zoning

A result of a collaborative effort betweethe Pratt Center and PolicyLink (a national nonprofit research and advocacy organization working to advance policies to achieve economic and social equity), this report describes how affordable housing can be expanded in New York City, citing successful examples from areas throughout the country. Increasing Housing Opportunity in New York City makes a strong case for inclusionary zoning (IZ) as a successful strategy for expanding affordable housing opportunities and creating mixed-income communities. The report was made possible through the generous support of the Robert Sterling Clark Foundation.

The report recommends:

• Apply mandatory IZ to all neighborhood-wide zoning changes, and voluntary IZ to other areas where more density could be appropriate.
• Instead of blanket downzonings, utilize balanced neighborhood rezonings with IZ to preserve neighborhood character while creating room for new mixed-income housing.
• Design an IZ program that is economically feasible, serves a range of income levels, is permanently affordable, and encourages on-site development.
• Balance the need for housing with the need to retain manufacturing-zoned land to preserve jobs.

Executive Summary
Full Report
Press Release

Supplementary Financial Analyses:

Financial and Architectural Feasibility Analyses Summary
Financial Analyses of Model Sites (all links below are in Excel format):

Greenpoint-Williamsburg:                Central Harlem:
     Inclusionary Zoning                         Inclusionary Zoning
     Non-inclusionary Zoning                   Non-inclusionary Zoning
     Land Sales Costs
  

Mayor Bloomberg has announced the appointment of a City Charter revision commission. While its review of term limits may initially grab the most attention, the commission will be looking at something else just as vital to the city’s future: land use and the process through which property owners, residents and the government decide what gets built in New York City.

The new Pratt Center issue brief "City Charter Revision: Where Land Use Fits In" outlines the major land use challenges the new commission must confront: 

• The City Planning Commission has ceased to plan
  
• The City Charter's aspiration to community-based planning has not been fulfilled 
• Attempts to promote "fair share" of burdens have fallen short
• Side agreements to land use decisions have proliferated without disclosure or enforcement

A renewed and independent role for the City Planning Commission, substantive support for community-based planning, an updating of fair-share to meet current realities, and disclosure and enforcement for side agreements are all essential measures for the new City Charter commission to implement.