New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced new measures on August 5th to encourage the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in the city. The goal is to alleviate the housing crisis and help property owners remain in their communities.
The new tools include an online platform to streamline the permitting process for ADU construction and a $4 million grant program to support a pilot project. ADUs, such as backyard cottages or basement apartments, can be a vital solution for providing affordable housing in a city where property prices continue to rise.
“ADUs offer an opportunity to create intergenerational wealth and strengthen our communities,” Mayor Adams stated. “With these new initiatives, we make it easier for property owners to participate in solving the housing crisis and contribute to a better future for all.”
The Adams administration aims to create 108,850 new homes over the next 15 years, with legalizing ADUs as a key part of this plan, allowing denser development within existing residential areas without constructing entirely new housing complexes.