Gov. Hochul rolls back the legislation to legalize accessory dwelling units

Gov. Hochul has dropped the proposal to create more affordable housing options by legalizing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) statewide and building new apartments near commuter rail stations. 

The initiative aimed to bring the existing accessory dwelling units up to code and allow New Yorkers to build smaller residential units, such as backyard cottages, garages, and basements on single-family lots. 

The proposal encountered strong resistance from local municipalities and suburban lawmakers, including Hochul’s opponents in the governor race, Rep. Tom Suozzi and Congressman Leed Zeldin. According to Rep. Suozzi, “Hochul’s radical proposal would take away zoning control from municipal governments.”

“This blatant attack on suburban communities will end single family housing as we know it, strip local control away from the New Yorkers who live there, tank the value of their homes, overcrowd their previously quiet streets, and on top of it all, not do anything to solve our affordable housing problem,” Congressman Zeldin wrote in the statement. 

The initiative to legalize ADUs was announced as a part of a $25 billion comprehensive five-year housing plan to create and preserve 100,000 affordable housing units in New York State. Senator Pete Harckham, who sponsored the bill, released a statement saying he understands Governor Hochul's decision to remove the ADU initiative from the Executive Budget. 

“I will continue to engage with stakeholders and work to settle all concerns with this legislation. It is important that we keep driving a conversation, however, on affordable housing for our workforce and equitable treatment for our residents,” said Harckham. 

Resources:

“Suozzi, Local Electeds Assail Hochul’s Rezoning Plans,” by Stephen Witt (Politics New York, 2022)

“Governor Hochul Announces Sweeping Plans to Address Housing Affordability Crisis in New York State,” (New York State, 2022)

“Hochul drops controversial proposals to boost housing,” by Janaki Chadha and Deanna Garcia (Politico, 2022)

“Hochul: ADU idea is not DOA,” by Dan Janison (Newsday, 2022)

“Gov. Kathy Hochul Removes Granny Flat Proposal from Budget,” (The Real Deal, 2022)

“Local Leaders Applaud Removal of ADU Law,” by Carol Reif (Tap Into Somers, 2022)