Development Opponents Gaining Ground in New York City

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."