New York City Council voted on December 5 to approve Mayor Adams’ “City of Yes” plan, which will loosen land use regulations to build 80,000 new housing units over the next 15 years, along with investing $5 billion in critical infrastructure upgrades and housing subsidies through the “City for All” plan.
Governor Hochul, Mayor Adams, and City Council Speaker Odessa held a press conference on December 5 to celebrate the approval of the “City of Yes” plan. The City Council passed the plan with 31 votes in favor and 20 votes against, expanding land use regulations and increasing new housing construction. Originally, Adams planned to build 109,000 new housing units over 15 years, but after revisions by the City Council, the estimated number has been reduced to 80,000 units according to the city government, while the City Council estimates it can build 82,000 units. Despite a slight reduction in the project’s scope, the number of new housing units is still the highest in the past 50 years.
Additionally, the City Council approved the “City for All” plan, allocating $5 billion towards housing and critical infrastructure upgrades. Of this, $1 billion is earmarked for housing funds, $2 billion for infrastructure upgrades, street improvements, open spaces, and $1 billion for tenant protections, vouchers, flood monitoring, and community planning. Governor Hochul pledged an additional $1 billion in housing funds from the state, pending approval from the state legislature.
The measures included in the plan are:
1. Creation of a “Universal Affordability Preference” policy allowing about a 20% increase in housing units in medium to high-density development projects for affordable housing.
2. Allowing conversion of single-family and two-family homes’ garages, basements, or construction of smaller accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in the backyard, with some restrictions in flood-prone areas or those impacting community living quality.
3. Relaxing land use regulations in transportation-oriented town centers, permitting construction of three, four, and five-story apartment buildings near most train stations and commercial corridors, providing incentives for affordable housing in developments with over 50 units.
4. Relaxing land use restrictions on land owned by schools or religious organizations for residential development, with certain height limitations.
5. Removing or reducing parking requirements for new residential buildings, categorizing into three zones: Zone 1 eliminates parking requirements, Zone 2 reduces the number of required parking spaces, and Zone 3 maintains existing parking regulations.
6. Creating new high-density development zones to build more housing while mandating affordable housing provision.
7. Legalizing small shared housing units with communal facilities such as kitchens.
8. Easing the conversion of office buildings and other non-residential structures into housing units.
Although the “City of Yes” plan was approved, almost forty percent of City Council members voted against it, indicating significant controversy surrounding the project.
All members of the Common Sense Caucus voted against the proposal, with Councilman Robert Holden stating that the plan is a developer’s dream but a community’s nightmare. He criticized Adams and the City Council for prioritizing developer interests over public needs.
Councilwoman Joann Ariola expressed concerns to amNY News that the plan would make infrastructure in coastal areas like Rockaways, which she represents, unaffordable. She stated that building houses before addressing infrastructure needs is a misstep. Councilman David Carr, representing Staten Island, believes the plan may face legal challenges and is likely to struggle in court battles.