After four decades of resistance, Huntington, an affluent suburb on Long Island’s northern shore, agreed to construct 146 subsidized homes, highlighting a broader housing crisis in the New York region. The scarcity of affordable housing has driven prices to record heights, constraining economic growth and destabilizing families, with an estimated need for 772,000 homes for lower-income households. Long Island, with an unusually high percentage of single-family homes, contrasts sharply with more diverse housing in other suburban areas. This resistance to multifamily housing stems from zoning codes designed to exclude lower-income families, as seen in the prolonged battle over the Matinecock Court development. Recent shifts in public opinion, driven by a shortage of workers and the need for affordable housing for residents’ children, have softened some resistance. However, Long Island’s restrictive land-use rules still present significant hurdles. The State Legislature is considering measures to facilitate more diverse housing options, but political resistance remains strong. This entrenched opposition ensures that Long Island continues to operate like a private club, limiting opportunities for those unable to afford single-family homes, and stalling necessary housing developments despite the pressing need.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/24/opinion/long-island-housing.html?searchResultPosition=1