NEW YORK — Mayor Eric Adams’ massive redevelopment plan known as ‘City of Yes’ A major hurdle was cleared Thursday by approving key votes in the City Council committee, with some changes.
It can now proceed to a full vote in the city council.
“The most historic housing reform in the city’s history,” Adams said.
“City of Yes” would add 80,000 new homes
To prevent New York City’s rental vacancy rate from reaching a 50-year low of 1.4%, the original proposal intended to add 109,000 new homes in the five boroughs by amending long-standing zoning plans.
The committees adopted this plan with modifications, reducing the number to 80,000 new units.
“We have done our utmost to make the considerations inclusive to all communities,” said Council President Adrienne Adams.
But some concern remainsespecially from residential areas in the suburbs.
“It feels like a little bit of city discrimination,” said City Council Member Kamillah Hanks.
“These are middle-class neighborhoods, and they are expected to gain more density for no return,” said City Councilman David Carr.
The new plan made concessions to the proposal allowing homeowners to convert a garage or basement into an in-law suite, and instead of eliminating parking requirements for all new buildings, would have different rules for different neighborhoods depending on proximity of public transport. .
“The parking mandates are being enforced in areas that would likely provide that level of parking to meet market demand regardless,” said Adrienne Adams.
“There will unfortunately be a reduction in parking spaces on Staten Island and in southwest Brooklyn,” Carr said.
NYC would invest $5 billion in housing and infrastructure updates
In addition to the repurposing, the city would also invest $5 billion in housing and infrastructure innovations, of which $1 billion would come from the state.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement:
“New York has a housing affordability crisis and there is only one way out: build more housing. That’s why earlier this year I fought tooth and nail for a major package of reforms and investments that will build thousands of new homes for Yorkers. We made this happen in part through strong collaboration with our colleagues in New York City, and I’m proud to support them as they move forward with their plan to bring some more housing to every neighborhood. to build adding a state commitment of $ 1 billion in support of affordable housing in New York City. We need all hands on deck to build more housing and make New York more affordable for all of us.
“I don’t feel like this is going to address the entire housing need, but I feel like it’s a step in the right direction,” said Councilman Kevin Riley.
This amended plan will be voted on by the full council on December 5.
Ali Bauman
