Mayor Eric Adams calls the Big Apple “City of Jesus” But he faces a lot of no’s.
Many members of the City Council, left and right, expressed serious concerns this week about Adams’ comments. “A city of economic opportunity” The proposal aims to boost business and job growth by overhauling more than 60 years of zoning regulations.
At issue among City Council members is Adams’ push to allow bodegas and other businesses to operate in residential corners, as well as barbershops and other businesses on the upper floors of mixed-use buildings above apartments. These include proposals for licenses for pharmacies, advertising agencies, and other businesses. – Only if there is a separate entrance.
Council members also said they feared the city did not have enough staff to enforce the new rules and that the changes would lead to more illegal marijuana businesses and other unscrupulous establishments. There is. But Planning Director Dan Galodnick and officials behind the plan argue that clarifying “outdated” rules will ease the workload.
Some City Council members, including Democrat Robert Holden of Queens and Republican Christy Marmorato of the Bronx, have publicly said they intend to reject the plan as is. But the consensus among more than a dozen commissioners privately surveyed by the Post was that if the Adams administration agreed to significantly revise and even water down parts of the proposal, board members would The council is likely to approve it by the end of May.
At a public hearing on the proposal Monday, City Councilwoman Joanne Arriola (R-Queens) said New Yorkers who buy homes in quiet residential areas would be worried about the amount of traffic and other busy activities the plan could bring. He said he did not expect an increase.
“It is unthinkable that a residential area could be turned into a commercial area,” Arriola said, adding that he would vote against the plan unless “substantial” changes were made.
“Permits for commercial operations above residential buildings” will be completely devolved. [people’s] Quality of life . . . There will be extra travel, extra waste and more foot traffic,” she said.
Councilwoman Linda Lee (D-Queens) told Planning Commissioner Dan Garodnick that she was concerned that the City of Yes would encourage illegal drug trafficking in residential communities. Told.
“My first thought was, ‘Oh my god!’ Breaking Bad!,” Lee said, referring to the classic TV show about the meth business. “I don’t think it will go that far…” . There are many unregulated or illegal businesses operating and we must answer for them. ”
The “City of Yes” plan neutralizes much of the existing power and influence over which new venues go into neighborhoods, influencing city council members and, to a lesser extent, community boards and civic groups. It turns out. This would leave final decision-making authority on zoning issues to the City Planning Commission, but most of its members would be appointed by the mayor rather than the City Council.
Thirty of the city’s community boards opposed the plan, and eight took no position. Four of the Big Apple’s five borough presidents support it, except for Staten Island’s Vito Fossella.
Foscella, a Republican, and Democratic Staten Island City Councilwoman Camilla Hanks said a one-size-fits-all plan won’t work.
“The City of Jesus is forward-thinking, but it’s clear that they haven’t considered suburban areas like Staten Island,” Hanks told the Post. “If we are not sensitive to the importance of preserving these neighborhoods, we may end up becoming ‘City No.'”
Parts of the 18-point plan that appear to have significant support from the Democratic-led progressive council include:
- We are currently supporting New York City’s nightlife by lifting rules that prohibit live music, dance, and comedy acts in restaurants and other commercial establishments with fewer than 200 people.
- “Clean manufacturing” businesses such as breweries and 3D printers will be able to operate in commercial districts.
- We eliminate the complicated procedures for opening and expanding a life science laboratory on a university or hospital campus.
“Modernizing urban planning laws and removing bureaucratic hurdles for small businesses is long overdue, but we are committed to getting it right and making sure each proposal makes sense for the community. We need to see that,” said Councilman Keith Powers (D-Manhattan), who supports Congress. Jesus Plan for the City.
“Economic Opportunity” is the second of Adams’ three “City of Yes” initiatives.
In December, the City Council approved the first phase, called “carbon neutral,” which aims to help New York City meet its climate goal of reducing carbon emissions by 80 percent by 2050. There is.
The final episode, “Housing Opportunity,” will remove zoning regulations to ease New York’s housing crisis, including allowing the construction of controversial high-rise apartment buildings and building garages and basements. Plans include legalizing many of the apartments.
