“If we don’t respond to supply,” Watson stated, “then the pressures are just put on the existing market.”

On June 1, 2022, Mayor Adams announced his “City of Yes” plan consisting of three citywide zoning text amendments. One of these initiatives, “Zoning for Housing Opportunity,” addresses the city’s housing shortage. Although the text amendment has not yet been drafted, Mayor Adams listed four key housing proposals in his announcement.

Sarah Watson, interim executive director of the Citizens Housing and Planning Council, believes bold zoning reform is necessary to increase housing supply and spoke in favor of the Mayor’s proposals. “If we don’t respond to supply,” Watson stated, “then the pressures are just put on the existing market.” Not only does Watson believe zoning reforms will help solve the city’s housing shortage, she also points out that by changing existing regulations like those governing additional dwelling units, current homeowners will gain more freedom to use their land.

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