New York may soon finally get more affordable housing
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NEW YORK (PIX11) — After years of failing to address the issue, New York’s leaders may finally be on the verge of housing reform — with deals being negotiated both in Albany and at City Hall.
“I work two jobs, and I can’t afford to live here anymore,” said Lillian Toscano.
Toscano has searched and searched to no avail for an affordable apartment in Park Slope where she grew up.
“I’ve been here for a very long time and they are pushing us out,” Toscano said.
List: Several NYC apartments under $1,000 available in housing lottery
These days it’s a plight that echoes across the boroughs — all the way to City Hall.
A rally was held Wednesday at City Hall by a coalition of groups known as “Yes to Housing.”
They support proposed city zoning changes that would allow for building more affordable housing in every section of the city. The plan is championed by Mayor Eric Adams.
At the same time, there’s an emerging deal right now in Albany as part of the state budget to give developers tax breaks to build more in exchange for renter protections.
“You can’t solve a housing crisis one municipality at a time, you have to think about it holistically,” said Tom Wright with the Regional Plan Association.
The rally did not just include housing and tenant activists — developers like Jerrod Delaine joined as well.
“Most of us want to invest more in New York City,” Delaine said.
However, Delaine said reform is needed across the board to do that.
“Typically for affordable housing we need land at a reduced cost. Subsidy and a property tax abatement,” Delaine said. “And in New York City you need all three — so that’s our calculus.”
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