
Mayor Bill de Blasio delivers the 2015 State of the City address at Baruch College. Image Demetrius Freeman/Mayoral Photography Office
Affordable housing issues, including rent-regulation, mandatory inclusionary zoning, and more were highlighted in the speech. On February 3, 2015 Mayor Bill de Blasio delivered his second State Of The City address from Baruch College. The Mayor spoke at length about the affordable housing crisis facing New York City and the programs his administration has begun or will propose to address the problem.
(read more…)

Architect rendering of the proposed Astoria Cove development project. Image Credit: Studio V
Approval came after negotiations increased the percentage of affordable housing. On November 12, 2014 the City Council Land Use Committee voted 18-0 to approve the Astoria Cove development project, with modifications. The vote was delayed several hours as negotiations between lead developer Alma Realty and Council Member Costa Constantinides continued into Wednesday afternoon over Astoria Cove’s housing affordability and other issues discussed in the initial hearing.
(read more…)

Architect rendering of the proposed Astoria Cove development project. Image Credit: Studio V
The project was approved by City Planning despite opposition from the Community Board, Borough President, and the local Council Member. On October 20, 2014 the City Council Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises will hold hearings on the proposed Astoria Cove mixed-use development project. The project, designed by Alma Realty, is the first project subject to Mayor de Blasio’s mandatory inclusionary zoning housing requirement. Despite the requirement, the project has faced opposition from community groups and elected leaders arguing the designated affordable units are too expensive for current Astoria residents.
(read more…)