-City of Consent- meeting begins, with internal and external confrontations between pros and cons_2
On October 21, the New York City Council began deliberating on the most controversial aspect of the “City of Yes” plan, dubbed the “Housing Opportunity” initiative. Progressive Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and other supportive council members did not voice any clear opposition to the proposal, which aims to overhaul existing land use regulations. Meanwhile, opponents gathered outside the council chambers to express their dissent.
During the public hearing, Dan Garodnick, Director of the Department of City Planning (DCP), presented the details of the “Housing Opportunity” plan. He explained that the initiative proposes tailored strategies for both mid-density and low-density zones to create more housing units without increasing land space. This approach is intended to alleviate the housing shortage crisis facing New York City. However, the plan faces significant pushback for potentially undermining existing protections for low-density communities, which would allow more residents into suburban middle-class neighborhoods in areas such as Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.
Garodnick emphasized that studies show the root cause of high housing prices in New York is the insufficient supply of housing, with mandatory parking requirements for residential units exacerbating this issue. When Kevin Riley, Chair of the Land Use and Franchise Committee, inquired about maintaining the stability of infrastructure like drainage and electricity as population density increases, Garodnick responded that the city is focused on addressing current issues, leaving future concerns for later discussion. He also noted that the increase in resident density within low-density communities would be “very small” and not likely to cause significant disruption.
Council Speaker Adams acknowledged the city’s assertion of a severe housing supply crisis but called for more detailed measures to ensure an increase in affordable housing and to balance the interests of middle-class homeowners.
City Comptroller Brad Lander expressed his wholehearted support for the land use reform proposal, stating that breaking down discriminatory land use and zoning rules is only the first step toward achieving equitable housing opportunities. He called for more comprehensive and effective strategies from local, state, and federal governments in the future.
Simultaneously, activist groups representing low-density communities rallied outside City Hall, vocally opposing the “City of Yes” plan. Paul Graziano, a leader of the demonstration, accused the Adams administration of primarily serving large developers through this initiative, arguing, “Statistics show that while the total number of housing units in New York City has increased, the population has decreased. In reality, there’s no housing crisis, only an affordability crisis.”
During the rally, Judy Yu-Ting from the Asian American Coalition stressed that for many Asian immigrant families, the dream of owning property to pass down through generations is at stake, and the “City of Yes” plan could diminish their quality of life. The City Council will continue to hold public hearings on this issue, with citizens welcome to attend and speak after making prior appointments.