Supporters of Mayor Eric Adams' controversial “City of Yes” housing plan rallied outside City Hall on Monday ahead of a series of key council votes that will decide the city's fate.
The rally, which drew about 200 people, was part of a final media blitz to drum up public support for the proposal, which would allow builders to build tens of thousands of new homes across the Big Apple. This will be the largest zoning overhaul in the United States. For the past 60 years.
“Now is the time to change the course of rent pricing,” Dan Garodnick, chairman of the City Planning Department, told the audience.
“Now is the time to create more opportunities for more New Yorkers at all income levels,” he continued. “Now is the time to say yes to housing. Are you ready to say yes to housing? This week. Let's get it done. ”
Despite the enthusiasm, the concept, a cornerstone of the Adams administration, has faced fierce opposition from City Council members, some of whom say a one-size-fits-all approach to providing affordable housing citywide is Some people feel that it doesn't work at all.
Some complain about mandates on developers that ignore minimum parking requirements. Others argue that dense housing developments change the character of individual neighborhoods, creating congestion and straining infrastructure.
But that hasn't slowed down supporters, who said in a recent press release that they plan to hold events, run ads and post flyers in subway stations to encourage New Yorkers to support the blueprint.
“We have an opportunity to be on the right side of history on this issue,” First Vice Mayor Maria Torres Springer said at the rally.
“Let’s not let the loudest, most housing-rich minority ignore the voices of the 80% of New Yorkers who support the opportunity of a ‘pro-housing city.’”
The plan would offer developers a “bonus” to build buildings 20% higher, as long as the added space is devoted to below-market-rate affordable units.
It also allows builders to build more apartments around transportation hubs and above commercial districts, allows homeowners to build smaller apartments in basements, garages and attics, and frees up offices. It will also be easier to convert towers into habitable housing.
The City Council's Land Use Committee is scheduled to vote on the proposal Thursday, and the full City Council is scheduled to vote on Dec. 5.
