Hear an interview with Neil deMause, whose new book recounts the battles that reshaped Coney Island, Fulton Street, Atlantic Yards and the city around them.
It’s at an early stage, but the official East Harlem rezoning vision follows the general thrust of a detailed plan produced by community groups and the Council speaker.
On Monday, October 17, the Justice for All Coalition (a coalition of concerned stakeholders in Long Island City) hosted a grassroots forum to explore the potential rezoning and issues like affordable housing, union jobs, the proposed BQX light rail, and displacement. Our coverage produced these two videos.
Responding to the East Harlem Neighborhood Plan, the Department of City Planning presented its long-awaited draft rezoning framework to East Harlem’s community board.
Touting community benefits, Councilman Rafael Espinal supported the rezoning of East New York in April. We checked in with him on the impact of the rezoning—and the delivery on promises—so far.
It’s unclear how closely the city’s rezoning proposal will follow the most detailed community-based plan to emerge during the two-plus years of the de Blasio administration’s housing push.
More than a year after City Planning rejected their rezoning plan for being too ambitious, Chinatown advocates are hoping the de Blasio administration’s commitment to ‘community-based planning’ will force a reconsideration.
Community groups pressed for deeper housing affordability and protections for workers. Other voices stressed different priorities.
‘This problem didn’t start with the current mayor but it’s not ending either. Now is the time to stop zoning without planning and frankly address racialized displacement.’
The city could use its seizure powers to facilitate the redevelopment of Far Rockaway. But a law firm’s promotional material has alarmed many property owners who are not even potential targets, the city says.
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