In a significant move to combat the ongoing housing crisis in New York City, Mayor Eric Adams and Dan Garodnick, Director of the New York City Department of City Planning (DCP) and Chair of the City Planning Commission (CPC), celebrated the CPC’s unanimous vote to approve the groundbreaking “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” proposal.

This historic zoning initiative aims to create more housing options across the city, addressing a dire need as the rental vacancy rate hovers at a mere 1.4 percent. The proposal has the potential to generate up to 108,850 new homes over the next 15 years and will now advance to the New York City Council for a final hearing and vote by year’s end.

“Today, the City Planning Commission listened to the voices of countless New Yorkers and said, ‘yes’ to the ‘City of Yes for Housing Opportunity,’” Mayor Adams stated. “New Yorkers cannot afford to wait any longer. With a 1.4 percent vacancy rate and the rent being too damn high, families are getting priced out. The only way to solve this crisis is to build more. Now, it is time for the City Council to meet the moment. I urge councilmembers to join New Yorkers in supporting this proposal and building a future that’s more affordable for working-class families, that provides peace of mind for older adults who want to age in place, and that allows our young people to live comfortably in the greatest city on the globe. That starts with them saying ‘yes’ to this once-in-a-generation housing proposal.”

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Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer emphasized the proposal’s urgency, stating, “‘City of Yes for Housing Opportunity’ is mission critical for addressing our housing crisis, and we celebrate the CPC’s vote to approve this historic zoning proposal. We can add CPC’s approval to the chorus of support we are hearing across the five boroughs, including from four borough presidents, close to 20 community boards, nearly 150 organizations of the ‘Yes to Housing’ Coalition, and New Yorkers from all walks of life who know that tackling the housing crisis is the defining task of our generation.”

CPC Chair Garodnick noted the pressing need for action: “With a historically low vacancy rate and many New Yorkers struggling to find housing, the time for action is now. It will take all of us to address New York City’s housing crisis, and ‘City of Yes for Housing Opportunity’ will help to get us there. Thanks to today’s vote by the City Planning Commission, we’re closer than ever to setting our city on a more affordable, equitable, and livable path.”

Leila Bozorg, New York City Executive Director for Housing, added, “The City Planning Commission’s favorable vote on the ‘City of Yes for Housing Opportunity’ proposal means we’re one step closer to meeting the deep and varied housing needs of New Yorkers. By enabling a little more housing in every neighborhood, we can make a big dent in our housing shortage while ushering in a more fair and equitable housing landscape. I look forward to working with our colleagues in the City Council to pass this historic proposal!”

The “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” represents the most pro-housing set of zoning changes in New York’s history, which includes:

– **Creating the Universal Affordability Preference (UAP)**, allowing roughly 20% more housing in developments if the additional units are permanently affordable.
– **Legalizing small accessory dwelling units (ADUs)**, such as backyard cottages or converted garages.
– **Investing in transit-oriented development** and Town Center zoning to facilitate the construction of three-to-five-story apartment buildings near transit and commercial corridors.
– **Permitting development on large lots** known as campuses, including those owned by faith-based organizations.
– **Lifting costly parking mandates** for new residential construction while still allowing for off-street parking as needed.
– **Enacting new high-density zoning districts** for mandatory affordable housing in high-demand areas.
– **Re-legalizing small and shared housing models** with common facilities like kitchens.
– **Facilitating the conversion of non-residential buildings into housing.**

The CPC’s approval follows an extensive public review process, including over 175 Community Board meetings and numerous public information sessions, with many speakers advocating for the proposal. Notable support has come from Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.

Since taking office, Mayor Adams has prioritized the creation and preservation of affordable housing, announcing record investments and initiatives to address the city’s housing crisis. Recent efforts include a balanced $112.4 billion Fiscal Year 2025 Adopted Budget that allocates $2 billion in capital funds for housing, alongside a landmark $500 million investment to support affordable housing projects.

Borough Presidents have echoed the need for this proposal, emphasizing the urgency to expand housing options. Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson remarked, “As New York City continues to attract families, it’s vital that we expand housing options to manage growth and curb rising rents. This proposal represents a significant step towards making our city more affordable.”

Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine added, “New York City is facing an unprecedented housing crisis, and the main culprit is our persistent lack of new units. We need to make it easier to build housing, and that includes eliminating zoning regulations that hinder new construction.”

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. noted, “It is abundantly clear that the only realistic solution to these crises is to build more affordable housing as rapidly and strategically as possible across our city.”

With the approval of the “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity,” New York City is poised to take a significant step forward in addressing the pressing housing needs of its residents, paving the way for a more affordable and equitable future.