Proponents of Mayor Eric Adams’ controversial “City of Yes” housing plan rallied outside City Hall on Monday ahead of a series of key lawmaker votes to decide its fate.
The rally — which drew about 200 people — was part of a final media blitz meant to gather public support for the proposal, which would allow builders to create tens of thousands of new homes across the Big Apple in what would be the biggest zoning overhaul in the last six decades.
“The time is now to turn the tide on the price of rent,” Dan Garodnick, the city’s planning department chair, told the crowd.
“The time is now to create more opportunities for more New Yorkers at all income levels,” he continued. “The time is now to say yes to housing. Are you ready to say yes to housing? This is the week. Let’s get it done.”
Despite the enthusiasm, the concept — a cornerstone of the Adams administration — has faced heavy opposition from members of the City Council, some of whom feel that a one-size-fits-all approach to affordable housing across the city simply won’t work.
Others have complained about a mandate to cast aside minimum parking requirements for developers — or they claim denser housing developments will change the character of individual neighborhoods, invite congestion and strain infrastructure.
That has not slowed advocates, however, who said in a recent press release that they’ll hold events, put out ads and post fliers at subway stops to encourage New Yorkers to back the blueprint.
“We have the opportunity to be on the right side of history on this issue,” First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer said at the rally.
“Let’s not let the loud, well-housed few ignore the voices of 80% of New Yorkers who support the ‘City of Yes for Housing’ opportunity.”
The plan would provide a “bonus” to developers to build 20% higher — as long as the added space is dedicated to more affordable, lower-than-market-rate units.
It would also let builders create more apartments around transit hubs and atop commercial strips, let homeowners construct smaller apartments in basements, garages and attics, and make it easier to convert empty office towers into livable homes.
The council’s land use committee will vote on the proposal Thursday — with the full City Council expected to cast its vote on Dec. 5.