April 8, 2024 (New York, New York) – Today, the City Council’s Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises held an oversight hearing concerning the Department of City Planning’s “City of Yes” Zoning for Economic Opportunity. The M-Zone Coalition, representing Council Members, Borough Presidents, and advocates, issues the following statement:

“The M-Zone Coalition is pleased with our substantial representation at today’s hearing, highlighting the indispensable role of manufacturing and industrial jobs in New York City’s economy. We urged the Department of City Planning (DCP) to allocate equal attention and support to manufacturing industries as they do to purely commercial uses throughout this text amendment. Specifically, we called upon DCP to address our concerns regarding the growth district, enhance protections in other districts before progressing with the growth district, and consider implementing stronger incentives within the Growth District.

Our recommendations included establishing lower Floor Area Ratio (FAR) limits in Core Industrial Districts to discourage commercial conversions and restricting non-industrial use to 10,000 sqf per building. We also stressed the significance of prioritizing sites with freight rail or maritime access. In Transition Districts, we are advocating for enhanced incentives for industrial spaces and the preservation of ground floor industrial areas.

We value our collaborative efforts with DCP thus far and remain optimistic that ongoing dialogue will result in a favorable outcome, safeguarding jobs and strengthening this vital sector.”