Some community organizations in the Bronx are saying “no” to City of Yes for Economic Opportunity, the set of proposals that would be the most major overhaul of the city’s zoning laws since the 1960s.
The plan, which was recently approved by the City Planning Commission, is now headed to City Council — the final step in the approval process. But some worry that the plan will lead to overdevelopment that will run rampant through neighborhoods in the Bronx and now refer to the policy as “City of Cement.”
“Our neighborhoods are jewels, they’re unique — and they’re being disrespected,” said Laura Spalter of Riverdale, co-chair of the Broadway Community Alliance.
If the plan passes, it would allow more types of in-home businesses, remove the 2-year deadline in some neighborhoods to fill vacant storefronts, allow more businesses to be located on upper floors of buildings, and numerous other changes within its 18 proposals.
During the public input phase, where the Department of City Planning (DCP) sought citywide input from borough presidents and the 59 community boards, City of Yes for Economic Development received mixed support from the 12 boards in the Bronx.
In the end, seven of 11 Bronx boards supported the plan with conditions, as did Borough President Vanessa Gibson. The Department of City Planning website also names over 40 business, civic and community organizations throughout the city that support it. CB 1 did not formally submit a vote, and CB 8 voted on a component-by-component basis, said DCP.
But three boards (10, 11 and 12), spanning the east and west Bronx, voted no — and some residents are speaking out before it’s too late.
City of Yes for Economic Opportunity is one of three sweeping initiatives put forth by Mayor Eric Adams via the Department of City Planning. The other two focus on carbon neutrality, which passed the City Council in December, and housing, which is set to be presented to community boards and…
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