The dailyfreeman informs MHProNews that a modular home on the verge of being sold to a low-income family in Kingston, NY is the center of some controversy, due to the former mayor’s connection to the company that originally sold the home to the city and Ulster YouthBuild in 2011. The buyers have an approved mortgage to purchase the home for $135,000, and are required to remain in the home five years. The Common Council’s Community Development Committee (which voted in favor of the sale) Chairman Matthew Dunn says, “I support residents, including low income residents, owning homes in Kingston. Home ownership is a way to strengthen and stabilize neighborhoods. This sale means a property is on the tax rolls and that a family is committed to our community. Hopefully this home will provide them with the housing and security that they need to be successful in the future.” After former Mayor James Sottile left office, he began working for a developer who arranged the sale of the modular home to Kingston and the YouthBuild project. Purchased for $62,775, Sottile says the developer sold it at cost and therefore did not benefit. The Common Council will vote on the sale at their Tue. March 5 meeting.
