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September 21, 2003

Why No NYC Affordable Housing

Arrgg-- yuppie zoning is killing housing in New York City. The new line at the zoning board is "context", making sure that the height of new buildings reflects the surrounding size of buildings:

Last week, the City Planning Commission announced zoning rules that will restrict new buildings in a 44-square-block area of central Harlem to heights compatible with surrounding buildings. The commission has approved similar rules for East Harlem and Park Slope, among others. Now the trend is rippling across New York, as other neighborhood groups bid for more compatible development.

But the present "context" of New York City is scarce, ridiculously expensive housing-- multi-million dollar brownstones spilling out even to the boroughs. So if the "context" must be maintained, that means that not enough housing at too expensive a price will remain the "context" of New York City.

More at this post on Rent Control Increases Housing Costs.

Posted by Nathan at September 21, 2003 09:01 AM