One on One with State Senator Mario Mattera

On Thursday February 10th I had the opportunity to meet with State Senator Mario Mattera at the Nesconset building of the Smithtown library. Senator Mattera, of the 2nd Senate District, is presenting the opportunity to meet face to face with his constituents.

Senator Mattera has been in office for one year, replacing long time Senator John J. Flanagan. The 2nd Senate District includes the Town of Smithtown and portions of the Towns of Brookhaven and Huntington.

During our initial discussion, I learned that Senator Mattera is a plumber by trade and showed me his U.A. Local Union business agent card. With that valuable experience, Senator Mattera currently serves on the consumer protection and labor committees, among others.

When asked about what he considers to be New York’s pressing issues, the Senator responded without hesitation that Governor Hochul’s housing plan to override local zoning laws to pave the way for apartments and cottages in traditional single-family neighborhoods is getting a lot of attention. These newly formed units under State authority would be called Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs, and would be designed to curb the affordable housing situation.

While proponents of the plan see it as a way to provide more affordable housing units, opponents are concerned about superseding the traditional authority of local towns and villages to regulate their local communities, as well as the impact of ADUs on traffic, parking, and the added burden on water and sewer districts. Residents see it as a threat to the tranquility of their communities. Affordable housing is particularly acute in NYC and Long Island. Senator Mattera is opposed to the plan.  New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Congressman Tom Suozzi are also opposed to the plan.

Our next discussion will be on the subjects of crime and  Senator Mattera’s position on the Covid-19 mandates.