Rockland lawmakers are concerned over pending legislation that looks to make it easier to create affordable housing but could pose a danger for volunteer firefighters in the county. At issue is the so-called “Accessory Dwelling Unit” bill that might work for more urban areas, but not for suburban or rural areas. Rockland County Executive Ed Day says he opposes the bill, because while it’s goal is to help keep people in their homes with their families, there’s no way to enforce that…
Justin Schwartz chairs Rockland’s Illegal Housing Task Force, and says the bill could dramatically change the character of Rockland County by essentially canceling most local zoning laws…
Rockland state senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick say it’s not likely that the bill will pass…
Rockland assemblyman Mike Lawler says a state law like this one shouldn’t take precedence over local zoning…
Schwartz urges Rocklanders to tell their local and state representatives to oppose the bills, in the Assembly it’s Bill 4854 and in the Senate it’s Bill 4547.