In a bid to address the affordable housing issue in East Hampton Town, Gwen O’Shea, president of notable non-profit Community Development Long Island, has brought hope to homeowners. At a recent town board meeting, O’Shea introduced the Plus One A.D.U. program. This is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at assisting single-family homeowners in constructing or upgrading accessory dwelling units (A.D.U.s).
Community Development Long Island, known for its commendable efforts in rental assistance, home improvement, and buyer counseling, has now set its sights on addressing the housing crisis more directly. The Plus One A.D.U. program is specifically designed for municipalities with existing A.D.U. codes, a strategic move to leverage local policies for maximum impact. O’Shea emphasized the urgency of developing more housing across the state, particularly in Long Island, and views this program as a catalyst in expediting funds to communities ready to embrace such initiatives.
The program’s structure is notably homeowner-friendly, offering up to $125,000 in forgivable loans, amortized over 10 years, to eligible and income-qualified homeowners. This financial support covers a range of needs from unit design and permitting to construction costs. Community Development Long Island will provide close oversight and assistance throughout the process. O’Shea highlighted the organization’s collaboration with various departments and agencies to ensure a smooth implementation, addressing specific needs such as upgrading septic systems.
Eligibility for the program requires homeowners to have an annual household income below the Nassau-Suffolk County area median. O’Shea pointed out that the program is tailored for those with limited access to other funding sources, emphasizing its role in creating housing units and providing financial relief to homeowners.
Crucial to the program’s integrity is the stipulation that both the property owner and renter use the property as their year-round residence. Homeowners must commit to renting the unit for a decade, with annual checks to ensure compliance. O’Shea made it clear that the program aims to discourage short-term rentals like Airbnbs, focusing instead on long-term community and economic development.
The response to the Plus One program has been overwhelmingly positive. With 200 applications from Southampton alone and approvals in Shelter Island and Babylon, the program’s appeal is evident. Community Development Long Island has been selected by New York State’s Homes and Community Renewal agency to administer the program in these areas, demonstrating trust in the organization’s capability.
Design guidelines provided by the development group are tailored to each municipality, ensuring that property owners are well-informed about permissible constructions. An example of this is in Babylon where standalone A.D.U.s are not allowed, showcasing the program’s adaptability to local regulations.
The town has also been proactive in encouraging the creation of affordable units. Amendments include increasing the limit of units per school district, reducing the minimum parcel size for detached units, and waiving residency requirements for tenants. It has also raised the permissible rent to 130 percent of fair market value.
Last year’s passing of the community housing fund proposition, authorizing an additional real estate transfer tax, is projected to generate significant funds in 2024. These funds will further bolster efforts to create affordable housing units with Schantz expressing hopes to reserve a portion specifically for A.D.U. constructions.
Through the Plus One A.D.U. program and the town’s concerted efforts, East Hampton is setting a precedent in tackling the affordable housing crisis, providing a model for other communities struggling with similar challenges.
