Presiding Officer Richard Nicolello claims to be representing the homeowners of Nassau County. His opposition to accessory units is a violation of property rights of Nassau homeowners. An essential feature of private property is that it is private. How you wish to use you property is not meant to be subject to excessive government regulation. As long as you are not harming your neighbor’s property, why should the government prohibit it?
The main reason Nicolello gives for opposing it is that it would increase taxes. It is not clear why taxes would go up, as accessory units would increase the tax base, which should balance the increased expenditure. It is also hard to see how driving young families out of Long Island is good in the long run.
If Nicolello is actually concerned about high taxes, he should be doing something about the excessive pay and pensions for government employees that have made New York the most heavily taxed state in the United States. For now, let’s support Governor Hochul’s proposal to reduce regulations on homeowners.
Roger Cooper
Albertson
