NYC Gazette

Today, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine introduced a comprehensive plan to address New York City's housing shortage. The initiative aims to prompt action from Albany to boost housing developments and protect tenants amid rising rents and declining housing production.

Levine's proposal includes eight key policies designed to enhance housing availability and affordability in the city. He stresses the importance of state involvement in areas such as tax policy, residential density regulations, housing courts, and rent control.

The agenda suggests replacing the expired 421-a Tax Exemption with a new program to stimulate construction while ensuring affordability and labor protections. It also proposes converting surplus office spaces into affordable housing through a tax abatement program.

Other measures include lifting restrictions on residential development density by removing the 12 FAR Cap, streamlining environmental reviews for affordable projects, limiting evictions without good cause, expanding access to rent vouchers, and enhancing tenant legal support statewide.

Levine urges swift adoption of these policies before the April 1st State budget deadline. He calls for collaboration among legislators, community leaders, and residents to support this transformative agenda.

"The New York City government alone cannot end the housing emergency our neighbors are facing every day," Levine stated. "The State will be key to ending our city’s affordability crisis."

The Borough President emphasizes that state cooperation is crucial for increasing apartment construction and making rents affordable again.