Collaborative solutions needed to address housing gaps in Orleans County
Editor:
I am writing in response to the recent letter published by Tim Elliott regarding the potential for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in the Village of Medina. His thoughtful proposal illustrates exactly the kind of community-driven, flexible thinking that will be required to solve the housing crisis here in Orleans County.
At the United Way of Orleans County, we have been working to elevate housing as a critical priority through collaborative, inclusive, and data-informed strategies. On May 15, we hosted the county’s first-ever Affordable Housing Summit—Building Pathways: Collaborative Solutions for Housing Development in Orleans County—bringing together over 70 stakeholders, including local officials, developers, nonprofit leaders, staff from three area charitable foundations, and interested residents.
Our keynote speaker, David A. Smith of the Affordable Housing Institute, shared some simple principles for successful development of real estate in a rural community. Starting with a slide of the old county Poor House in Albion, he encouraged the audience to think about what the community needs and has to offer, not about what the government could provide.
“What you need is: Land, Money, and Helpful Friends,” he said. “They’re the ingredients of successful real estate developments. If you have enough of any one of them, you can turn it into the other two.”
He pointed out that rural churches often have land and helpful friends (both congregants and the extended community of local elected officials). They also have a natural community of trust in each other, which can turn into effective demand, in-kind contribution of services that reduce total development cost, and access to credit that lowers the cost of capital.
We also welcomed the Assistant Commissioner at the NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal, Leonard Skrill, who emphasized the opportunities available to “Pro-Housing Communities” through state support—opportunities Medina and other communities in Orleans County could explore with modest zoning reforms like those Mr. Elliott proposes. He encouraged anyone with questions to contact him, and he would make an appointment with them to review their project and offer suggestions for obtaining funding.
Our Housing Action Strategy, presented by former Legislator Ken DeRoller and housing consultant Nick Coulter, identified key challenges such as aging housing stock, affordability gaps, and declining population trends. Their presentation culminated in five core priority interventions that United Way and our partners see as a feasible step forward to begin to address the shortage of affordable housing in our communities:
- Launching a Landlord/Property Owner Upkeep Incentive Program
- Expanding senior and workforce housing opportunities
- Supporting housing models that address homelessness
- Promoting the development of multi-household housing
- Assisting local municipalities in achieving Pro-Housing Community certification
Mr. Elliott’s call to action aligns perfectly with these priorities. ADUs, when properly regulated, are one practical step toward building housing diversity that benefits seniors, caregivers, and young families alike.
Now is the time for all of us—government, nonprofits, developers, and citizens—to work together toward practical, community-centered solutions to meet the growing need for multiple types of housing.
We believe we can secure support from charitable foundations to assist in this effort. If you are interested in learning more, or being involved in our Housing Action Task Force, please reach out to us.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
Sincerely,
Nyla Gaylord
Executive Director of United Way of Orleans County
