Medina urged to allow accessory dwelling units to help fill housing need

Editor:

This letter is addressed to the Medina Mayor and Village Board: With limited housing availability and an aging population, it is increasingly important to support affordable, flexible living arrangements that help families stay close.

Current zoning regulations in our village often prohibit multiple dwellings on a single property. However, we encourage the board to explore modest zoning changes that would allow accessory dwelling units—such as in-law suites (like a converted carriage house)—under tightly controlled conditions.

Several New York communities have already adopted similar measures successfully:

• Hyde Park, NY allows attached or detached ADUs up to 35% of the primary dwelling’s floor area, with owner occupancy required and no extra parking mandates.
• Kingston, NY permits ADUs up to 650 sq ft or 50% of the main home’s size. It requires owner occupancy and replaces any lost parking within zoning limits.
• Rhinebeck, NY enables ADUs up to 750 sq ft, with owner occupancy and off-street parking requirements to maintain neighborhood balance.
• Saugerties, NY caps ADUs at 600 sq ft or 25% of the building’s habitable space, and requires additional off-street parking.
• Tarrytown, NY allows ADUs up to 1,000 sq ft or 50% of the primary home’s size, with a six-month minimum lease term and parking provisions.

These communities have implemented ADU policies with safeguards that ensure these units are not abused and fit within the residential character of their neighborhoods. Similar regulations could benefit our village by expanding housing options for seniors, caregivers, and extended families, while maintaining the integrity of our zoning framework.”

I ask respectfully request that the Village Board consider tasking the Planning Board with reviewing these possibilities and bringing forward recommendations that align with the needs and values of our community.

Tim Elliott

Medina