Members of the Senate Queens Delegation were successful in playing a pivotal role in removing Gov. Kathy Hochul’s controversial statewide Housing Compact from the final state budget that would have a significantly negative impact on the Queens community.
In January, Hochul introduced the housing proposal that would have made sweeping changes to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs). An ADU is an additional unit, whether in a basement, attic or backyard, built by a homeowner. The proposal would have allowed homeowners to build these units while ignoring current local zoning laws.
Hochul’s proposal would also mandate local governments to have developers construct new residential buildings, regardless of zoning, within one-third of a mile of a subway or LIRR station. Hochul said the Housing Compact would spur the changes needed to create “more housing, meet rising demand,” and make the state a more “equitable, stable and affordable place to live.”
However, Senators Toby Ann Stavisky, John Liu, Leroy Comrie, and Joseph Addabbo Jr. heard great concern from constituents who believe local zoning, land use and other related matters are issues for the City Council and the mayor’s office, not the state.
Working with their colleagues, the senators were able to make sure these proposals did not make it into the final budget.
“We need to allow local governments to use their regional expertise to tackle affordable housing shortages,” Stavisky said. “For instance, in my district, The Douglaston Civic Association is campaigning to have the abandoned former Pride of Judea Community Services building on Northern Boulevard retrofitted into affordable housing units. We need to enable and incentivize our local officials and community boards to move forward with projects like this that are unique to their neighborhoods and circumstances.”
In February, community members and leaders from across Long Island, New York City and Westchester gathered at the…
Read the full article here
Leave a Reply