Council approves tax abatement agreement and $2.75 million grant for Brookfield Commons Phase 3

The White Plains Common Council authorized a tax abatement agreement under private housing finance law and approved a $2,750,000 grant from the city's Affordable Housing Assistance Fund to support Brookfield Commons Phase 3.

Council members described the funding and abatement as essential to enabling the financing of replacement affordable housing at Brookfield Commons. Councilman John Martin said the abatement is “an absolutely necessary component of the whole financing” for affordable housing projects of this type and suggested the city review long‑standing formulas used to calculate buyouts and payments into its affordable housing fund.

Council members noted the grant equates to about $16,300 per unit on the 168‑unit project. Councilman Justin Brash described the project as one in which existing residents will be rehoused in the new buildings as older structures are taken down and replaced; he called the per‑unit city contribution a reasonable use of the fund compared with other projects.

The grant and abatement were included as items on the evening's consent agenda and adopted by roll call. Council members asked staff and housing authority partners to continue reviewing the affordability program mechanics and to report back if adjustments to formulas or incentive mechanisms would improve outcomes for deeper affordability.