Affordable Housing Bill Triggers Testy Exchange in Council

by KYW's Mike Dunn

Heated moments in City Council as housing developers fought over a bill that would require them to include some units for low-income families in a new project.

The bill would require developers to set aside 10-percent of units in new projects for low-to-moderate income families. Developer Carl Dranoff argued that will drive away new housing projects in an already weak market, provoking this heated exchange with Councilman Wilson Goode:

(Goode): "What you're saying is that, as a developer, you do not want to reinvest in an inclusionary zoning program?"

(Dranoff): "No, I never said that sir. Not at all. I am saying, and remember I started my testimony, excuse me I have the floor! I'd like to finish what I'm starting!"

(Goode): "No actually, I have the floor."

(Dranoff): "You asked me a question. I'm answering it. I'm answering your question."

(Goode): "I have the floor. The chair recognized me."

(Dranoff): "OK."

The committee okayed the measure and sent it to the full Council for a vote.