White Plains Mayor Tom Roach, Housing Authority director Mack Carter, and developer Jonathan Rose were joined by local, state and federal officials to officially opened the Prelude and the White Plains Education & Training Center (WPETC).
Located in downtown White Plains, the Prelude is the first phase of a long-term transformation of the White Plains Housing Authority’s 450-unit public housing campus.
The recently completed Phase One project includes 103 affordable housing units and the White Plains Education and Training Center, which provides education and training to promote economic empowerment, self-sufficiency and financial independence for residents and the greater White Plains community.
“I am excited to unveil this important project to the public,” said Mayor Tom Roach. “It is a unique project in Westchester County and the region for several reasons.
“First, in re-envisioning our largest public housing site, we are challenging preconceived notions about public housing and throwing out old prejudices in favor of a new, progressive view which recognizes that our community succeeds when everyone in it – not just some – have a chance to succeed.
“Second, we have taken the need for real-time job training and skills development and brought it directly to residents in an easily accessible manner and location. And third, we strengthen the City’s economic position and attractiveness by being able to say to employers and potential employers, We can provide you with the skilled workforce that you need.”
Jonathan Rose, of Jonathan Rose Companies said, “The Prelude and the White Plains Education & Training Center will not only provide quality affordable housing for working people in White Plains, but access to critical education and training programs that are essential to building a successful community.”
The WPETC has been made possible by federal, city and private funding and is an integral part of the redevelopment of the White Plains Housing Authority’s 450-unit public housing campus.
