Mayor Eric Adams and Housing & Preservation Development Commissioner Adolfo Carrion recently criticized the majority of New York City’s 59 community boards for not adequately addressing the city’s housing crisis, including rejecting his “City of Yes” proposal which aims to overhaul zoning laws and allow for the construction of tens of thousands more homes. The mayor highlighted that only ten community boards have produced as much new housing as the other 49 combined. Thirty-eight community boards have voted against the “City of Yes” proposal, which is projected to create 100,000 new apartments and dwellings over a 15-year period. The Council is expected to vote on this ambitious plan by the end of the year. Adams’ plan includes providing a “bonus” for developers to build 20% higher if the additional space is dedicated to lower-than-market-rate apartments, allowing more apartment construction around transit hubs, permitting homeowners to create up to 800 square feet of living space in their basements, garages and attics, as well as updating zoning rules for easier conversion of office towers into apartments. Opponents argue that denser housing development could alter the character of the neighborhood, increase congestion, and strain infrastructure and other services. Councilman Kevin Riley, who chairs the zoning and franchising subcommittee, has expressed misgivings about the Bronx Metro-North plan on his turf. However, City Planning Director Dan Garodnick said Adams’ team is pushing to get the housing plan over the finish line, as inaction is not an option.
