Without designated industrial zones, New York manufacturing companies risk losing their facilities to the residential development market. The de Blasio administration has promised some zoning protections for industrial enclaves.

After a 22-month wait, New York City manufacturing companies have the mayor's assurances that the zoning code will protect them. This editorial argues that manufacturing jobs can offer high compensation to workers. "But one thing they do need help with is space. These businesses are perfectly happy to compete with each other, but in a fight for real estate with apartment and hotel developers, they are toast."
The proposed rules severely limit or restrict residential and hospitality uses in designated areas. From the editorial: "That it came a year and a half after the mayor's housing plan says a lot about his priorities, but the policymaking, while tedious, was solid." See here for more on New York's ongoing debate over where to zone for much-needed housing.
Emphasis will be placed on retaining high-tech, high-skill manufacturers. "The city will develop zoning to accommodate the so-called innovation economy—smaller, modern, tech-oriented businesses with different needs from the heavy industry of yesteryear."
FULL STORY: Industrial businesses should find city's zoning plan worth the wait

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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