The City Planning Commission approved Mayor Eric Adams’ City of Yes rezoning plan, aiming to increase housing and construction of new homes, despite concerns from some members and residents in low-density neighborhoods. The plan includes changes to zoning laws to promote more affordable housing and density increases, with opposition focusing on changes to parking requirements and housing near transit stops. The proposal faces a challenge in gaining approval from the City Council, with concerns around the impact on neighborhood character and the cost of the project. Supporters cite a poll showing majority public support, while opponents plan to rally to preserve certain provisions.
The City Planning Commission has given overwhelming approval to Mayor Eric Adams’ ambitious City of Yes rezoning plan, with a vote of 10 to 3. The plan aims to push every neighborhood in the city to allow more housing, with a target of constructing over 100,000 new homes over the next 15 years. The proposal has been described by CPC Chair Dan Garodnick as one of the most significant projects in the history of city planning.
However, the approval was not without opposition, with some members of the commission expressing concerns similar to those of residents in low-density neighborhoods. They fear that the rezoning may alter the character of their neighborhoods significantly. Some critics argue that the current zoning regulations already offer opportunities for new housing without compromising the essence of the communities.
The proposed amendment to the city’s zoning laws includes various changes, such as facilitating the conversion of office buildings to residential use, introducing a 20% density bonus for projects with more affordable apartments, and potentially allowing increased density in areas with existing large buildings. These changes aim to address the housing crisis in the city, characterized by a low vacancy rate and rising rents.
One point of contention is the provision to promote more housing in low-density neighborhoods by permitting the construction of apartment buildings of up to five stories above retail stores on commercial streets and increasing density near transit hubs. Additionally, the elimination of parking spot requirements for new developments and the authorization of accessory dwelling units have sparked opposition.
The City Planning Commission made four modifications to the proposal before its approval, including an exemption for public housing developments from certain measures. Proponents of the plan are now focusing on garnering support from the City Council to secure its passage with minimal changes.
Supporters, including the Yes to Housing coalition comprising 140 civic and community development groups, have highlighted a poll showing that 71% of New Yorkers back the City of Yes plan. The coalition is urging the City Council to approve the package swiftly. However, there are lingering concerns about specific provisions, such as the elimination of minimum parking requirements and the reauthorization of shared housing in buildings.
In response to these concerns, the civic group Open Plans is organizing a rally at City Hall to advocate for maintaining the proposed elimination of minimum parking mandates. As the City of Yes rezoning plan moves forward, it faces a challenging path to securing the necessary votes in the City Council amid ongoing controversies surrounding Mayor Eric Adams.
Source: TheCity.NYC
