Is modular building a fix for NY's housing crisis? State officials hope so.

Could modular construction help solve New York City’s housing affordability crisis? State officials are banking $50 million on it.

The recently passed state budget is allocating that much in hopes of jump-starting the conversation about modular-style building. The budget stipulates the funding would go toward “services and expenses of the modular and starter homes program to fund the development of starter and modular homes.”

Modular construction largely takes place in factories and brings home construction to an assembly line. Proponents argue it is significantly faster and cheaper than building on site as most homes and buildings are currently constructed.

A spokesperson for New York State Homes and Community Renewal, Shachar Roloson, said the state’s investment would “test cutting-