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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing Department Memo to the Town BoardTown of Southold 4/7/2026 Community Development and Housing Department 1 MEMORANDUM To: Albert J. Krupski, Jr., Town Supervisor Members of the Town Board Denis Noncarrow, Town Clerk From: Community Development and Housing Department Date: April 7, 2026 Re: Housing Advisory Commission and Community Housing Advisory Board Recommendation Housing Advisory Commission and Community Housing Advisory Board: Over the past several months, the Community Development and Housing Department (CDHD) has conducted a comprehensive review of the roles of the Housing Advisory Commission (HAC) and the Community Housing Advisory Board (CHAB). Historically, the HAC performed essential administrative tasks such as project vetting, housing registry management, identifying development sites, approving capital improvement requests, and acting as a community liaison for the Town’s various hamlets. However, with the establishment of the CDHD, these professional responsibilities have naturally transitioned and are being handled directly by Department staff. This shift has simplified the HAC’s advisory roles to mirror those of the CHAB, leaving the funding source as the only functional distinction between the two bodies. In terms of their legal requirements, the CHAB is a strict mandate under the Peconic Bay Region Community Housing Act (NY Town Law § 64-k), which is reflected in Chapter 17 of the Town Code. In contrast, the HAC holds no such state-level mandate. However, while the Long Island Workforce Housing Act requires the Town to manage affordable housing, it does not explicitly require the existence of a commission. Just as § 64-k is the basis for Chapter 17, the Long Island Workforce Housing Act serves as the basis for Chapter 34. Recommendation Based on our review of both the HAC and the CHAB, the CDHD recommends that the Town Board amend the Town Code to dissolve the HAC and consolidate its functions into the Community Housing Advisory Board. This will ensure a more streamlined and efficient approach to implementing the Town's housing initiatives as outlined in the Community Housing Plan while maintaining an effective advisory group.