TONH Slams Hochul's Single-Family Home Zoning Proposal: ICYMI

Editor's note: This article was originally published on Friday, Feb. 4, 2022.

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — State and local officials, including those from the Town of North Hempstead, are criticizing Gov. Kathy Hochul for putting forth a plan that would "effectively eliminate single-family home zoning" laws in New York.

Under the plan, which was outlined in Hochul's executive budget, single-family homes would be allowed to turn into apartments or other accessory dwelling units, like "granny flats." It's a move that North Hempstead officials say would strip local government of their authority to control local zoning and negatively impact people's quality of life in Nassau County.

"Allowing Accessory Dwelling Units on the property of homes that are currently zoned for single-family use is nothing short of a direct attack on our suburban communities and the quality of life we cherish," Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena (R) said at a Thursday press conference.

"Governor Hochul's one-size-fits-all approach cannot be allowed to stand," she continued, adding that local zoning control gives municipalities the ability to determine zoning that is consistent with the character of their communities.

"Make no mistake, Governor Hochul is trying to impose her will upon us and urbanize suburbia," DeSena said. "We cannot allow this assault on our suburban communities."

In addition to DeSena, dozens of other elected officials were at Thursday's press conference, including Town of North Hempstead Councilmembers Dennis Walsh and David Adhami, Town of Hempstead Clerk Kate Murray, and Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joe Saladino.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican who has pushed back against Hochul over her mask mandate, also decried her plan.

"My parents, both of whom were World War II veterans, taught me a lot about standing up to those who attempt to force their will upon others," Blakeman said. "Long Island families work hard to achieve the American dream of homeownership and enjoy a suburban way of life. We cannot let the governor destroy suburbia nor turn Nassau County into the 6th borough of New York City."

Like many opponents at Thursday's press conference, DeSena expressed concerns that Hochul's housing plan would negatively impact traffic, parking, gas and electric supply, sanitary sewers, and emergency services.

Hochul's administration, however, said the plan would "further the rights of individual homeowners to determine how best to use their property, provide homeowners on fixed incomes the opportunity to create additional rental income ... and allow municipalities to require necessary health and safety measures for new units."