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Board debates adopting pro‑housing resolution; seeks state briefing before final action
Summary
Board members discussed adopting a pro‑housing designation to access state programs but raised questions about funding eligibility, potential home‑rule tradeoffs and whether to adopt a bare‑bones resolution before meeting with state officials; a state representative from ESD/HCR is scheduled to brief the board next week.
The board considered whether to adopt a pro‑housing resolution to qualify for state funding programs. Members said the resolution could open access to grants (Pro Housing Supply Fund, NY Forward, Regional Council funds) but also expressed concern about what the designation would require and whether the town might cede certain controls. One member urged a minimal, "bare‑bones" adoption to preserve eligibility while the board seeks clarification from the state.
Pam (speaker 8) clarified the designation’s purpose: "The acronym stands for pathways to remove obstacles to community housing," noting the resolution is designed to remove zoning and administrative barriers rather than to compel a particular project. The board scheduled a briefing with state officials (Empire State Development and Homes & Community Renewal) next week to answer funding, commitment and home‑rule questions before setting a public hearing.
