Long Island Officials Continue Push Against Hochul’s Housing Plan As NY Budget Deadline Is Extended Further
“Save our suburbs” has been a rallying cry of local officials on Long Island who oppose Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed housing plan, which is in negotiations in the delayed New York State budget.
Three of Long Island’s town supervisors were joined on Monday, April 10, the day of the budget’s initial extended deadline, by members of several schools boards on the Island who believe the plan would overcrowd schools and burden taxpayers.
“This proposal is so divisive it has lawmakers from both sides of the aisle proposing alternatives to imposing state-mandated, high-density housing zones that override local housing zones,” said Jennifer DeSena, North Hempstead Town Supervisor.
Another rallying cry from local lawmakers has been “Local control, not Hochul control” because they do not want the state government dictating their housing laws.
“We all know this is a bad idea,” said Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin, claiming that there would be lawsuits against the law if it passes.
Hochul’s New York Housing Compact proposal aims to build 800,000 new homes statewide over the next decade to address the housing crisis and would give New York State the power to fast track and overrule local decisions on proposed developments. Nassau and Suffolk counties have lagged behind other suburban counties in granting building permits, according to the state.
Though Long Island officials painted a picture of widespread opposition to Hochul’s plan, there are also many who support it.
“In the midst of a housing crisis on Long Island where college graduates, nurses and first responders, seniors looking to downsize and many other middle class workers are being priced out, it’s crucial the NY Housing Compact is passed into law,” said Hunter Gross, president of the Huntington Township Housing Coalition. “This will tackle exclusionary zoning, build the much needed transit oriented development and set targets for municipalities to comply with to build housing. Simply put, this legislation correctly says inaction is no longer an option anymore.”
The state’s budget deadline was further extended another week until April 17 as Hochul and legislature debate bail reform and housing.
