From Boston to Portland and in places like Vancouver and Sydney, local governments are taking aggressive steps to prevent development that uproots people of limited means.
Energized that the city is expressing interest in the model of community-based, nonprofit ownership of land for affordable housing and other uses, groups who back the approach are trying to transform its constituency from wonky to widespread.
The de Blasio administration moved to answer concerns that rezonings, no mater how carefully constructed, can exacerbate displacement pressures in low-income neighborhoods.
Some community groups fear that rezonings will force low-income residents out. City Hall says rezonings are needed to prevent further loss of affordability. Amid a lack of clear evidence, any risks of the de Blasio rezonings will be borne primarily by low-income communities of color.
Responding to advocates who believe the trusts can ensure that today’s public investments deliver long-term affordability, HPD is seeking expressions of interest from non-profit groups.
Twelve neighborhoods have been spotlighted for possible rezonings under the mayor’s ambitious housing plan. Here’s where the proposals stand.
The city says families making between $24,480 and $57,120 are the most rent-burdened. But data we’ve reported on indicates those with incomes under $20,000 have it worse.
Community Board 3 is now trying to decide whether to give their blessings to the administration’s offer to conduct a rezoning study that omits the broader neighborhood.
The protestors called on the de Blasio administration to take on a broader rezoning of the area in order to control development. But the mayor isn’t the only politician who hasn’t rallied to that cause: While de Blasio has said “no.” other local pols have said nothing at all.
Community groups and trade unions want the construction work done in rezoning neighborhoods to go to local residents and pay union wages. And advocates aren’t convinced that the legal and financial counter-arguments hold water.
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