NYC Planning Commission Approves ‘City of Yes for Carbon Neutrality’

The New York City Planning Commission (CPC) approved the first of Mayor Eric Adams’ ‘City of Yes’ rezoning proposals aimed at reducing carbon emissions. The proposal includes 17 citywide zoning changes that are designed to remove “barriers to greener energy, buildings, transportation, and water and waste systems,” reports Jessica Jones-Gorman on SILive.com.

In practice, the proposal, dubbed City of Yes for Carbon Neutrality, means “environmentally friendly retrofits for over 50,000 buildings and 1 million homes, the allocation of over 400 million square feet for electric vehicle charging, and the modernization of the city’s water, compost and recycling regulations -- all measures that CPC officials say are critical steps for New York City to reach its ambitious environmental goals.”

Some Staten Island officials have expressed concern about the proposal to allow energy storage infrastructure in residential areas. “The physical design of these facilities we have seen during the process, and the uncertain nature of the safety of them creates a whole host of issues that clearly is inconsistent with residential character and use,” said CPC Commissioner Alfred Cerullo. “The borough president noted that Staten Island elected officials have stated publicly that the current approach will decrease the quality of life for many families, potentially increase safety issues for both residents and firefighters, and diminish property values.”