The Daily Dirt: Mad about ADUs

Accessory dwelling units are often framed as a way to add “gentle density.” Northeast Queens isn’t having it.  

If you sat through Wednesday’s hearing on the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, you may have noticed that ADUs were a frequent sticking point among those opposed to the text amendment. 

Arguments against allowing these units largely drew on fear of strained infrastructure, increased traffic and a movement away from quiet, tree-lined streets. Taken together, the text amendment’s proposals move communities toward, in the words of at least one attendee, the “Manhattanization” of the outer boroughs. 

What is being contemplated, however, is fairly limited. 

ADUs take the form of a unit in the backyard, a garage studio, a converted attic or basement apartment. Basements are tricky, though, and are largely still prevented by state law (with the exception of communities included in the pilot program approved as part of the state budget). 

The units would be limited to lots with single and two-family buildings, and could only span 800 square feet. You can also only have one — so no tiny ADU villages will pop up in your neighbors yard. If detached, the units must be at least 10 feet away from other buildings on the lot, can only take up 50 percent of the backyards and can’t be plopped in the front or side yards.    

And only 15 percent of the city’s land is zoned for single-family use, less than 10 percent for two-family. 

Most of the borough presidents have voiced support for the proposal. Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson supports the legalization of ADUs, but has said that the city must add Department of Buildings inspectors to handle the new housing type. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards has not officially weighed in on the text amendment, and did not testify on Wednesday, but he has signaled opposition to ADUs. 

What we’re thinking about: Will the changes to parking mandates in the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity be tweaked before the text amendment secures final approval? Send a note to kathryn@therealdeal.com. 

A thing we’ve learned: Hydrangeas are thriving this summer due to rainy fall and mild winter we had, according to the New York Times. 

Elsewhere in New York…

— Another scorcher! After forecasted rainfall Friday into Sunday morning, another heatwave is expected to strike Sunday, Gothamist reports.Temperatures are expected to climb above 90 degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday, while humidity levels on Monday and Tuesday may make it feel a balmy 100 degrees. Stay cool. 

— The state will fund the demolition of a longtime Albany eyesore, the Times Union reports. Central Warehouse will be razed, and Livingston Bridge is expected to be replaced by 2028. 

— Stop & Shop is closing 32 locations, including seven in New York and 10 in New Jersey, NBC New York reports. 

Closing Time 

Residential: The priciest residential sale Friday was $12.1 million for a 3,649-square-foot condominium at 385 West 12th Street in the West Village. Dana Power and Max Nehrig of The Corcoran Group had the listing. 

Commercial: The largest commercial sale of the day was $11.8 million for a combined 11,766-square-feet between two parcels. 211-213 East 83rd Street is currently the location of two religious properties. 

New to the Market: The highest price for a residential property hitting the market was $14.9 million for a 5,920-square-foot condominium at 433 East 74th Street in Lenox Hill. Gilad Azaria of Douglas Elliman has the listing. 

Breaking Ground: The largest new building application filed was for a 136,842-square-foot project at 182-188 Duffield Street in Downtown Brooklyn. Permits were filed by David West of Hill West Architects. — Matthew Elo