The Adams administration’s “City of Yes” housing plan, aimed at tackling the ongoing affordability crisis by loosening outdated zoning restrictions to allow for “a little more housing” in every neighborhood, overcame a critical hurdle Wednesday with approval by the City Planning Commission.
The plan was passed by the commission with a few tweaks in a 10-3 vote after a summer of often contentious review by community boards and borough presidents. It now heads to a final vote by the City Council, where it is expected to face a battle due in large part to objections from neighborhoods in outer boroughs with lower housing density.
The vote marked a key moment of victory for Adams amid a swarm of federal investigations and high-level resignations at City Hall.
“Today, the City Planning Commission listened to the voices of countless New Yorkers and said, ‘yes’ to the ‘City of Yes for Housing Opportunity,’” Adams said in a statement. “The only way to solve this crisis is to build more. Now, it is time for the City Council to meet the moment. I urge councilmembers to join New Yorkers in supporting this proposal and building a future that’s more affordable for working-class families … That starts with them saying ‘yes’ to this once-in-a-generation housing proposal.”
“Zoning for Housing Opportunity,” as it’s known, is intended to jump-start the construction of 58,200 to nearly 109,000 new units over 15 years by relaxing decades-old zoning rules that currently restrict how and where new homes can be built.
In taller, higher-density areas of the city, it would make it easier to turn offices into apartments and let new housing to be built 20% bigger than typically allowed, if the extra space is permanently affordable; in quieter, more residential areas it would allow for accessory dwelling units or “granny flats” in converted basements and garages and lift parking requirements for new housing.
The last proposal in particular has been met with resistance from outer borough politicians and communities where more residents rely on cars.
Wednesday’s vote follows months of review by borough presidents and community boards, the majority of which came out against City of Yes in non-binding votes. Criticism has dogged Zoning for Housing Opportunity since it was unveiled a year ago, ranging from the view that it represents a handout for developers, to a lack of emphasis on affordability, to the sheer density of the thousand-plus-page draft proposal.
“Our city needs a comprehensive housing plan that will fully address New Yorkers’ needs for affordability and housing security,” Speaker Adrienne Adams said in a statement following the vote.
“As the Council thoroughly reviews the Administration’s proposed zoning changes, we will prioritize solutions to the full range of housing challenges facing New Yorkers. We encourage the public to continue providing specific feedback throughout this process so we can advance the best plan to truly address the housing crisis and improve our city.”
Zoning for Housing Opportunity is likely to be significantly modified — as happened with the previous City of Yes package of business zoning overhauls — while it works its way through the Council, with one source describing member attitudes toward the measure as “all over the place.”
The Council will have a hearing and a final vote on the matter before the end of 2024.