that day, the City Manager held a meeting with Newburgh-based affordable housing providers and advocates, which she planned to replace CVH's meeting, although she eventually agreed to attend. CVH attended the "Housing Task Force" meeting, and it was decided that the meetings would continue monthly and that CVH would have a place at the table!

Below you can read two of the testimonies, by CVH members Maretta Melvin and Linda Ballinger.