The Long Island Association (LIA), the Association for a Better Long Island (ABLI) and the Long Island Builders Institute (LIBI) held a special briefing with their members on November 2 on Governor Kathy Hochul’s Executive Actions on Housing issued this summer to learn how incentives can support new housing developments on Long Island. The program included a presentation from RuthAnne Visnauskas, the commissioner and CEO of New York State Homes and Community Renewal, and a discussion with the members of the three organizations.
The Executive Actions on Housing are designed to address New York State’s housing crisis in terms of both supply and affordability. The Pro-Housing Community program includes an application process for municipalities to receive this special designation, and certified communities will receive priority when applying for existing funding programs totaling $650 million, including the Long Island Investment Fund, Downtown Revitalization Program, and Regional Council Capital Fund. The meeting provided a forum for a productive discussion on how to continue to move forward with supporting new housing.
“Long Island’s economy continues to be challenged by housing costs and availability, and we appreciate Governor Hochul’s tenacious focus on spurring new housing developments,” said LIA President and CEO Matt Cohen. He also thanked Visnauskas for “taking the time [on Thursday] to get input from businesses and developers about the incentive-based approach to support municipalities, which should have a positive impact on this issue.”
ABLI’s Kyle Strober said affordability has long been “a systemic problem” on Long Island. “To address this problem, our region needs diverse housing options, especially affordable and transit-oriented multifamily options. We are hopeful that this initiative will spur more multifamily housing developments to be built on Long Island.”
LIBI CEO Mike Florio warned that, if the housing crisis is not immediately addressed, it “will impede the future economic success of Long Island. It’s also important we work with local communities to evaluate existing opportunities to build additional housing stock.”
Visnauskas credited the three groups in attendance for recognizing the importance of what the governor is doing to make affordable housing more accessible. That includes providing up to $650 million to local municipalities that are”committed to housing growth.”
“That’s especially important here on Long Island,” Visnauskas said. “Companies invest here because of talent, healthcare, natural resources, and great schools. People want to grow roots here near their jobs, our elders want to downsize and stay in their communities, teachers and first responders need good, safe homes that they can afford, and we want to work together to make that happen.”