REMARKS
The critical role of ADUs and basement apartment legalization in addressing housing needs
0:01:43
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142 sec
Council Member Sanchez emphasizes the importance of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and basement apartment legalization in addressing New York City's housing crisis. She highlights both the housing benefits and safety concerns associated with these initiatives.
- ADUs are presented as a step toward fair housing goals
- The City of Yes For Housing zoning text amendment is mentioned as a related initiative
- Safety concerns are raised, referencing fatal incidents in illegal basement apartments
- Advocacy groups supporting safe basement apartment legalization are acknowledged
Pierina Sanchez
0:01:43
Accessory dwelling units are a small but meaningful step toward our fair housing goals where every community can do its part.
0:01:51
Several weeks ago, this council heard over 15 hours of testimony received, and received written comments from 100 of New Yorkers regarding the administration's City of Yes For Housing zoning text amendment.
0:02:05
While we are presently in the heat of negotiations, as you may have seen through some articles that had some interesting information, while we are presently in the heat of negotiations that incorporate important elements of feedback that we have heard, the legislation before us today represents a regulatory companion to the zoning text amendment.
0:02:23
Specifically, the administration's city of YES for housing opportunities zoning text amendment among other provisions would remove barriers for homeowners who want to add an accessory dwelling unit on their property.
0:02:35
The zoning reforms must be accompanied by building code amendments.
0:02:39
In in addition to the context of the housing crisis we face, I must also take a moment to provide us with a sobering reminder.
0:02:47
It has been 3 years since the historic rainfall during hurricane Ida flooded tens of thousands sorry, flooded tens of thousands of homes resulting in the deaths of 11 New Yorkers living in illegal basement apartments in Queens.
0:03:02
8 months later, 3 more lives were cut short after a fire swept through basement apartments in Richmond Hill.
0:03:08
The imperative to bring basement apartments and accessory dwelling units into compliance, into regulation, is also one about saving lives.
0:03:17
Each year, dozens of families continue to be rescued from these kinds of units.
0:03:23
For years, advocates like the BASE Coalition, which included the Pratt Center For Community Development, Queens Legal Services, Chhaya, CDC, Cypress Hills, and the Center For New York City Neighborhoods, have fought for safe basement apartment legalization because bringing existing dwelling units up to code by assuring they have proper exits, safe levels of light and ventilation, and a sensible regulatory framework is essential for both the safety of existing residents of these unit types and meeting the housing and affordability affordability needs of our city.
0:03:54
I look forward to hearing from the administration on how this legislation would help New York New keep New Yorkers safe and provide more desperately needed low cost housing during this unprecedented time of need.
