Lottery for apartments in Maple Commons (Katz-Regan) on track for Friday 2 PM
An estimated 5000+ people applied, making it unlikely anyone currently living in Croton will win one of the 32 units. But the lottery will be live on Zoom and all names will be read out in order.
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After several years of debate, controversy, and finally, construction, the “Katz-Regan” project—now formally known as Maple Commons—will be completed and ready for occupancy around June. Given that there are only 32 units and that New York state law does not allow giving preferences to anyone, anywhere, the lucky residents will be chosen strictly by a random computerized lottery. That lottery will be held this Friday at 2 pm and administered by the Housing Action Council (HAC), a non-profit organization based in Tarrytown.
Reportedly more than 5000 people from all over have applied for the units, which means (as we reported earlier) that the chances anyone in Croton will get one are very slim—although obviously it is not impossible. Today we spoke with Joel-George Mays, an associate at the HAC, about how it will all go down. Here is what he told us:
The lottery will be conducted over Zoom, at the link previously supplied to applicants. Anyone can Zoom in at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86809894199
The names of all applicants, in the random order chosen by computer, will be read aloud either by humans or by an enhanced computer program that will probably be a bit faster than human reading. The process should take about an hour and a half.
All applicants will receive an email telling them their placement in the lottery.
No one, not even reporters, will be allowed to be present for the lottery, other than HAC staff (and presumably any observers they choose.)
If anyone has any questions they can call or email HAC at coordinates given on their Web site. To all who are looking for an affordable place to live, the Chronicle wishes you the best of luck.
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It’s sad all the Croton seniors thought they would be likely to land one of these units. They are now sorely disappointed. Sad for our seniors who have no housing designated for them here. This would have been great for seniors. Personally though, I was very upset to see the trees and forest there clear cut and would have preferred to leave this a nice wild green space. Regardless, I do hope we see some age restricted housing in Westchester.
I’m sorry if I missed it, but will the lottery disclose both the name and current location (city, etc) of the winners? I’d be interested to really get a feel for where all of the winners currently live. Thanks.