Press Releases

Pearl River, N.Y. – 1/10/23... Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) released the following statement after Governor Hochul released her State of the State roadmap, which includes a radical re-writing of New York’s local control laws:

“Governor Kathy Hochul seems to have learned nothing from her close victory this past November and is doubling down on stupid. Her radical plan to wipe away local control of zoning in the pursuit of increasing housing stock in the Hudson Valley and on Long Island sets a dangerous precedent of state overreach and destruction of local control.”

For centuries, communities across New York State have had local control of their zoning, allowing for responsible development in conjunction with infrastructure investments. With one fell swoop, Governor Hochul is brushing aside centuries of precedent in a misguided attempt to placate the progressives in the State Legislature.

When people move to the Hudson Valley and Long Island, they aren’t moving there to live in the sixth borough. They’re moving there for open space, fresh air, clean water, less traffic, great schools, and safe neighborhoods. Governor Hochul’s radical re-writing of zoning laws puts all of these at risk."

New York’s 17th District, which includes all or parts of Rockland, Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess counties, is a suburban district located just north of New York City.

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