Borough President Vanessa Gibson voted with conditional support for the City of Yes economic plan, which would overhaul the city’s zoning rules for the first time since 1961.
Photo courtesy Arlene Mukoko
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson has registered her support — with some caveats — for the City of Yes Economic Opportunity initiative, which is currently undergoing public review. But Bronx community boards are also casting their votes — with mixed results thus far.
According to documents submitted to the Department of City Planning, Gibson voted on Jan. 9 to “approve with modifications/conditions.”
In her written recommendation, Gibson said that while zoning decisions need to protect public safety, “overregulation has limited businesses’ ability to expand or locate sensibly.”
“My overarching observation is that these proposed changes will cut unnecessary red tape, allowing commercial, retail, and manufacturing businesses to grow and adapt based on their needs,” which Gibson said would benefit the city as a whole.
But Bronx CB12, which covers neighborhoods in the northeast section of the borough, voted unanimously against the proposal. CB8, which includes Kingsbridge and Riverdale, also opposed by a vote of 16 to 12.
Meanwhile, CB2, which includes Hunts Points and other South Bronx neighborhoods, voted unanimously in support and CB7, which includes Fordham and Bedford Park, voted in support 22 to one, with four members abstaining.
City of Yes encompasses three sets of proposals focusing on carbon neutrality, housing, and economic development. According to a DCP spokesperson, the public review period began in November and the plan is currently being reviewed by borough presidents, community boards and borough boards.
Much of the policies surrounding New York City zoning have not changed since 1961 and are sorely in need of an upgrade, according to the Department of City Planning, which pointed…
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