Governor Removes ADU Proposal from State Budget, Plus a Letter to the Editor

After challenges to a controversial proposal to allow accessory dwelling units (ADU’s) on properties zoned for single family homes, Governor Hochul withdrew the plan from her budget. The proposal would have permitted state law to override local zoning codes which regulate lot coverage, setbacks and parking and often prevent secondary units in areas zoned for single family dwellings.

Explaining her decision, the Governor said she was amending her proposal, “to facilitate a conversation about how we build consensus around solutions." But reaffirmed her commitment to affordable housing saying, “I believe that increasing our housing supply is essential to the growth of our economy, to reaching our lower carbon footprint, to achieving our goals of equity and inclusion and to addressing the affordability challenges faced by so many New Yorkers.”

There has been no word about additional legislation in the budget to permit Transit Oriented Development which would also override local zoning code.

After reading an article about the proposed legislation on Scarsdale10583.com, we received the following letter from Michael Glassman, a graduate of Edgemont High School:

Living at home after college graduation wasn’t ideal. I was working full-time and couldn’t afford to rent in Westchester.

Legalizing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) will reduce rental prices to allow more recent graduates to live independently and with dignity.

Current law states it is illegal to construct ADUs. That’s a shame. Homeowners ought to have the option for economic and social flexibility.

ADUs allow empty nesters to rent out their houses as they live in the community. Grandparents can live near their grandchildren and help with daily childcare tasks. Homeowners can rent out their extra units and earn passive income.

Property owners may decide not to make modifications to their homes. That’s okay. Their priorities may change over time. Let’s have that option.

There are plenty of positive externalities too. New York will fill a massive gap in the housing supply. Adding homes on existing footprints rather than building on undeveloped land reduces flooding. More housing options for different income levels will improve the financial position for groups who have been historically blocked from ownership.

Call your state representative and urge them to support homeowners’ ability to retire in place, earn extra money, and spend more quality time with family.

Michael is an Edgemont graduate and currently resides in Washington DC.