PRESENTATION
Introducing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in low-density neighborhoods
0:32:56
·
3 min
Garodnick presents the proposal to allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in low-density neighborhoods as part of the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity initiative. He explains the benefits and details of this proposal.
- ADUs would be allowed for 1 or 2 family homeowners in backyard cottages, garage conversions, or basement apartments
- ADUs are presented as a solution for multigenerational families and as a way for homeowners to generate additional income
- The proposal limits ADUs to a maximum of 800 square feet and excludes them from special coastal risk districts and coastal flood areas
- Garodnick highlights the benefits of ADUs for older New Yorkers, citing support from organizations like AARP
- He presents data showing strong public support for ADUs and high demand from homeowners
- Examples of successful ADU implementations in other U.S. cities and states are provided to support the proposal
Daniel Garodnick
0:32:56
In our commercial overlays throughout low density districts, accessory dwelling units.
0:33:02
So we will also propose to allow 1 or 2 family homeowners to add accessory dwelling units or granny flats or in law units or whatever you want to call them, in backyard cottages, garage conversions, basement apartments because these are really important.
0:33:17
They provide space for multigenerational families.
0:33:20
They help homeowners who wanna pay for their families household expenses.
0:33:27
They offer housing options importantly in low density areas that lack them.
0:33:33
It has worked to be a real benefit for middle income homeowners around the country, New York City's homeowners should have this option as well.
0:33:43
Next slide.
0:33:47
This just gives you a sense of what that could be.
0:33:50
They would be allowed in detached attached basement and attic typologies with a maximum of 800 square feet.
0:33:59
Some ADUs like a basement apartment would require other changes to state and city law, as you all know, to be fully legalized, but we opposed to take the zoning piece out of the equation here.
0:34:12
ADUs would not be allowed in special coastal risk districts.
0:34:17
They would not be allowed in coastal flood areas.
0:34:22
Okay.
0:34:22
Next slide.
0:34:26
ADU's been great for older New Yorkers around the country.
0:34:30
They'd be great for older New Yorkers right here in New York City.
0:34:33
It makes it easier for them to downsize, to age in place, to bring in extra income, to provide living space for a loved one or a caregiver.
0:34:42
That's why ADUs are supported by the AARP, and other groups that work on issues affecting aging New Yorkers like the Center for New York City Neighborhoods and Asian Americans for equality.
0:34:54
We are very appreciative to all of them for their advocacy here.
0:34:57
Next slide.
0:35:01
New Yorkers support ADUs.
0:35:03
Recent survey found that 68% of New Yorkers support the ADU proposal and, of course, 72% support city of yes overall.
0:35:11
And I will note, and I'm sure Commissioner Carreon would be delighted to speak on this when applications open for HPD's plus 1 ADU program more than 2800 homeowners applied for just 15 opportunities.
0:35:28
So that gives you a real sense of the interest and the demand for this and an opportunity that we would like to offer New York City's homeowners.
0:35:36
Next slide.
0:35:40
As I noted before, cities across the country are successfully doing this.
0:35:44
You have a number of states and cities that have already legalized ADUs.
0:35:48
Cities like Atlanta, Austin, Buffalo, Durham, Gainesville, Los Angeles.
0:35:53
The list goes on.
0:35:54
States, entire states like California, Connecticut, Maine, etcetera.
0:36:00
We have seen in the experience from these states and cities that legalizing ADUs does not noticeably impact neighborhoods.
0:36:09
Less than 5% of eligible homeowners have chosen to build them.
0:36:13
That is exactly what we would expect to happen.
0:36:16
Here in New York City too.
0:36:17
Next slide.
