Skaneateles board adopts Pro‑Housing pledge to streamline housing approvals

Mayor Sennett said the board adopted a Pro‑Housing Communities pledge to help address New York’s housing shortages. The resolution, passed unanimously as Resolution #2026-28, directs village staff and officials to pursue steps "to the extent allowed by our local zoning code," including streamlining permitting for multifamily, affordable, accessible and accessory dwelling units and incorporating regional housing needs into planning decisions.

The resolution text begins with the Village’s finding that "the lack of housing for New York residents of all ages and income levels negatively impacts the future of New York State’s economic growth and community well‑being." Mayor Sennett moved the resolution; Trustee Evans seconded, and the motion carried 4–0. Board members framed the action as a planning and policy position rather than a change to specific zoning rules; the measure asks staff to consider steps that would be implemented consistent with existing local zoning authority.

The action places the village among municipalities endorsing measures to encourage housing production and fair housing practices. The resolution lists several specific policy aims—streamlining permitting, affirmatively furthering fair housing, increasing development capacity and encouraging a broad range of housing types—while noting implementation will be limited by the village’s zoning code. The Board did not adopt immediate zoning text changes during the meeting but authorized the pledge as a policy direction.