A new report explores the untapped housing opportunities for the region around New York City, and suggests planning tools for adding hundreds of thousands of housing units without building hundreds of thousands of new buildings.
A new report from the Regional Plan Association charts a path for the region, encompassing New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut, to hundreds of thousands of new homes by allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and the construction of two- or three-family homes (i.e., duplexes and triplexes).
The "Be my Neighbor" report offers key recommendations, explains ADUs, addresses the segregation effects of traditional zoning, and attempts to overcome misconceptions about density in residential neighborhoods.
Key recommendations for the entire region include statewide policies to make it easier to build ADUs and do conversions, including by implementing zoning changes, easing parking requirements, and providing technical assistance to property owners interested in adding units. For New York City's specific situation, the report recommends specific zoning changes, discouraging multi-family conversions, expanding the city's basement apartment program, and rethinking off-street parking requirements for duplexes and triplexes.
FULL STORY: Be my Neighbor
NYC Likely to Legalize ADUs as Part of ‘City of Yes’ Reforms
Homeowners in some neighborhoods could soon be able to build accessory dwelling units in their backyards, garages, or basements.
Cincinnati ADU Legalization Slow to Catch On
Only four permits have been filed since the city made ‘granny flats’ legal last year.
'Permit Ready Plans' for ADUs Published in Stockton, California
Cities looking to provide incentive for the construction of accessory dwelling units are increasingly released "permit ready plans" to help the cause.
Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.
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EPA Terminates $116 Million in Grants for Reducing Emissions from Construction Materials
C-MORE grants were earmarked for industry trade groups and universities.
BART Closes $35 Million Deficit
Cost control and revenue generation measures prevented service cuts.
The New Parisian Hearse is a Bicycle
Sleek, silent, and sustainable, a green trip to the graveyard has hit the streets of the French capital.
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