Boosting Construction of Homes: Strategies for New York to Realize Its Housing Projects
In New York City, ambitious goals for housing construction are being set, with a vision to create a million new homes and preserve existing units [1]. To achieve this vision, effective policies are needed to overcome barriers such as streamlining approvals, lowering construction costs, and coordinating funding more effectively.
One such policy is the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity plan, which rezones the entire city to encourage more housing production [1]. This reform aims to expedite housing development by streamlining approvals, potentially shaving months off a development timeline and getting people settled into housing faster.
Smart design and diverse housing types are also crucial for successful housing development. The City of Yes for Families strategy promotes the creation of more family-friendly neighborhoods integrated with amenities such as schools, playgrounds, grocery stores, and accessible transit [1][2]. This approach not only makes housing more appealing but also helps deliver the vision of resilient communities in New York City.
Effective funding coordination is another key component. This involves historic investments, public-private partnerships, and programs like the $4 million state grant for accessory dwelling units and multi-million dollar support for tenant protections and homeowner assistance [1][2].
Public land presents a significant opportunity for housing development. The city and state are showing momentum to unlock key sites, such as redeveloping city-owned sites including parking lots, community facilities, and empty land to build housing [3].
Promoting diverse housing types is also essential. This includes senior affordable rental apartments and accessory dwelling units that support intergenerational living and homeownership pathways [1][2]. Integrating transit connectivity with affordable housing is another approach, with rezoning corridors near transit hubs and developing housing alongside transit-accessible locations to ensure neighborhoods are well connected and family-friendly [1][2].
A promising approach is leveraging density bonuses in exchange for transit improvements. This allows developers to unlock additional housing capacity if they build an elevator or improve station accessibility in coordination with the MTA. This results in better transit access and more housing, as seen in Midtown Manhattan and beyond [4].
Allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) is part of the zoning reform. This enables conversion of garages, basements, or building standalone backyard structures into apartments. ADUs can provide affordable housing options and offer extra income for homeowners [4].
In conclusion, New York City's housing development strategy emphasizes leveraging zoning reform, strategic use of city land, robust funding and incentive programs, and holistic neighborhood planning to convert housing plans into actual, livable units. The focus on collaboration between public agencies and the private sector, along with tenant and homeowner support programs, is critical to effective implementation. Housing is being treated as public infrastructure, like transit and schools, because stable housing creates resilient communities and allows more people to participate in the city's economy. There is a cultural shift in how communities think about growth, focusing on supporting diverse housing options like mid-rise buildings and mixed-use developments that naturally fit. This approach not only addresses the housing crisis but also contributes to the city's economic growth and sustainability.
References: [1] City of Yes for Housing Opportunity: https://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/2021/11/16/mayor-adams-announces-city-of-yes-for-housing-opportunity [2] City of Yes for Families: https://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/2021/11/16/mayor-adams-announces-city-of-yes-for-families [3] Citywide Housing Action Task Force: https://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/2021/11/16/mayor-adams-announces-citywide-housing-action-task-force [4] Density bonuses for transit improvements: https://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/2021/11/16/mayor-adams-announces-city-of-yes-for-housing-opportunity
- The City of New York is not only prioritizing the construction of a million new homes and preserving existing units, but also investing in infrastructure like transportation, as the effective implementation of density bonuses for transit improvements demonstrates.
- In addition to focusing on housing and transportation, New York City is also aiming to foster thriving communities by promoting sports facilities and amenities, such as rezoning corridors near transit hubs to develop housing alongside transit-accessible locations and ensuring that family-friendly neighborhoods have access to schools, playgrounds, grocery stores, and accessible transit.
