Tag: Zoning

NYC Council Has a Big Opportunity to Do the Right Thing

When all testimonies are done, whether in favor or against changes to zoning via mandatory Inclusionary housing (MIH) or zoning for quality and affordability (ZQA), New York City’s Council members have an opportunity to side with their constituents in voting down Mayor de Blasio’s ill-conceived plan that is central to his preserving 120,000 affordable units and creating 80,000 new units of “affordable” housing.

The more controversial of the two, MIH, sounds great on paper. It mandates that affordable housing would be mandatory not voluntary and it would be permanent in districts that would be zoned for MIH. Trick is that it isn’t truly affordable.

Bronx Boro Board and Prez Votes No on Changes to Zoning Text

Last week we reported that 9 of 12 Bronx Community Boards had voted down any changes to the zoning text for Mandatory Inclusionary Housing and Zoning for Affordability and Quality—a cornerstone for Mayor de Blasio’s housing plan to preserve and create 200,000 units of “affordable” housing.

Now, this morning, The Bronx Borough Board and the BP has voted no on MIH and ZAQ which seems to align that with the wishes of the residents of The Bronx as well as with many similar increasing sentiments around New York City.

Now just because Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr voted no, don’t let your guard down just yet.

Bronx Community Boards Overwhelmingly REJECT City’s Proposed Changes to Zoning Text On Eve Of Boro Prez Public Hearing

8 out of 12 Bronx community boards have voted NO (1 voted yes) so far on the city’s planned changes to the zoning text to include for Mandatory Inclusionary Housing and Zoning on Quality and Affordability. This all comes on the eve of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr Bronx Board public hearing to be held tomorrow, Thursday, Nov 12th at 6pm.

City Planning Wants Bronx Residents & Community Involvement in Cromwell-Jerome Study Area

New York City Department of City Planning recently made headlines with the announcement of the Cromwell-Jerome Study Area that straddles the Bronx neighborhoods of Highbridge, University Heights, Morris Heights, Mount Hope, and the Concourse. The study encompasses a massive 57 block corridor with Jerome Avenue as its spine.

DCP invites the public to join Community Walking Tours of the study area. The first tour is scheduled for Saturday, October 18th from 11AM-12PM and will provide a general overview of the study area. The second tour is scheduled for Saturday, October 25th from 11AM-12PM and will focus on transportation and parks in and around the study area. The tours will begin at the NW corner of the Grand Concourse and East 167th Street in front of the High Life Deli and Grocery.