Money Was Granted from the State’s ADU Plus One Program
By Hank Russell
Long Island towns and nonprofits recently received funding from New York State through its $85 million ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Plus One program. The money will be used to assist homeowners who wish to legally convert a basement, garage or new structure into a livable apartment.
So far, $59 million was given out through two rounds of funding. As a result, 50 state municipalities are participating in the program. A third round of funding will take place later this year.
Governor Kathy Hochul said the goal is to create approximately 500 ADUs across the state. “The lack of affordable housing opportunities impacts every community across the State,”Hochul said.“The ADU Plus One program creates more affordable housing options for New Yorkers while also helping property owners. By bringing together government, municipalities, nonprofits, and homeowners, we’re building a stronger and more affordable future for all New Yorkers.”
According to the website from the New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) — which handles the ADU Plus One Program — Babylon Town homeowners can apply for assistance through the Community Development Corporation of Long Island (CDCLI) , as well as those in the East End towns of Southampton and Shelter Island. Those who live in the Towns of Brookhaven, Huntington and Southold can apply through the Long Island Housing Partnership (LIHP). Homeowners in these towns may receive up to $125,000 per unit in the form of a grant, according to Hochul’s office.
The HCR noted that a local municipality and a nonprofit housing group must enter into an agreement and one of them must decide who shall be the lead entity when applying for the ADU Plus One funding. So far, the towns of East Hampton and Islip have yet to work with a housing organization. A Hochul spokesperson said those contracts with East Hampton and Islip “will be executed shortly.”
“Accessory dwelling units provide multiple benefits to regions like Long Island with high costs and a shortage of rental housing: they provide financial stability and flexibility for homeowners while creating affordable rental units, a win-win in every project,” said Gwen O’Shea, the president and CEO of CDCLI. “As demonstrated by the hundreds of applications we have already received, homeowners want to see more ADU’s built in their communities, and we appreciate our municipal partnerships in creating these housing opportunities.”