One approach to easing New York City's housing crisis: legalize and incentivize the construction of basement apartments.
"[New York City] will launch a pilot program aimed at creating safe, legal basement apartments in East New York amidst the five borough’s dire affordable housing crisis," reports Caroline Spivack.
The New York City Council voted to approve the pilot program this week for the area defined by Brooklyn's Community Board 5. The pilot program will "help landlords transform certain illegal basement apartments into habitable, affordable units."
"The new policy would modify the city’s building and fire codes to allow qualified basement units to be made habitable and legal. An interagency group including the Department of Buildings, Department of Housing Preservation, and Development and Department of City Planning will determine how and whether a basement or cellar can be converted into a legal apartment," according to Spivack.
Also included in the new pilot program is $12 million in low-interest loans and grants to kickstart the construction process for low- and moderate-income homeowners.
FULL STORY: East New York pilot program will create livable basement apartments
NYC Council Approves Brooklyn Rezoning Plan
The Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan includes infrastructure investments and could bring 4,600 new housing units to parts of Brooklyn.
Lawsuit Aims to Stop NYC’s ‘City of Yes’ Zoning Reforms
A lawsuit brought by local lawmakers and community groups claims the plan failed to conduct a comprehensive environmental review.
New York Passes Housing Package Focused on New Development and Adaptive Reuse
The FY 2025 budget includes a new tax incentive, funding for affordable housing on state land, and support for adaptive reuse and ADUs.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
Since Zion's Shuttles Went Electric “The Smog is Gone”
Visitors to Zion National Park can enjoy the canyon via the nation’s first fully electric park shuttle system.
Trump Distributing DOT Safety Funds at 1/10 Rate of Biden
Funds for Safe Streets and other transportation safety and equity programs are being held up by administrative reviews and conflicts with the Trump administration’s priorities.
German Cities Subsidize Taxis for Women Amid Wave of Violence
Free or low-cost taxi rides can help women navigate cities more safely, but critics say the programs don't address the root causes of violence against women.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie