Stating the need for increased density and transit-oriented development, the Department of City Planning will remove the neighborhood's parking requirements.
In a victory for New York's transit advocates (and developers), the city will likely remove rules requiring a certain number of parking spaces per building in East Harlem. In an area relatively well-served by transit, the minimums can clog up street space and lead to the construction of large parking lots where buildings could be.
From this Streetsblog NYC article: "New York City's minimum parking requirements drive up the cost of housing by requiring developers to build parking spots that otherwise wouldn't get built. This adds to construction costs and constrains the supply of new housing."
The rule change stems from City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito's "East Harlem Neighborhood Plan," released earlier this year. The plan also calls for upzoning to accommodate affordable housing and space for jobs.
A spokesperson for the Department of City Planning commented, "The elimination of parking requirements is a part of our growth-oriented approach to the neighborhood study, so we are applying it in areas we are targeting for new transit-oriented development."
FULL STORY: East Harlem Rezoning Plan Scraps Parking Minimums to Build More Housing
Eugene Ends Parking Minimums
In a move that complies with a state law aimed at reducing transportation emissions, Eugene amended its parking rules to eliminate minimum requirements and set maximum parking lot sizes.
Opinion: More TOD in the DC Area Could Improve Both Transit and Housing
Converting underutilized parking lots to housing could make transit more accessible and housing more affordable.
Oregon’s Under-the-Radar Parking Revolution
Thanks to parking reforms at the state level, Oregon cities are rapidly eliminating parking requirements, paving the way for more affordable housing construction and higher density.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
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Alaska Village Becomes Test Case for Climate Change Relocation
The Yup’ik village of Newtok is the first Alaska community to begin a full-scale relocation necessitated by the impacts of climate change. Another 31 Alaska communities remain vulnerable.
Amtrak Takes Lead on Texas Central Rail
The high-speed rail project isn’t a done deal, but if it moves forward, trains could begin operating in 2030.
Maine Approves Rent Relief Program
Legislators hope the assistance program will help struggling low-income households avoid eviction.
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HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
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HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
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