21-03-2025
Picente: More than 6,000 new homes needed by 2040
UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — In a new report from Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, over 6,000 new homes will be needed in the county by 2040.
The County's Housing Inventory Assessment — which was commissioned by Picente in the summer of 2023 — aimed to address the needs of the county in housing options. The assessment was conducted by the Oneida County Department of Planning, along with UP Development Planning. The assessment included an online survey, which was presented on Thursday, March 13 at the MVCC ThINCubator in Utica.
Highlights of the report include the following:
a total of 6,070 new housing units will need to be created by 2040 to meet market demand. A majority of those homes will be required in the next five years.
Senior housing should account for nearly half of new construction.
Included in those 6,070 new housing units are 2,240 new homes for younger homeowners, supported by employment-driven housing demands.
16 percent of all homeowners and 39% of all renters spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing.
For 78% of renters earning less than 30 percent of the area's median income, over 50% of their income goes towards housing.
The report also lays out five goals, 13 strategies and 34 potential steps to take for the county. Those steps include:
PILOTs, infrastructure coordination and technical support for pro-housing municipalities.
Innovative examples of financing such as density bonuses and reduced regulations and fees, as well as the elimination of parking requirements and infill investment programs.
Assisting seniors through handyman and aging gracefully programs.
Stabilizing current housing stock through vacant property and lot inventories, housing trust funds, landbanks and creation of NYS-backed programs such as the Vacant Rental Improvement Program and home improvement programs.
'The findings of this report confirm what we've long recognized—Oneida County is growing, and we must take strategic action to meet the housing needs of our residents now and in the future,' Picente said in a statement. 'This comprehensive assessment provides a roadmap for ensuring that we have the right mix of housing to support our workforce, our seniors, and our families. By working together with developers, municipalities, and community stakeholders, we can implement innovative solutions that will enhance affordability, stability, and opportunity across our county.'
You can check out the full report online at the link here. A full story map of the process can be found at the link here.
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