Residents and Realtors urge assembly to reconsider proposed multifamily regulation (ordinance 24-101); public hearing set for Jan. 21

Two members of the public and a local real-estate association representative told the assembly Jan. 7 they oppose proposed ordinance 24-101, which was introduced that night and scheduled for public hearing on Jan. 21.

Colton (last name not specified), who identified himself as a 29-year resident and local real estate professional, testified during audience participation that he strongly opposed the ordinance. "This ordinance will make affordable housing less affordable," Colton said, adding that additional regulation and public-comment requirements would delay or prevent multifamily projects and reduce housing supply.

Caitlin Espada, president of the Valley Board of Realtors, said the board (344 members) is concerned the ordinance would raise construction costs and further reduce the supply of affordable housing. Espada cited rising construction and rent costs and said existing local zoning, subdivision covenants and international building codes already provide oversight. "We ask the assembly to carefully weigh these unintended consequences before moving forward with ordinance 24-101," she said.

Assembly and staff notes

Mayor Edna DeVries and the clerk noted the ordinance was introduced on Jan. 7; the assembly set a public hearing on Jan. 21 and Mayor DeVries invited public testimony at that hearing and during audience participation on that date.

Why it matters: The ordinance proposes additional regulation of multifamily housing construction; residents and organized real-estate interests urged the assembly to consider whether extra rules would raise costs or constrain the production of rental housing in a borough already facing affordability pressures.

What’s next: The assembly will hold a public hearing on ordinance 24-101 on Jan. 21, when additional testimony will be part of the formal administrative record.