New York Construction Report staff writer
A new pro-housing communities program launched this week is a statewide initiative to give up to $650 million in state discretionary funds to communities committed to housing growth. Municipalities can now apply for certification that will give them priority over other localities for certain discretionary funds.
“Communities willing to help us solve the housing crisis should be first in line for State discretionary funding,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “Increasing the housing supply in New York is critical, and I’m using every tool a governor has at her disposal to make an impact. I look forward to visiting Certified Pro-Housing communities across New York to celebrate their accomplishments in the months to come.”
To be designated a pro-housing community, municipalities must provide key information about local zoning map/code and information detailing local housing permit approvals over the past five years.
Localities that submit documentation that their housing stock has increased by one percent in the previous year or three percent over the previous three years (downstate) or by 0.33 percent in the last year or one percent over the previous three years (upstate) will qualify for the certification.
Communities without housing growth can also be designated by passing a resolution stating their commitment to pro-housing principles.
The New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal will review program applications on a rolling basis and provide approval or denial within 90 days of submission. Those receiving certification must resubmit their housing permit data and any updates to their zoning on an annual basis to remain certified and qualify for prioritization.
Certified Pro-Housing Communities will be considered first among localities applying for:
- The Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI)
- The NY Forward program
- The Regional Council Capital Fund
- Capital projects from the Market New York program
- The New York Main Street program
- The Long Island Investment Fund (LIIF)
- The Mid-Hudson Momentum Fund
- The Public Transportation Modernization Enhancement Program (MEP).
- Any other funding where future appropriation language designates it as a Pro-Housing Community program.
For more information visit the website.
