The New York City Council held its first day of hearings on Mayor Adams’ “City of Yes” plan on October 21. Council members raised numerous concerns, with some stating that the plan falls short in addressing the severe lack of affordable housing. Others expressed worries that this may be a “one size fits all” plan, potentially putting existing low-density development communities at risk of being unable to sustain the increased housing demand, thereby harming residents’ interests.
The two-day hearing began with council members questioning officials from the Department of City Planning (DCP) and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). Council Speaker Adrienne Adams stated in her opening remarks that the “City of Yes” alone would not adequately address New Yorkers’ housing needs. Chairman of the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises, Kevin Riley, criticized the plan for not taking into account the varied conditions of different communities. Representing the Northeast Bronx, Riley highlighted the existing inadequate infrastructure in his district, expressing concerns that further housing construction and influx of residents would strain the sewage system.
Councilman Robert Holden, representing the western and central areas of Queens, noted that residents in neighborhoods like Ridgewood, Glendale, and Middle Village are already struggling to find parking spaces, resorting to parking in front of fire hydrants. He suggested that his district should have the option to opt-out of the “City of Yes” initiative. Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-Powers from the southeast Queens also criticized the plan for its blanket approach of removing mandatory parking requirements for new residential developments, which she believed was not suitable for areas like hers that lack public transportation and heavily rely on cars for commuting.
Councilman David Carr, who represents Staten Island, voiced concerns that the plan’s allowance for homeowners to add Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) with subsidies would actually drive up prices of single-unit residences, contradicting the goal of increasing affordable housing options.
Dan Garodnick, the Director of Department of City Planning, defended the “City of Yes” as the most beneficial policy in New York City’s history for increasing housing. He assured council members that the plan’s impact on infrastructure such as sewage systems would be minimal due to the limited number of new housing units to be added in each area. Garodnick explained that the current parking requirements, excessive in some places, would be adjusted accordingly but that the provision of parking spaces in necessary locations would continue, tailored to each community’s needs.
The “City of Yes” aims to add over 100,000 new housing units within 15 years by relaxing existing zoning regulations to combat the city’s growing housing crisis. While facing opposition from several communities, supporters of the plan cited a recent poll by political consulting firm Slingshot Strategies released on the 21st, showing that 81% of respondents were in favor of the initiative.
The City Council will hold its second hearing today (22nd) to listen to public testimonies, with a vote expected to take place later this fall.