NYC Gazette

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso has issued a formal public review recommendation to approve, with conditions and modifications, Mayor Adams’ City of Yes for Housing Opportunity zoning text amendment. The recommendation emphasizes adjustments to maximize housing opportunities around transit, deepen affordability, and encourage neighborhood participation in addressing the housing crisis. Key measures include redefining Inner and Outer Transit Zones, creating additional Core Transit Zones, increasing density opportunities, implementing new parking maximums, and decoupling parking costs from rent.

Borough President Reynoso's support is contingent upon the legalization of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). He stated that if ADUs are removed from the proposal, he will withdraw his support entirely.

“We need to be realistic about what City of Yes for Housing Opportunity is and what it is not. It is not an affordability strategy, it is not a production plan, and it is not a panacea for our city’s housing crisis,” said Reynoso. He added that while City of Yes offers possibilities, New Yorkers need concrete promises amid growing housing insecurity.

Reynoso urged the NYC Department of City Planning (DCP) to be bold in their efforts: “Do not back down; do not scale back; do not shy away. If you’re going to do anything, do more.”

The recommendation also addresses inconsistencies in the existing Transit Zone established in 2016. Reynoso supports DCP’s proposal for a new Greater Transit Zone composed of an Inner Transit Zone and an Outer Transit Zone but believes areas excluded previously should now be included in the Inner Transit Zone.

Reynoso proposes centering the Outer Transit Zone around Select Bus Service (SBS) corridors to ensure access to frequent bus services. Additionally, he suggests creating Core Transit Zones in Brooklyn and other outer boroughs near significant transit hubs.

To increase housing creation potential within the Inner Transit Zone, Reynoso recommends higher densities and eliminating dwelling unit factors within proposed zones. He also advocates for introducing parking maximums citywide and unbundling parking costs from rent.

In October 2023, Reynoso released "The Comprehensive Plan for Brooklyn," addressing housing and public health crises through land use recommendations based on extensive data analysis.

For further details on Borough President Reynoso’s full public review recommendation and priorities, please refer to the complete document available online.