Governor Kathy Hochul’s comprehensive strategy announced in the Fiscal Year 2024 Executive Budget includes what her office terms as a way to address New York’s housing crisis and build 800,000 new homes in the next decade. The plan builds on her vision “to make New York more livable, more accessible, and more affordable.”

The plan is hailed in most metropolitan areas, but not necessarily in the suburbs. Some suburban communities, including the Town of Crawford, oppose the plan, arguing that the state should not interfere with the home rule of local municipalities. Their message essentially is that the state should not tell its towns and villages what to do.

Others, like the Town of Gardiner, readily acknowledge a lack of affordable housing and responded by joining Ulster County’s Housing Smart Communities initiative. Gardiner will also form a housing task force and attempt to implement a prioritized set of Housing Smart Actions included in the program.

There is debate over whether or not the state should impose some sort of affordable housing mandate, but little argument over a need for affordable housing. It is felt by senior citizens, Veterans and families on fixed income.

There are many ways to add affordable housing. One that is often employed in this region is inclusionary zoning. It requires developers to include a certain percentage of affordable units in new housing developments. Other methods include providing incentives in the form of tax breaks; converting existing buildings, such as abandoned factories or office buildings, into affordable housing units; and working with not-for-profits to identify sites for new housing, secure funding, and provide services to residents.
A comprehensive approach and a willingness to work together, is needed to address New York’s housing crisis.