In an ongoing battle of words, tensions are rising between New York Governor Kathy Hochul and the state Legislature over the issue of affordable housing. Following Hochul's State of the State address, state Senator Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris criticized the governor's latest housing plan, calling it "very one-sided" and benefiting only wealthy developers.

Hochul's proposal aims to create a "pro-housing" community incentive that includes grant funding opportunities for localities statewide. The plan also involves utilizing unused land owned by state agencies to develop approximately 15,000 new housing units. Additionally, illegal basement apartments would be converted into legal and safe living spaces.

Gianaris voiced his discontent by accusing the governor of favoring big real estate developers. He argued that some of Hochul's proposals would essentially put public money in the pockets of the wealthiest New Yorkers. This criticism comes in response to Hochul's public shaming of the Legislature for not approving her expansive housing plan in the previous year.

The governor's new proposal revolves around offering incentives to encourage localities to declare themselves as "pro-housing" communities, making them eligible for state funding. Hochul is particularly eager to reinstate a tax abatement program, which she believes is vital to incentivize developers to invest in housing projects.

Supporters of the governor's plan, such as Jolie Milstein, president of the New York State Association for Affordable Housing, argue that without a tax abatement program, it becomes financially challenging to construct affordable rental units. Milstein emphasizes the need for subsidies to accommodate low-income individuals in New York City and throughout the state.

However, critics contend that Hochul's goals for affordable housing last year were unrealistic, leading to disappointment among stakeholders. The mismatch between housing growth (4%) and job growth (22%) since 2010 highlights the urgent need to address the housing crisis, advocates argue.

State Senate Housing Chair Brian Kavanagh, defending his colleagues, highlighted their unacknowledged accomplishments. Kavanagh mentioned the successful renewal and revamping of the Jay 51 program, a significant subsidy program for occupied real estate in New York. He also noted additional capital allocated for public housing and various other needs during the previous year.

Meanwhile, Hochul's top policy advisor on housing, Michah Lasher, has announced his candidacy for a state Assembly seat on the Upper West Side. Experts speculate that Lasher's departure may potentially impact the governor's ability to further develop her housing proposals.

As the blame game heightens between Hochul and the Legislature, the future of affordable housing in New York remains uncertain. The governor's push for a comprehensive housing plan, mixed with criticisms from lawmakers, highlights the complex challenge of addressing the housing crisis and finding common ground in their approaches.