Open Plans Statement on City Council passing City of Yes

Statement from Sara Lind, Co-Executive Director at Open Plans:

“The passage of City of Yes for Housing Opportunity marks a historic moment for New York City as well as a chance to take things further. The urgently needed reforms in this text amendment will make it easier to build housing, especially affordable housing, and will encourage the vibrant density that New York City is so famous for.

“But while City of Yes will reduce parking mandates in many areas and eliminate them entirely in others, it’s only a first step. Far too many neighborhoods are still burdened by parking mandates and other car-centric policies that drive up rents and trap New Yorkers in isolating, costly, and harmful car dependence. More leadership is urgently needed.

 “To truly address these challenges, the City must boldly pursue more transit options and policies for well-managed public space. Many Council Members lament that their districts are transit deserts, so the first priority for these areas should be Bus Rapid Transit. Safe and reliable bus routes are relatively simple and inexpensive to implement and are among the fastest and most effective ways to get people out of cars and onto public transit. Commercial parking mandates and free on-street parking continue to contribute to the cycle of car dependence and the City should further address parking policy in the years ahead.

 “City of Yes was a step in the right direction, but it was just that: a step. Open Plans will be on the frontline of these issues as we work to move the city forward.”

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