A red "X" is seen on a vacant building at 48 Second Ave. in Albany in 2023.

After two years of study and deliberation, the Albany Common Council passed a local law in 2023 strengthening the inclusionary zoning provisions of the city’s zoning ordinance. The measure was meant to nudge the needle towards a more inclusive and affordable Albany. Mayor Kathy Sheehan opposed this measure so staunchly as to veto it twice, forcing the Council to override her veto. She recently sent an email to city residents urging them to push the council to repeal the law.

What does the law actually do? In simple terms, it compels developers of large housing complexes — those with 20 or more apartments — to set aside a small percentage of those units as affordable housing. For example, an individual who makes up to 60% of the area median income renting a one-bedroom apartment in a building subject to the law would have their rent capped at $1,113 per month. This helps to keep Albany........

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