Yonkers Homeowner Received $139,000 for Lead Repairs

Nearly $139,000 in county assistance covered lead hazard remediation and inspections for a single-family home in Yonkers. The Westchester County Department of Planning provided $136,041 for repairs and $2,893 for inspections at the property.

The home, built in 1905, is occupied by a family of four, including two young children. An inspection identified 339 deteriorated surfaces containing lead-based paint. Contractors completed the project in August 2026. The work involved replacing 41 windows and stabilizing paint on 21 additional windows. Repairs also addressed lead hazards on doors, stairways, walls, and ceilings. The team performed exterior paint stabilization and specialized cleaning.

The family temporarily relocated during the construction. They returned after the home passed post-remediation dust testing. Marlaina Headley, the property owner, said the program funded all needed lead repairs and inspections. She noted that covering the cost would have been incredibly difficult without the financial assistance.

"Knowing that we were not alone trying to make our home safer for the kids means that Westchester County is part of that village," Headley said. "I recommend all property owners to reach out and see if you qualify for this program."

County Executive Ken Jenkins stated that no family should worry their home is putting their children's health at risk. He said the program helps property owners address serious lead hazards that are difficult and costly to handle on their own. Blanca Lopez, the Department of Planning Commissioner, said lead-based paint remains a concern in older homes throughout Westchester. She noted that many property owners may not realize the extent of hazards until an inspection is completed.

More than 81% of Westchester County's housing stock was built before 1978, when lead-based paint was banned for residential use. The county recently received a $7.75 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This grant will support lead hazard reduction and other health and safety improvements in homes occupied by low and moderate-income households over the next four years. The Lead Safe Westchester program is administered by the Department of Planning. It provides inspections and coordinates repairs through licensed and certified contractors. Owners of single-family and multifamily properties can apply. Priority is given to units with children younger than 6 and pregnant women.

Funding is limited, and applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligibility is based on federal income guidelines. For rental properties, the income of the tenants determines eligibility. Residents can request an application or learn more by visiting the county website, emailing Plan-LSW@westchestercountyny.gov, or calling 914-995-4150.