Amid growing housing insecurity worsened by climate change and the pandemic, new videos by Regional Plan Association (RPA) and Make the Road New York (MRNY) highlight the lived experiences of residents and the benefits of legalizing and supporting accessory dwelling units (ADU) including basement apartments.
In the videos, MRNY members in Queens and the Hudson Valley - including individuals whose homes were impacted by Hurricane Ida - share their experiences with housing. Advocates from AARP New York and RPA detail the state of housing across the region and the need for more housing options including ADUs.
English Language Videos (Vídeos en Inglés)
Housing Insecurity in the Region
Housing Impacts of Hurricane Ida
Benefits of Accessory Dwelling Units
Spanish Language Videos (Vídeos en Español)
Inseguridad Habitacional en la Región
Impactos del Huracán Ida en las Casas
Beneficios de las Unidades de Vivienda Accesoria
New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced she will propose legislation requiring municipalities to allow a minimum of one ADU on owner-occupied residentially zoned lots. This would include an amnesty program to legalize existing ADUs in New York City provided they are brought up to code. Governor Hochul would also provide capital funding to assist in the legalization or creation of new ADUs.
Similarly, the New York State Accessory Homes Act (S4547, A4854) championed by NY Senator Pete Harchkam and NY Assemblyman Harvey Epstein would legalize ADUs statewide and create financial and technical assistance programs to help homeowners create and maintain them. RPA recently estimated this bill would lead to the creation of nearly 500,000 additional housing units by 2040 in the lower Hudson Valley, New York City, and Long Island and we’re supporting it alongside a broad coalition.
