Of cials should keep conversation on increased housing production going

The state budget passed last Tuesday, and most of the governor’s major plans for boosting housing production were left on the cutting room oor, a disappointment for all who recognize the severity of New York’s housing crisis.

Although a number of suburban legislators are no doubt relieved that mandates that would have dictated how much housing must be built throughout the state will not go into e ect, as senior reporter Eddie Small found in this week’s cover story, not everyone in the suburbs was against Gov. Kathy Hochul’s so-called housing compact. In fact, o cials in Westchester towns including Mt. Kisco, Mt. Vernon and New Rochelle as well as Patchogue on Long Island have been advocating for increased housing production. It’s just that they would rather create the game plan on their own instead of waiting for the state to move forward with rules.

For example, also in Westches-

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ter, Ardsley and Tarrytown have recently passed ordinances allowing for accessory dwelling units, or apartments in a home’s basement, attic or garage.

“ ey’d much rather pass it in a way that they think strikes a balance for their community and say, ‘Look, we already have it’ than to have it foisted upon them,” Tim Foley, CEO of Westchester’s Builders Institute, told Crain’s And some members of pro-housing groups say local legislators might not be hearing the whole story from their constituents. e NIMBY faction might be the loudest voices because they are the best organized, not because they outnumber the residents who would welcome new development and new neighbors to their towns.

Pro-housing group Open New York, for example, has expanded its focus and recently launched chapters on Long Island and in Westchester. is, said policy director Andrew Fine, could start to change what politicians in those areas hear from their constituents about new developments.

“Our goal is to organize those people and to make those voices heard and keep on getting individual projects o the ground to show that this is good for communities, is not scary, creates a lot of bene ts and brings in great new neighbors,” he said.

All in all, the idea that ramping up housing production in areas just outside the city to take some of the burden o the ve boroughs was discussed so fervently in the rst place is a good start. Even though the housing compact ultimately did not cross the nish line, it was a necessary conversation starter about the needs of the entire region. It’s a welcome sign that many in the suburbs are willing to keep the conversation going. ■