Development Opponents Gaining Ground in New York City

According to this article in the New York Times, the days of development interests dominating the planning process in New York City are over.

1 minute read

February 11, 2020, 5:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Manhattan

Felix Lipov / Shutterstock

Stefanos Chen reports on renewed efforts in New York City to oppose development plans that don't provide enough affordable housing, according to neighborhood interests:

Bushwick. Inwood. Two Bridges.

They are invoked by protesters across New York City, regarded as the front lines in a battle against what some communities see as misguided plans to create more housing.

In recent months, the three neighborhoods have thwarted or stalled both private and public efforts to develop thousands of new apartments, the majority of which would be too expensive for local residents, and have energized like-minded campaigns all over the city.

According to Chen, contemporary grassroots development opposition campaigns are finding success, when just a few years ago developers tended to build what they wanted, where they wanted. Local organizers aren't just campaigning against specific developments, according to Chen, they're taking on "zoning loopholes" and "neighborhood rezoning" efforts. "And these aren’t merely symbolic victories, the groups say, but decisions that could change what gets built in the city, and how, for years to come."

Friday, February 7, 2020 in The New York Times

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

View of Austin, Texas skyline with river in foreground during morning golden hour.

The Paradox of American Housing

How the tension between housing as an asset and as an essential good keeps the supply inadequate and costs high.

March 26, 2024 - The Atlantic

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

Single-Family Housing Construction

Understanding Affordable Housing Lingo

20 key terms in the affordable housing discussion.

53 minutes ago - Multi-Housing News

Close-up of hand holding charging cable moving toward charging port on electric car.

Undoing Biden's EV Rule

The partisan divide over how government should reduce greenhouse gas emissions was on full display after the Biden administration finalized its emissions standards rule for light and medium duty vehicles on March 20.

1 hour ago - Office of U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan

Aerial view of high-rise buildings on waterfront in Boston, Massachusetts

Boston Moves Zoning Reform Forward

The ‘Squares + Streets’ plan creates form-based zoning templates for neighborhoods that promote mixed use and denser housing near transit.

2 hours ago - The National Law Review

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

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.