Mayor Adams Unveils Tools to Boost ADU Homes and Build Wealth

On Monday, August 5th, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced a series of new tools aimed at helping homeowners create accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to address the city’s housing crisis and build generational wealth.

The initiative includes a $4 million grant to support an ADU pilot program and a new one-stop-shop online portal to streamline the process for homeowners interested in adding ADUs. These secondary independent units, such as backyard cottages and basement apartments with separate entrances, offer a proven solution to the city’s affordable housing shortage.

Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of ADUs in providing stable, affordable housing for seniors and young people alike. He highlighted the need to update policies to reflect current housing challenges and called for support for the “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” proposal. Adams said, “For our seniors fighting to stay in the neighborhoods they call home or young people struggling to find a living space, accessory dwelling units can be a lifeline to stable, affordable housing.”

He continued, “For too long, our policies have lived in the past and ignored the present: We are facing a generational housing crisis. The only solution is to build more and make it easier, not harder, for homeowners to join government in addressing this crisis head-on.”

This plan aims to produce up to 108,850 new homes over 15 years, including by legalizing ADUs.

Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer noted that ADUs can significantly impact homeowners’ ability to generate extra income and provide space for multi-generational families. The initiative will support homeowners with financial and technical resources, including pre-approved plans and guidance through the permitting process. She said, “From seniors struggling to age in place, to young families stretching to pay the mortgage, adding a small backyard cottage or basement apartment can be life-changing.”

The Adams administration’s announcement comes amid a broader effort to address New York City’s housing crisis. The “City of Yes” plan is the most pro-housing zoning proposal in the city’s history, potentially delivering over 50,000 new units in various neighborhoods. The administration has also committed a record $26 billion in housing capital in its current 10-year plan and announced significant investments to create and preserve affordable housing.

HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr. praised the ADU pilot loan program for its potential to create more housing and support homeowners. He emphasized the importance of flexible zoning and streamlined resources to help New Yorkers add ADUs. The program’s initial success has seen over 2,800 homeowners express interest, with many seeking to improve their finances or house family members.

The ADU initiative also addresses the needs of older adults, enabling them to age in place while providing housing options for caregivers and extended family. The one-stop shop portal will offer step-by-step guides and a library of pre-approved designs to lower costs and expedite the approval process.

Overall, the Adams administration’s efforts aim to create a more affordable, livable city by exploring every option to increase the housing supply. By legalizing and supporting the creation of ADUs, New York City hopes to provide safe, affordable housing solutions that benefit homeowners and communities alike.