To the Editor:
Thank you for your reporting on the Town of Guilderland Comprehensive Planning Subcommittee reports [“From an arcing green corridor to promoting diversity, groups set goals for Guilderland’s future,” The Altamont Enterprise, Nov. 22, 2024].

I did read the neighborhoods and housing subcommittee report and its recommendations to participate in Governor Kathy Hochul’s accessory dwelling units (ADUs) initiative.

While many downstate communities have strongly opposed Governor Kathy Hochul’s ADU initiative, a Nov. 26 New York Times article, “New York City May Pay You to Build a ‘Granny Flat’ in Your Backyard,” reports that city officials have announced a program that would give 15 owners of single-family homes up to $400,000 each for such projects, which could include building detached units or retrofitting basements. 

Recipients will be restricted by income — the ceiling for a family of four will be $232,980, with priority given to lower incomes — and those interested will be able to apply on the city’s website on Tuesday. Rents in the new apartments would also be capped, at around $2,600 for a one-bedroom apartment, for example.

Do you know if Guilderland will be offering ADU financial incentives directly to our town residents or will this be another nonprofit initiative in the Capital District? Will Guilderland cap out the rental price? What are the thoughts of town leadership on the topic of accessory dwelling units in Westmere, for example?

Christine Duffy

Guilderland