On September 5, 2023, the Department of City Planning announced further information sessions about the City of Yes for Economic Opportunity zoning text amendment. The proposed zoning text amendment is part of Mayor Adams and the Department of City Planning’s City of Yes initiative to remove outdated provisions and revise the zoning text to enable the better growth of the economy, housing, and the use of green technology. The City of Yes for Economic Opportunity amendment contains 18 reforms that support the growth of small businesses, help fill vacant storefronts, help grow the life sciences sector and revitalize commercial corridors. 

First, Dan Doctoroff will appear before the City Planning Commission on Monday, September 11th at 1 PM to speak on the state of the city’s economy, and the need for adaptability as the city continues to recover from the pandemic. Doctoroff is the founder of Sidewalk Labs, an urban innovation company. He served as Deputy Mayor for Economic Development from 2002 to 2007. He was the co-chair of the “New” New York Panel, appointed by both Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Adams. Monday’s hearing will be open to the public and can also be watched on Youtube. 

The following evening, Tuesday, September 12th, the Department of City Planning will hold another public virtual info session on the City of Yes for Economic Opportunity. To register, click here. 

Dan Garodnick, Director of the Department of City Planning and Chair of the City Planning Commission stated, “As we work to create a more prosperous future for our small businesses and commercial districts, it’s past time that our zoning was updated for the 21st century. That’s exactly what City of Yes for Economic Opportunity will do, cutting red tape and making life easier for mom-and-pops throughout the five boroughs. I encourage all New Yorkers to tune in to hear the brilliant Dan Doctoroff and to attend our info session on how City of Yes will meet this moment for our continued success.”

By: Veronica Rose (Veronica is the Editor of CityLand and a New York Law School graduate, Class of 2018.)