Single-family home amendment sparks controversy in Yonkers
Yonkers could soon make changes to single-occupancy homes and the definition of family.
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Yonkers could soon make changes to single-occupancy homes and the definition of family.
These growing frustrations stem from tension between some Yonkers neighbors and college students at Sarah Lawrence College on Bronxville Road and Bronxville Lane.
Two pieces of legislation were proposed last fall to address single family homes. One would change the definition of family. Right now, a single family home is defined as one family living in a home together.
"The legislation essentially says if four people live together and you're not related, you're not married to one another, there's no adoption, you aren't automatically family," says Lakisha Collins-Bellamy, City Council president.
The other piece of legislation would ban single room occupancy.
Residents near Sarah Lawrence College say they want the neighborhood to stay the way it is.
"This is a single family neighborhood," says Richard Schneyer, with the Brookside-Sunnyside Association. "We want the zoning code to be applicable to everyone."
Sarah Lawrence students say they have made efforts to be good neighbors and they were surprised to hear concerns from the neighbors.
"We have always been respectful of our neighbors. We have never thrown parties or caused disturbances," says Cora Colvin, a student.
No vote was made Tuesday night.
