One of the nation's most ambitious efforts to upzone neighborhoods in the hope of spurring more market rate and affordable housing supply is up for debate in New York City. A lot of people don't like the plan.
Sally Goldenberg reports on the heavy politicking going on in New York City as the city debates the zoning measures proposed as part of Mayor Bill de Blasio's affordable housing plan. Goldenberg describes Mayor de Blasio's recent speeches and appeals as damage control in reaction to "dozens" of the city's community boards voting against the proposed zoning laws.
According to Goldenberg, "[t]he widespread opposition across community and socioeconomic lines has challenged a mayor who built his political brand on addressing inequality, and who has long preached the need for robust community input."
In response to the criticisms, Mayor de Blasio has attempted "to re-frame the debate around his central goal," according to Goldenberg: "to encourage new development, but with the mandatory inclusion of below-market-rate housing, in order to make New York a more affordable place to live."
The article includes more details on each of the proposals causing the consternation—the Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning and Zoning for Quality and Affordability programs. Planetizen has been following the zoning proposals closely, including in the links below.
FULL STORY: Amid citywide resistance, de Blasio does damage control on housing plan
New York City Council Approves Sweeping Zoning Changes
Politico New York reports all the important details on a big day for planning in New York City—as the City Council overwhelmingly approved two controversial zoning changes to help spur the construction of affordable housing.
Explained: East New York's Big Zoning Changes
Some residents of East New York argue that mandatory inclusionary zoning and other changes proposed for the neighborhood will only help displace low-income residents.
Five More Affluent NYC Neighborhoods to Upzone
In keeping with the goals of the Regional Plan Association's Fourth Regional Plan, New York City must continue its nascent trend of rezoning for more building capacity in affluent neighborhoods.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.
Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan
The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.
Mahjong Game Highlights Displacement of Seniors in NYC’s Chinatown
‘Aging Out of Place’ explores the mechanisms that displace vulnerable seniors, and how the community can help preserve key resources and institutions.
Poland Building £25B Transit Hub
The mega project will include an airport and links to high-speed rail lines.
E-Scooter Parking: A Guide
How smart planning — and ample designated parking — can end conflicts over shared scooters.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions