New York City’s century-old land zoning policy, known as “Housing Opportunity,” could potentially be changed by Mayor Adams’ “City of Yes” urban renewal project. This initiative marks the final chapter of the trilogy and is set to be decided by a vote in the City Council before the end of this year. Given the significant impact of “Housing Opportunity” on the public and the continuous corruption scandals within the municipal government, some council members are calling for a postponement of the decision until after the 2025 mayoral election.
Council Member Robert F. Holden of Queens wrote to Mayor Adams on September 17, expressing his serious concerns about the “City of Yes” proposal and urging for its postponement until after the 2025 municipal election. He highlighted the potential risk of the initiative turning into a windfall for developers rather than addressing the actual needs of the community amidst accusations of government officials colluding with special interest groups.
Holden emphasized the importance of subjecting such a significant proposal to rigorous scrutiny to ensure that public interests take precedence over special interests. He stressed the necessity for meaningful public engagement, whether through a referendum or as a key issue in the upcoming election debates, as the proposal could have lasting impacts on community development in the years to come.
Representing the 30th district of Queens in the City Council, Holden’s constituents hail from neighborhoods like Elmhurst, Middle Village, Ridgewood, and Rego Park, many of which consist of low-density residential areas. These communities are directly impacted by the proposed changes to the city’s land zoning laws under “Housing Opportunity,” aiming to allow for the construction of high-density properties in formerly low-density residential zones, a move that faces opposition from local residents.
According to the New York City Department of City Planning (NYC DCP), the Queens Community Board 6 passed a “conditional unfavorable” resolution on June 18 with a 23-17 vote, rejecting the current “Housing Opportunity” proposal. Holden underscored the need for prioritizing the city’s infrastructure, such as the electrical grid, roads, sewer systems, and schools, before considering major developments to ensure responsible and sustainable community growth.
Holden also highlighted the widespread opposition to the “City of Yes” initiative from most community boards and civil organizations. The City Planning department conducted hearings across the city’s 59 community boards, with statistics showing that 36 boards expressed “unfavorable” or “conditional unfavorable” stances, particularly concentrated in Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island where all community boards unanimously opposed the proposal.
Despite the dissent from various community stakeholders, four out of the five borough presidents of New York City – Mark Levine of Manhattan, Antonio Reynoso of Brooklyn, Vanessa L. Gibson of the Bronx, and Donovan Richards of Queens – have indicated conditional support for “Housing Opportunity.” Only Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella expressly dissented from the proposal.