Urges town to act on accessory dwellings code

May is Affordable Housing Month, an opportunity to focus on the critical need for long-term and fair housing solutions. Today, I commend the Town of Riverhead for making significant progress in adopting its 2024 comprehensive plan update, which includes Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as a key component of its housing plan. 

At a time when Suffolk County now leads the State of New York in pre-foreclosure filings, bold and preventive housing action is not optional; it’s essential. Families are struggling, and homeowners are facing mounting mortgage stress. 

The role of municipalities like Riverhead in leading this action is not just significant. It’s crucial. Thankfully, Riverhead is showing us what that leadership can look like, and it’s not just proactive, it’s reassuring. The town’s proactive stance instills confidence that we are on the right path.

ADUs are not just small, independent living spaces built on the same lot as a primary residence. They are a powerful tool that can empower various demographics in our community. They can provide supplemental income for families on the brink of foreclosure, offer flexibility for multigenerational households, enable seniors to age in place while maintaining independence and dignity, and allow working families to support relatives or caregivers without leaving the community they love. This versatility of ADUs gives us hope and inspires us to create a more inclusive and supportive community.

Riverhead’s comprehensive plan includes specific, proactive recommendations to unlock the power of ADUs for everyday residents:

• Eliminating the three-year certificate of occupancy requirement has long prevented homeowners from creating ADUs in existing structures. 
• Reopening the ADU amnesty program so existing, unpermitted ADUs can be brought up to code and safely legalized 
• Increasing the square footage cap beyond the current 650-square-foot limit would offer homeowners more flexibility to accommodate modern living arrangements
• Reducing the parking requirement from two spaces to one for ADUs will help homeowners with smaller lots or tighter finances. 

Most importantly, these measures are directed at homeowners who reside on their properties, protecting the integrity and stability of neighborhoods while limiting speculation.  Encouraging ADUs for owner-occupied houses promotes homeownership, combats displacement, and preserves long-term community relations.

The town has gone further by participating in the ADU Plus One grant program, which helps eligible homeowners finance ADU construction. This kind of hands-on, equity-minded program is precisely the kind of leadership we need right now, providing fundamental tools for real people facing real threats to their housing security.

However, for this progress to take hold, the town must act quickly to establish legislation that aligns with the plan’s objectives.  We urge the Town Board to execute these well-thought-out aims promptly by enacting the required zoning and regulatory amendments. Riverhead stands at a pivotal moment. By advancing ADUs for owner-occupied homes, the town can:

• Protect vulnerable homeowners from foreclosure through rental income.
• Offer affordable, community-based housing options for seniors, veterans, and young adults.
• Reduce overcrowding and housing instability.
• Prevent the displacement of longtime residents and preserve Riverhead’s unique character.

Whether the town implements the ADU recommendations comprehensively at once or gradually in stages, the time to act is now. Even incremental steps, like reopening the amnesty program or adjusting parking requirements, can make a meaningful difference for local homeowners today.

Riverhead has a solid plan, community support, and a clear and caring goal. Let’s implement that idea and continue to pave the road for affordable homes on Long Island.