New City, NY, – Acting County Planning Department Commissioner Doug Schuetz submitted comments (see attached) ahead of the Public Hearing on the Role of Local Governments in Accessory Dwelling Unit Siting and Assembly Bill A4854 at the direction of County Executive Ed Day.
“Our Planning Department detailed myriad problems with this legislation including undermining New York State Home Rule regulations and municipal zoning ordinances and creating public safety issues that would endanger our volunteer firefighters. While creating affordable housing is an admirable goal the one-size-fits-all approach of this legislation is extremely problematic and does not account for differences between rural, suburban and urban communities. I stand firmly in opposition to Assembly Bill A4854 in its current form,” said County Executive Ed Day.
The Rockland County Planning Department will continue to review the proposed legislation (Bill A4854) and will provide additional comments as the bill continues to be considered.