Zoning for Housing Opportunity Amendment Aims to Address City’s Housing Shortage

Still in its early stages, Mayor Adams’ proposed zoning text amendment aims to increase affordable housing in the city. On June 1, 2022, Mayor Adams announced his “City of Yes” plan consisting of three citywide zoning text amendments. One of these initiatives, “Zoning for Housing Opportunity,” addresses the city’s housing shortage. Although the text amendment has not yet been drafted, Mayor Adams listed four key housing proposals in his announcement.


Governor Signs Hotel Conversion Bill to Create More Opportunities for Permanent Housing

The new legislation allows hotels to house residents on a more permanent basis, specifically addressing the lack of available housing in New York City. On June 7, 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law New York State Senate Bill S4937C. This affordable housing law allows hotels that are already authorized as Class B hotels to rent rooms for permanent residence purposes. State Senator Brian Kavanagh and Assemblymember Steven Cymbrowitz sponsored this bill.


Mayor Announces Proposed Zoning Changes to Affordable Housing, Small Business Restrictions and Sustainability

The zoning text amendments are in development and will be drafted with input from stakeholders before undergoing public review later this year. On June 1, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams announced a plan for a series of new zoning text amendments and programs aimed at removing obstacles for the recovery of small businesses, increased affordable housing, and the expansion of green technology to promote sustainability. The three zoning text amendments – the Zoning for Economic Opportunity, … <Read More>


Governor Announces Beginning of Construction of New Affordable Housing Development in Wakefield

The new building will be across the street from another affordable housing development recently approved by the City Planning Commission. On May 25, 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the beginning of construction for a new affordable and supportive housing development in the Wakefield section of the Bronx. The Plains will be located at 4519 White Plains Road between East 239th and East 240th Street. The development team consists of the Doe Fund and Robert Sanborn <Read More>


City Announces Completion of Renovations of Nine Public Housing Developments

The project was possible through a conversion to a federally funded Project-Based Section 8 program. On May 20, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams joined U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Regional Administrator Alicka Ampry-Samuel, New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Chair Greg Russ and NUCHA resident association leaders to announce the completion of renovations and restorations to nine NYCHA developments across Brooklyn.


HPD Releases Initial Results of 2021 Housing and Vacancy Survey

On May 17, 2022, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) released some initial results of the 2021 New York City Housing and Vacancy Survey. The survey is the official source of the city’s net rental vacancy rate, which is used to determine the continued need for rent stabilization. From its start in 1965, the survey is the longest running housing survey in the United States.