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.
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Has President Trump Met His Match?
Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.
Study: London ULEZ Rapidly Cleaning up Air Pollution
Expanding the city’s ultra low-emission zone has resulted in dramatic drops in particle emissions in inner and outer London.
Zero-Emission Bus Fleets Grow, But Federal Funding Is in Jeopardy
Transit agencies around the country have purchased over 7,000 zero-emission buses, but a federal program that funds the shift could be eliminated under the new administration.
HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.
Wisconsin Governor Opens Window for Regional Transit Authority
The proposed state budget includes a provision that allows local governments to establish a dedicated transit tax.
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