Q&A
Discussion on ADUs and basement apartment legalization
3:37:45
·
77 sec
Council Member Hanif inquires about the relationship between proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) allowances and the goal of legalizing existing unsafe basement apartments. Chair Garodnick provides a comprehensive response on the current situation and ongoing efforts.
- Garodnick acknowledges the existence of a shadow market of unregulated, unsafe apartments
- He cites the 1.4% vacancy rate as a contributing factor to the proliferation of these unsafe units
- The chair outlines ongoing collaboration with various city agencies to develop a coordinated approach for existing and future basement units
- Garodnick notes that while zoning changes may allow for basement units, they are still not legal under state and city law
- He mentions that the state has taken steps to give the city some power to legalize basement units, but further action is required
Shahana Hanif
3:37:45
And then how do the proposed allowances for ADUs relate to the policy goal of legalizing existing unsafe basement apartments?
Daniel Garodnick
3:37:54
Well, we we recognize that there's a shadow market of unregulated apartments out there that is unsafe as past hurricanes have demonstrated.
3:38:06
Units with no windows, only one way in and out.
3:38:10
Doors locked frequently because there's an owner up above.
3:38:14
They're death traps in many cases.
3:38:16
This is what you get with a 1.4% vacancy rate.
3:38:19
Of course.
3:38:19
You see a shadow market of apartments that are not safe and truly inhabitable.
3:38:25
We are working with our partner agencies like Maki J, Office of Emergency Management, DEP, DOV, fire department, for a coordinated approach for existing units and, of course, for any future basement units that would be enabled as a result of this proposal recognizing that are allowing through zoning the possibility of a basement unit is not the end of the conversation here.
3:38:49
They are not legal under state law and yet city law.
3:38:54
The state has taken steps to give us some power to legalize basement units.
3:38:57
Those are steps that still have to be taken.
Shahana Hanif
3:39:00
Thank you.
3:39:00
Thanks, Cher.
