Queens Civic Congress Calls for Probe into City of Yes Housing Plan
Background
A group representing dozens of civic and neighborhood organizations across Queens is calling for an investigation into a citywide housing proposal amid federal probes into the mayor and his administration.
Queens Civic Congress Demands Halt and Investigation
On Monday, the Queens Civic Congress released a statement calling for an immediate halt to the City of Yes Housing Opportunity initiative, now in its final stages of the legislative process. The plan, which seeks to upend zoning regulations to encourage more housing to be built, has received sharp criticism from residents and elected officials over the past year.
Statement from QCC President Warren Schreiber
"In view of the federal indictment of NYC Mayor Eric Adams by the US Southern District of New York, on Thursday, Sept. 26th, 2024, the Queens Civic Congress (OCC) demands an immediate halt to the legislative process and a thorough investigation into the ‘City of Yes for Housing Opportunity,’" read the statement.
Concerns Over Expedited Process
Members of the QCC argue that the NYC Planning Commission, which recently voted in favor of the proposal last week, is "proceeding in an expedited way." And amid investigations into over a dozen City Hall officials alleging corruption, they believe the forces behind the initiative need to be re-examined.
City Council Member Robert Holden’s Response
"We have seen outright opposition to the City of Yes, yet @NYCMayor pushed it forward, leading me to question whether there may be some nefarious motives at play, especially when granting developers carte blanche to overdevelop the city against the will of a majority of NYers," Holden shared on X.
The City of Yes Plan
The housing aspect of the City of Yes plan seeks to build "a little more housing in every neighborhood" to address a citywide housing shortage and mass unaffordability. It would allow for apartment buildings to go up in areas zoned for single-family homes, legalize basement and garage apartment conversions, and center new housing around mass transportation to reduce reliance on cars, among other aspects.
Community Resistance
Residents, particularly in eastern Queens, have resisted the plan, which they say will destroy the character of their neighborhoods. A recent rally against the plan in Bayside brought out over a hundred locals and more from southeast Queens to hear elected officials slam the plan’s broad-stroke approach.
Conclusion
The Queens Civic Congress’s call for a probe into the City of Yes Housing Opportunity initiative has sparked concerns over the expedited process and potential corruption. With the City Council set to vote on the plan before the end of the year, it remains to be seen whether a majority vote will prevail.
FAQs
Q: What is the City of Yes Housing Opportunity initiative?
A: The City of Yes plan seeks to build "a little more housing in every neighborhood" to address a citywide housing shortage and mass unaffordability.
Q: Why is the Queens Civic Congress calling for a probe into the plan?
A: The QCC is concerned about the expedited process and potential corruption, amid federal probes into the mayor and his administration.
Q: What is the current status of the plan?
A: The NYC Planning Commission has approved the plan, and the City Council is set to vote on it before the end of the year.
