Infrastructure spending without redefining the public interest and taking steps to achieve it could miss a critical opportunity. And the short-term political impact, good or bad, could be the least of its effects.
According to a new report, many of the neighborhoods that show signs of deep vulnerability are where a rezoning has occurred or is in the offing. Is new density the cause or the cure of that pressure?
A lack of regulations, and a dearth of information about what impact earlier place-based tax programs had, has some New York advocates and experts worried that Opportunity Zones offer as much peril as they do promise.
The de Blasio administration says it has started to deliver on promises of housing help, street improvements and business assistance. Tenant groups and business advocates, however, say their worries remain.
‘With our lives before us, we are struggling to envision a future in the city in which we were born and raised.’
‘What good is two weeks off from work, when many of us are one paycheck away from devastation because rents are skyrocketing thanks to the mayor’s development agenda?’
Proponents wonder why an environmental impact study that explores so many facets of a neighborhood—its workforce, open space, traffic, housing market and even shadows—cannot also look at racial impacts.
‘De Blasio and Cuomo are introducing a giant mechanism for displacement into communities that government already fails so shamefully.’
‘Despite community groups vocalizing concerns and despite quantifying large numbers of vulnerable residents, recent Environmental Impact Statements have concluded that rezonings will not displace residents at a significant level.’
Almost lost in the drama of the Council’s final votes on the Inwood rezoning was one member’s vow not to negotiate any more changes to the zoning map until the city committed to study the effect of revisions so far.
City Limits uses investigative journalism through the prism of New York City to identify urban problems, examine their causes, explore solutions, and equip communities to take action.
Founded in 1976 in the midst of New York’s fiscal crisis, City Limits exists to inform democracy and equip citizens to create a more just city. The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded by foundation support, ad sponsorship and donations from readers.
Support local, investigative journalism that has informed and empowered New Yorkers for 45 years.
Support local, investigative journalism that has informed and empowered New Yorkers for 45 years.
