On October 21, the New York City Council began deliberating on one of the most contentious aspects of the “City of Yes” plan, specifically the “Housing Opportunity” initiative. Led by progressive Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, there was no clear opposition from supporters of the plan, which aims to reshape existing land use regulations in the city. However, protests were held outside the council meeting by those opposed to the project.
During the public hearing, Department of City Planning Commissioner Dan Garodnick provided a detailed overview of the “Housing Opportunity” plan. The initiative proposes different strategies for both medium- and low-density areas to create more housing units without requiring additional land. This approach is intended to address the housing shortage currently facing New York City. The plan’s most significant controversy is its potential to bypass existing protections for low-density communities, allowing more residents to enter suburban middle-class neighborhoods in Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.
Garodnick emphasized that research has shown the fundamental cause of New York’s soaring housing prices is a lack of available units. He pointed out that current mandates for residential parking have directly contributed to this shortage. In response to questions from Kevin Riley, Chair of the Committee on Zoning and Franchises, about ensuring stable infrastructure, such as drainage and power supply, as population density increases in low-density communities, Garodnick stated that the city is currently focused on solving existing issues and will address potential future problems later. He asserted that the increase in resident density under the plan would be “very small” and would not significantly impact the communities.
Council Speaker Adams acknowledged the city government’s claim of a “serious housing supply crisis” but called for more detailed measures to guarantee the increase of affordable housing while also considering the interests of the middle class who own property.
City Comptroller Brad Lander expressed his full support for the land use reform proposal, highlighting that rewriting discriminatory land use and zoning laws is just the first step toward achieving equitable housing opportunities. He stressed the need for comprehensive strategies from the city, state, and federal governments moving forward.
Meanwhile, as the meeting took place, low-density community advocacy groups rallied outside City Hall, voicing their opposition to the “City of Yes” plan. Paul Graziano, a key organizer of the protest, accused the Adams administration of facilitating this initiative primarily for large developers. He pointed out that data suggests an increase in New York City’s total housing units alongside a decrease in population over the decades, asserting, “In reality, there is no housing crisis; there is only an affordability crisis.”
At the rally, representative Zhu Yating of “Asian Tide” stated that many newly immigrated Asian families dream of owning their property to pass down through generations. However, she argued that the “City of Yes” plan threatens to diminish their quality of life. A follow-up public hearing on the topic is scheduled for October 22, where citizens can attend and voice their opinions after making a reservation.
