Pols slam Hochul plan for state say in zoning

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January urging the governor to have local officials maintain control of zoning the areas they were directly elected to govern.

“It is fundamentally essential that we, as local officials, maintain the ability to represent our residents,” officials said in the letter. “Local governments must maintain a certain level of autonomy when it comes to appropriately preserving the suburban aesthetic of their communities.”

In 2022, Hochul rolled out a $25 billion, five-year housing plan aimed at creating and preserving 100,000 affordable homes throughout New York, 10,000 of which would have support services for vulnerable populations.

Hochul also called last year for changing zoning laws for Accessory Dwelling Units, which include basements, attics and garages, but it was criticized by Long Island officials.

Proponents of the legislation have claimed establishing ADUs could help senior citizens on fixed incomes remain in their homes, enable younger people to afford homes and be a new source of income for homeowners who live in high-cost areas.