Mayor Adams Kicks Off Public Review Process For City of Yes for Housing Opportunity

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has initiated the public review process for the "City of Yes for Housing Opportunity" proposal, aiming to address the city's housing crisis. This proposal, touted as the most pro-housing initiative in the city's history, seeks to generate additional housing in all neighborhoods through significant zoning adjustments.

Ambitious Housing Goals

The proposal, backed by the New York City Department of City Planning, forecasts the potential creation of up to 108,850 new homes over the next 15 years. Key components include the elimination of parking mandates for new residential developments, the introduction of the Universal Affordability Preference, facilitating transit-oriented and Town Center zoning, and permitting accessory dwelling units like backyard cottages.

Inclusive Community Engagement

Before entering the public review phase, extensive outreach and engagement efforts were conducted by the Department of City Planning and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development. This proactive approach involved soliciting input from New Yorkers across diverse communities.

Review Process and Timeline

The proposal will undergo scrutiny from community boards, borough presidents, and borough boards, leading up to a hearing and vote by the City Planning Commission in the fall. Pending approval by the CPC, the City Council is anticipated to vote on the proposal by year's end.

Addressing the Housing Crisis

Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer emphasizes the urgency of the housing crisis and the necessity of increased housing construction. The "City of Yes for Housing Opportunity" proposal is positioned as a transformative measure to distribute housing equitably across the city, thereby safeguarding access to affordable housing for working-class families.