‘City of Yes’ Zoning Reform Gains Planning Commission Approval

New York City’s Planning Commission approved the proposed ‘City of Yes’ zoning reform package that would promote more housing development in the city, putting it one step closer to being implemented. But as Ethan Stark-Miller notes in AM NY, the proposal still faces opposition in City Council, primarily from council members representing low-rise outer-borough neighborhoods. “Yet a survey of 1,733 registered city voters released Wednesday told a different story — with 72% of those polled approving of the plan and only 22% opposing it.”

Dan Garodnik, chair of the commission, said the plan “is designed to maintain the character of various neighborhoods around the city, despite concerns that it would do the opposite.”

According to Stark-Miller, “The zoning text amendment contains eight core proposals including eliminating a requirement that new residential buildings add off-street parking, allowing developers who build affordable units in their projects to increase the number of dwelling units by 20% and over depending on the zoning district and authorizing small apartment buildings near all train stations.” The plan also supports office conversion and accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

On Wednesday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who has been a staunch supporter of the City of Yes plan,  was indicted on five federal counts, throwing the rest of his administration into question.