YIMBY moment: ‘City of Yes’ meets City Planning Commission

The City Planning Commission will vote on Mayor Eric Adams’ ambitious plan to fuel housing development across New York City Wednesday morning, kicking the plan to the City Council for what’s expected to be an intensive final round of review.

The commission’s vote marks a key milestone as the proposal makes its way through the lengthy city review process. While the plan is likely to pass Wednesday, the Adams administration will then have roughly two months to persuade City Council members to approve it. The task won’t be easy. 

“City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” looks to address the city’s housing crisis by loosening decades-old zoning laws. It would introduce a series of tweaks aimed at boosting housing production in both low-density and high-density neighborhoods, such as creating a 20% density bonus for projects that include “affordable units,” eliminating requirements that new housing developments include off-street parking, and allowing five-story apartment buildings above retail stores in low-density neighborhoods. The Adams administration has billed the plan as an opportunity to undo years of discriminatory zoning laws. The Department of City Planning has estimated the various changes could lead to the creation of 58,000 to 109,000 new homes over the next 15 years. 

But the plan has drawn significant pushback from city communities – particularly from low-density neighborhoods that have produced very little housing in recent years. Opponents have voiced concerns that opening the door to more housing would change the fabric of their neighborhoods. Of the city’s 52 community boards, 35 have cast advisory votes rejecting the plan with conditions. That’s still more support from community boards than previous zoning change proposals received however. Four of the five borough presidents have also voted in favor of it. 

The swirl of federal investigations into the Adams administration has further complicated the plan’s path to approval. Some council members will likely seek changes to unpopular aspects of the plan, which would water down the proposal. Adams will be approaching these negotiations from a weakened position. Progressive City Council members – many of whom have long been at odds with the mayor – are among the plan’s strongest supporters, making for an unusual alliance.    

Dan Garodnick, City Planning Commission chair and Department of City Planning commissioner, acknowledged the “complexity” City Council members face.

“We are sending them something that is hard and important. They are going to be hearing from their constituents about why they should say no or why they should say yes. It will be incumbent upon them to make their own determinations,” Garodnick said at a Tuesday event hosted by Citizens Union.

Asked whether he’s concerned that the investigations could hurt the plan’s chances of passing at his weekly off topic press conference, Adams shrugged off the question. 

“We need housing, and everyone is going to have to vote with their conscience,” he said.