New York City’s Housing Strategy Under Mayor Adams

It’s interesting how little recognition Mayor Eric Adams seems to get for his relentless efforts to increase housing availability. Affordable prices for homes constructed in New York City are more important than they might first appear.

In under four years, he’s made more progress than his predecessor did in, well, two decades. These might not be instant miracles, but they could yield significant changes in the long run.

The latest news reveals that the City Council plans to rezone Midtown South, potentially allowing for about 10,000 new housing units.

Some of these new units are expected to come from converting commercial properties into residential spaces. It seems like a logical step for the many vacant office buildings around.

Adams’ rezoning initiative, which began in 2021, could lead to the creation of 100,000 new housing units across the city, contingent on council approval for areas like Jamaica and Long Island City.

This initiative could result in more new homes than those added during the Bloomberg and de Blasio administrations—combined.

Years of steady work and strategic partnerships also resulted in Congress lifting 12 area comparison caps, which, until now, have limited the height of residential buildings.

With the approval of a major city plan last year, along with the preservation of approximately 134,700 existing units, City Hall tracks the number of units either added or maintained in New York City’s housing supply under Adams, which totals around 426,000.

The figures include proposals still awaiting approval, and the benefits won’t be fully realized until later, as they hinge on rezoning initiatives.

However, opposition from progressives against projects like the Brooklyn Marine Terminal, which could have introduced 6,000 new units, complicates matters. No new homes will replace those planned for public land.

Despite these challenges, Adams’ vigorous approach indicates that he is paving a positive path for the city’s housing landscape. If driven through, his plans could yield even more during a potential second term.

While the term “systemic” may not align with Adams’ image, perhaps it’s because local media overlooks the day-to-day realities. For example, it’s easy to dismiss promises like those of Zohran Mamdani, who suggested freezing rents.

In contrast, Adams has a more practical strategy. The work involved in rent regulation could drive landlords to abandon their properties, which may lead to further decay and worsen the housing crisis in the city.

On the other hand, Adams aims to significantly increase housing supply, which should, over time, help lower rents.

In a city where some anti-development progressives relentlessly oppose sensible housing reforms, Adams’ achievements in creating long-lasting change are commendable.

Although it may take time for the consequences of his efforts to fully unfold, future generations of New Yorkers are likely to reap the benefits.

As the summer’s “silly season” in mayoral races comes to a close, voters may increasingly recognize who genuinely provides solutions to New York’s housing needs.