VanAmerongen:  "start talking to a counselor"

POUGHKEEPSIE – Public officials and not-for-profits have handled sprawl from New York City "pretty well," but there are still other issues that need to be dealt with, such as increasing foreclosures in the state. That was the assessment of two experts in the housing field at the third annual Pattern for Progress Housing the Hudson Valley summit Friday.

Over 100 concerned residents, public officials, not-for-profit leaders, and others, gathered at Marist College in Poughkeepsie to hear what experts in the housing field had to say about how the Hudson Valley sizes up with other sprawl-fed regions.

Rutgers University Center for Urban Policy Research Director Dr. Robert Burchell said sprawl is “the great democracy” because it allows people to become homeowners.  

But, Burchell said there needs to be a balance. “The Hudson Valley goes back and forth between not having enough development and being rushed for development, and so, they are constantly in that flip-flop position,” he said. “It’s not easy to get standard, steady policy when you’re in that position.”

The increasing number of foreclosures was a hot topic at the housing summit.

State Division of Housing and Community Renewal Commissioner Deborah VanAmerongen said her office has numerous informational and educational means to help families in need, and that one shouldn't hesitate to contact them with any concerns regarding the issue.  "You don't even have to be in a particular stage in the foreclosure process.  If you're just concerned about your ability to make your mortgage payments, start talking to a counselor.  The earlier you get in, the better off you are going to be."

The commissioner urged any homeowners who feel they need help during or before foreclosure proceedings, or even just information regarding mortgages and financing, to contact the state website, www.nysdhcr.gov, for a full listing of state and local agencies involved in foreclosures.