Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick, 66th Assembly District Manhattan, announced today the passage of her legislation A.6317 to protect the rights of homeowners to use low impact landscaping on their property in instances where they are part of a homeowners association. Specifically, this legislation will ensure that all homeowners are free to incorporate gardens intended to attract pollinators, filter and reduce rainwater runoff, promote habitats for native wildlife, and make use of native flora into their landscaping.

Assemblymember Glick said, “New Yorkers should not have to sacrifice environmentally conscious landscaping techniques simply because they belong to a homeowners association. As the effects of climate change intensify, more homeowners recognize the environmental benefits of transitioning from monoculture turf lawns to low impact alternatives. Low impact lawns promote biodiversity and do not require pesticides and watering systems. With approximately one million households belonging to some form of community association in the state, we must make certain that these homeowners are not prevented from making the environmentally sound decision to maintain landscaping that benefits their local ecology.”