Mayor and City Planning Unveil Details for City of Yes for Economic Opportunity Zoning Text Amendment

The amendment is the second of three proposed zoning text amendments from Mayor Adams designed to address outdated zoning issues. On June 14, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams and Department of City Planning Director and City Planning Commission Chair Dan Garodnick revealed the “City of Yes for Economic Opportunity” zoning text amendment. The proposed amendment is part of Mayor Adams’ City of Yes zoning text amendments to modernize the zoning text and remove burdensome outdated provisions <Read More>


City Planning to Hold Public Info Session for City of Yes for Economic Opportunity Text Amendment

On June 13, 2023, the Department of City Planning will host a public information session to discuss the City of Yes for Economic Opportunity zoning text amendment. The proposed amendment is one of three “City of Yes” zoning text amendments first proposed last summer that aim to modernize zoning rules and remove unnecessary obstacles for the production of housing, job growth, and implementation of green energy measures. 


Proposed Zoning Changes Cut Remnants of Cabaret Law “Foot” Loose

On Wednesday, June 1, Mayor Eric Adams announced his plans for three citywide zoning text amendments aimed to bolster small businesses, expand affordable housing, and reduce carbon usage in the interest of sustainability. The first of these, “Zoning for Economic Opportunity,” aims to remove red tape for small businesses and includes removing restrictions on dancing that survived the Cabaret Law’s repeal.


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>


City Planning Commission Votes to Approve Permanent Open Restaurants Program Text Amendment

The zoning text amendment now moves on to City Council for approval. On November 15, 2021, the City Planning Commission voted to approve the Permanent Open Restaurants Program zoning text amendment in a special public hearing. The proposed Permanent Open Restaurants program will transfer the control of sidewalk cafes to the Department of Transportation from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (formerly Consumer Affairs) and aims to create a more streamlined approval process for <Read More>


GUEST COMMENTARY: On the Ballot for Nov. 2, 2021: the Constitutional Amendment on Redistricting

The Redistricting Schedule

On November 2, 2021, New York State voters will be asked to approve a constitutional amendment revising the redistricting process to be based on the 2020 census. If the constitutional amendment is approved, the changes will take effect on January 1, 2022. This amendment is necessary to address delays in the census created by the pandemic and to accommodate New York State’s change from a September primary to an earlier June primary … <Read More>