Proposal Presented for the Master Plan For Aging (#117)
Disclaimer
Throughout the MPA process, more than 100 proposals were developed thanks in particular to thousands of hours of work by external stakeholders and members of the public. These proposals and the MPA Council commentary are being submitted to the Governor and shared with policymakers and the public to inform policymaking. These proposals represent a starting point for discussion. Further discussion is necessary between relevant state agencies and stakeholders to both refine these proposals and assess which may be appropriate to adopt and implement.
Summary
Provide residential healthcare facilities and health systems with local zoning code relief to develop housing for healthcare and direct care workers to address the housing and workforce shortages. Local zoning code shall exempt residential housing built by healthcare, long-term care, and older adult housing facilities that are intended for employees of the facility.
Justification
A lack of affordable and available housing options throughout the state intensifies shortages of direct care workers and service providers. It is difficult for New Yorkers in low-wage service jobs, including healthcare and personal care workers, to find affordable housing that is convenient to their work. The systemic intersectional challenges of the housing and workforce crisis could be reduced if home health aides (HHAs), personal care aides (PCAs) and other low-wage healthcare and personal care service jobs had access to affordable housing provided by their employer.
Full Proposal
- Residential units built or converted by healthcare, long-term care, and independent living facilities that are restricted for use by employees of the facility and their families shall be excluded in the calculation of floor area ratios and shall be exempt from any other zoning or other local code governing the density or quantity of residential housing.
- Such housing intended for workers may be considered a benefit provided by the employer to the employee, and providing such benefit shall be deemed permissible under any laws otherwise prohibiting housing discrimination on the basis of occupation or employment status.
MPA Council Commentary
This proposal is categorized as long-term. Policymakers may reference this proposal during the legislative session, as this proposal may require legislative action.