Despite a rare level of community participation in a neighborhood planning project in Bushwick, a recently proposed draft neighborhood plan was met with criticism in an initial public hearing earlier this week.
Sadef Ali Kully reports from a public hearing on the proposed draft neighborhood plan for Bushwick, in New York City. According to Kully, dozens of Bushwick residents, Community Board 4 members, housing advocates, and elected officials were present at the meeting to hear about zoning changes proposed by staff at the New York City Department of City Planning. Protests interrupted the meeting as some residents expressed opposition to any zoning changes.
"The city’s draft proposal comes after some in the Bushwick community decided to craft their own rezoning itself after watching out-of-context development, rapid displacement and rising rent prices transform the area," according to Kully. Some at the meeting expressed concern that the city's proposal includes more density than the plan generated by the community. The community's plan also faced controversy, as documented by Planetizen in August 2018.
Kully reports the details of the neighborhood plan proposed by city staff, including tenant protection measures, support for community land trusts, and zoning changes for residential corridors, side streets, transit corridors, and industrial areas. "DCP also said the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission plans on evaluating three historic districts and six individual buildings," reports Kully.
FULL STORY: City Presents Rezoning Vision for Bushwick That Breaks From Local Leaders’ Plan
Bushwick Community Plan Facing Criticism From the Community
The Bushwick Community Plan process is being lead by the members of the community, but has still provoked controversy over issues of gentrification and displacement.
Gowanus Rezoning Clears Post-Approval Legal Hurdle
The saga of the Gowanus Neighborhood Planning Study, approved by New York City at the end of 2021, continues into the summer of 2022. Opponents claimed the Gowanus rezoning ran afoul of the state’s environment law. A county judge dismissed the case.
Opinion: It's Time to Rezone Gowanus
As the New York City Council considers a controversial plan for the Gowanus neighborhood in Brooklyn, Moses Gates calls on the city to pass "one of the best and most inclusive community planning processes in recent times."
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions