New York Governor Kathy Hochul is again proposing comprehensive legislation to expand the supply of housing across the state, especially in the down state region. And again, many residents in these suburban areas are pushing back. Now, the two-member minority caucus in the Westchester Board of Legislators recently proposed a resolution against Hochul’s plans. Minority Leader Margaret Cunzio (C-Mount Pleasant) and James Nolan (R-Yonkers) announced this resolution via press release on Monday March 6th.
“We have worked too hard to have our local zoning laws taken away and the value of our homes compromised.”
Margaret Cunzio – Minority Leader
The plans proposed by Gov. Hochul aim to grow the housing stock in the areas where NY has seen population growth. This is specifically around NYC and its suburbs like Nassau and Westchester counties. These “transit-oriented” areas services by the MTA would be required to increase their housing supply by 3% over three years. This demand, by Hochul’s estimation, is from employers requiring more staff. “There’s a lot of jobs down there, and a lot of employers are saying, ‘I can’t get the workers I need,’ ” Hochul said.
However, some contend that this plan would not address the need for more affordable housing. While the 3% mandate can be cut in half by building affordable housing, WCBOL member James Nolan disagrees. He says the proposal “does nothing to create affordable housing. Instead, it will create more luxury apartments.”
The resolution proposed by the minority would not immediately stop the Governor’s plan. Instead, it would be transmitted to officials in Albany as a strong pleading for review. Pressure from other representatives last year was credited with preventing similar plans from being enacted at that time. And now, that pressure is mounting again.
“The most important thing we local elected officials can do is put as much pressure as possible on the State Legislature not to pass the Housing Compact. […] I am seeking help from my Westchester County Board of Legislators colleagues to support this resolution. Westchester County does not need this.”
James Nolan – Minority Whip
The New York State budget process is underway and this housing proposal is tied to it. Negotiations are underway between the executive and legislative branches and will continue for many more weeks. Many changes, including to the housing proposal are expected. But, the conservative residents and representatives in NYC suburbs will not be satisfied unless that plan is removed altogether.
