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Residents urge Greenburgh to consider ADUs and address housing, food and service access concerns
Summary
Public commenters pressed the board on accessory dwelling units as a tool to keep families local and raised concerns about evictions, Social Security office closures and food pantry shortages; the chair said tax treatment of ADUs requires state action.
Residents used the public-comment period March 26 to press the Greenburgh Town Board on housing measures and service access.
Terry Pavone urged the board to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) so extended family and young adults can remain in town without increasing taxes on homeowners. "If we can keep families here ... let's make a little space for them," Pavone said, adding he would return with his grandchild to testify during the public hearing on April 23.
The chair replied that the town could not alter property-tax treatment of ADUs without state legislation. "For the tax for the taxes relating to accessory dwelling units, that would require state legislation," the chair said, explaining local authority is limited.
Bishop Preston and other speakers described rising housing insecurity, a spike in eviction risk if federal Section 8 or other supports are cut, and local strains on food-distribution efforts. Bishop Preston said some residents rely on small monthly Social Security payments and that nearby Social Security offices are closed for renovation and have not reopened, complicating access to benefits.
Board members acknowledged the uncertainty and said the town would work to convene relevant stakeholders and consider a forum to hear residents’ concerns, with a town liaison noting the housing authority and board plan to follow up.
