FRIENDS testified at the July 10 City Planning Commission Public Hearing on City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, the New York City Department of City Planning's suite of zoning text amendments meant to encourage and incentivize housing creation and address the affordability crisis in the city. Friends was among some 200 New Yorkers--advocates and concerned individuals--who came together to make their voices heard at the marathon hearing that lasted just under 15 hours.

While we applaud the Department of City Planning for undertaking this huge effort to update New York City's zoning text for the first time in decades, FRIENDS has critical concerns with both the process as well as the potential consequences of some of the proposed amendments. The 1400-page City of Yes for Housing Opportunity document will inevitably have deep and wide-ranging consequences for residential development in our city It is therefore imperative that there should be a robust effort to engage the public and to present data and evidence for the amendments that are being proposed. We don't believe that just one public hearing on a single day is sufficient.

Concerns and Priorities:

Lost Promise of Affordable Housing: One of our primary concerns is COYHO's reliance on market forces to create affordable housing. Past experience on the Upper East Side leads us to believe this approach will create more luxury development, displacing existing, relatively affordable housing options.

Loss of Public Input and Oversight: FRIENDS strongly opposes COYHO's potential weakening of the public review process for development projects. We believe public input is a crucial step that ensures projects consider community needs and priorities and we decry efforts to erode public review.

Landmark Transfer Development Rights (TDRs): We object to the expansion of receiving lots for TDRs without a proper public review process and a complete public database that maps out existing unused floor area and where it could float to. We also object to this process being approved with just a CPC authorization, eliminating public review and City Council review. We fear this could lead to out-of-character development in areas not currently envisioned.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Open Space: We urge a revision of COYHO's proposed reductions in open space requirements for rear yards, courtyards, and "tower-in-the-park" developments among others. These green, open spaces are vital for light, air, and overall livability, especially in a densely populated area like the Upper East Side.

Campus Infill: We are concerned about COYHO's proposal to reduce open space requirements for "tower-in-the-park" developments. Such a move would be a significant loss for residents with no clear benefit.

Special Purpose Districts: FRIENDS objects to a "one size fits all" approach to zoning regulations for special districts and the folding of district-specific regulations into the citywide zoning text. This could weaken the unique character of special preservation areas like Madison Avenue.

Recommendations for a Better Path Forward:

FRIENDS believes a well-crafted zoning update can foster a thriving and livable city for all residents. We urge the City Planning Commission to conduct thorough research to justify proposed zoning changes and consider alternative solutions that strengthen neighborhoods and their unique character, prioritize the preservation of existing affordable housing stock, and ensure a more equitable approach to creating new housing options.

Take action today! Send a letter to the City Planning Commission urging them to protect affordability and contextual zoning in our neighborhoods.