Greenfield Promises ‘Thorough Review’ Of Rezoning Plan

The head of the City Council committee overseeing housing and zoning promised a “thorough review” of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s proposed rezoning programs.

Councilman David Greenfield, who chairs the powerful Land Use Committee, says he will spend much of this week closely questioning representatives of the mayor on the Mandatory Inclusionary Housing and Zoning for Quality and Affordability. These programs constitute the core of de Blasio’s plan to build and preserve 200,000 units of affordable housing over ten years.

But Greenfield said that many issues remain to be resolved.

“We need to review these long-lasting proposals with a fine-toothed comb,” Greenfield said. “Over the past several months, I have been listening to the voices of my constituents, as well as to community boards and advocacy groups across the city, and I am determined to address their concerns to make this the best possible plan to serve the people of New York.”

The first hearing on the plan was held on Tuesday with the second hearing scheduled for Wednesday. Due to the long-lasting effect these plans will have on the city, Greenfield is urging all members of the public to attend and make their views known.

Some areas of concern from residents include a measure that would reduce parking requirements for new affordable and senior housing if it’s within half a mile of a subway station. That could lead to even greater scarcity of parking spaces.

Furthermore, the plan would permit the construction of smaller “micro-houses” than have previously been allowed. Where zoning rules now require 400 square foot apartments, the proposal would relax that requirement to 275 square feet.

Additional concerns are about allowing taller buildings and fewer distance between buildings.

“While affordable housing is a goal we all share,” Greenfield said, “it is important that we listen to our constituents, that we take their concerns into consideration, and that we get to a plan that works for all New Yorkers.”

This article appeared in print on page 28 of the February 10th, 2016 edition of Hamodia.