T
he Adams administration presented its signature housing policy, City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, to the City Council on Monday, arguing it's a crucial update to New York City's zoning. However, some council members expressed concerns about maintaining parking requirements in transit deserts and the impact of increased housing on parking demand and sewer capacity.

    A weakened administration due to Mayor Eric Adams' corruption scandal could give the City Council more leverage in negotiating changes to the proposal. Department of City Planning Director Dan Garodnick acknowledged that revisions are expected but hopes the council will keep the proposal intact.

    Council members questioned how the administration studied the effects of increased housing construction on sewer and water infrastructure, with Garodnick stating that the incremental increase in housing units would not have a significant adverse effect. The proposal aims to add 58,000 to 109,000 new housing units by 2039, which is a fraction of Adams' goal of adding 500,000 homes over the next decade.

    Concerns about eliminating parking minimums and legalizing accessory dwelling units were raised during the hearing. Queens Council member Selvena Brooks-Powers questioned why parking requirements are being eliminated citywide instead of just in transit-rich areas. Garodnick stated that developers in transit deserts would still be expected to include parking where demand is high.

    The text amendment also includes changes to promote homeownership, such as allowing two- to four-story housing above businesses and three- to five-story apartment buildings near transit. The proposal creates a new density bonus program, Universal Affordability Preference, which offers developers a 20% increase in residential space if the extra space is dedicated to permanently affordable housing.

    Council members expressed concerns about the affordability of units under this program, with some asking if the rent thresholds could be lowered to 30 or 40% of the area median income. Garodnick noted the need to balance concerns about affordability and deterring developers from participating in the program.

    The text amendment also lifts the city's residential floor area ratio cap, allowing for larger buildings in certain areas, and makes it easier to transfer development rights from landmarked properties. Some have expressed concern about changes that allow some air rights transactions to avoid the city's land use review process, but Garodnick stated that 99% of actions would still need to go through this process.

    The City Council will hold a second hearing on Tuesday, with members of the public set to testify.