Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill Tuesday to create more flexible rules for converting under-utilized hotel space into permanent residential spaces.

The legislation is meant to help New Yorkers have access to safe and affordable housing.

It includes certain hotels that are located within 400 feet of districts that permit residential use.

The governor says bold action is needed to ease the increasing homeless situation.

"No longer will these rooms sit vacant, you know, mocking as people sleep on a street in front of them or struggle to find a home," Hochul says.

The bill is part of Hochul's $25 billion, 5-year housing plan that aims at creating or preserving $100,000 affordable homes in urban and rural areas.