Cuomo signs APA Affordable Housing law

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July 17, 2011

▶ Reform measure focused on affordable Adirondack housing

KIM SMITH DEDAM Press-Republican The Press Republican Sun Jul 17, 2011, 06:07 AM EDT

RAY BROOK — Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo signed the Adirondack Park Affordable Housing law Friday.

It is one of three APA reform measures submitted to lawmakers in Albany two years ago.

In a press announcement, the Governor's Office said the new law amends the Adirondack Park Agency Act to allow for "smart housing" options for residents of the Adirondacks under specific income criteria.

The reform resets density requirements in areas within three miles of park hamlets, allowing up to four housing units per building with a 1,500-square foot apartment limit.

"No matter where in New York, affordable housing should be available to residents of this state," Gov. Cuomo said. "This law will give those of modest means living in the Adirondack Park the ability to reduce housing costs and will also bring new building projects to local economies in the Adirondacks. I thank Assemblyman (Robert) Sweeney and Sen.(Betty) Little for their work to see this legislation passed."

Sen. Little said the law is a limited change to the APA Act.

"But a very important one given the need. By allowing for some clustering of modest homes on one parcel, it limits sprawl and will keep the price of new homes at a level more people can afford," Little said in the announcement Friday.

Environmental groups and local government leaders agreed that the new law supports potential for affordable housing in the park.

Executive Director of Adirondack Community Housing Trust Alan Hipps called it a tool for communities to use in planning for workforce housing.

"Allowing a moderate increase in density provides for an efficient use of resources," Hipps said.

"It balances the ideals embedded in environmental stewardship while allowing for community sustainability. We appreciate the work of the Legislature and Gov. Cuomo to adopt this progressive legislation."

The law goes into effect immediately with Cuomo's signature.

Email Kim Smith Dedam at: kdedam@pressrepublican.com