On Thursday, Governor Kathy Hochul released 30-day amendments to the Executive Budget proposal for FY2023. As a result of these amendments, proposals that would require local governments to authorize the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADU) and transit-oriented development have been removed from the budget. Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I-Sag Harbor), Chair of the Local Governments Committee, issued the following statement:

“First and foremost, I want to thank Governor Hochul for her willingness to hear the concerns of local governments across New York State and take the appropriate action,” said Assemblyman Thiele. “There is no denying that we are currently facing an affordable housing crisis and the construction ADUs will surely be a component of state and local government’s response. However, inflicting a one-size-fits-all mandate that supersedes the constitutional right of our cities, towns, and villages to zone and enact comprehensive planning is ill-considered. I, like many of my colleagues, want to see the benefits of ADUs realized in a way that is compatible with each community’s water quality, resources, transportation, and infrastructure needs. As the Chair of the Assembly Local Governments Committee, I am committed to finding a solution by working hand-in-hand with local governments to increase affordable housing and strengthen our communities.”