New York City, October 30 \u2013 Today, the Department of City Planning kicked off the public review process for Mayor Adams\u2019 City of Yes for Economic Opportunity citywide text amendment. The M-Zone Coalition, a dedicated group of Council Members and Borough President’s working with advocates, businesses and community leaders, is excited to announce a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to promote economic opportunity and industrial growth. As a result of the collaboration and advocacy by the M-Zone Coalition, the Department of City Planning, incorporated crucial text amendments that create several new manufacturing districts (\u201cM\u201d districts) into its Zoning for Economic Opportunity (ZEO) proposal released today. <\/p>\n
When first announced earlier this year, ZEO focused entirely on the city\u2019s commercial districts. The proposal now also includes the creation of new “M\u201d districts, which are instrumental in safeguarding and fostering the core industrial sectors. This development marks the first time in over six decades that the Department of City Planning has undertaken such comprehensive zoning changes for manufacturing zones. The proposed new \u201cM\u201d districts would create a new framework for land use in industrial areas, with a \u201cCore Industrial District\u201d that prioritizes preservation of essential industrial businesses, a \u201cTransition District\u201d to support an active and sustained mix of industrial and commercial uses, and a more flexible \u201cGrowth District\u201d to encourage development of new loft-style buildings in areas closest to transit and residential communities. These new districts would replace the existing 1961-era \u201cM\u201d districts over time through future rezonings, alongside comprehensive planning for industrial areas that will be required by the City Council\u2019s forthcoming \u201cIndustrial Development Action Plan\u201d legislation (Int 1012).<\/a><\/p>\n While the proposed text amendments to create these new M districts represent a positive starting point, they require meaningful further refinement to fully protect and incentivize industrial activities within the city. Specifically, the Core Industrial District and the Transition District must be strengthened to more effectively prioritize industrial businesses. The M-Zone Coalition will continue to actively work with the Department of City Planning to ensure that the new M districts align with the shared vision of supporting and preserving industrial vitality.<\/p>\n The M-Zone Coalition recognizes the significance of New York\u2019s industrial sector, which forms the bedrock of the city\u2019s daily functioning. Industries such as food distribution, construction materials, energy production, waste management, and manufacturing are essential components of the city’s infrastructure, supporting the city\u2019s businesses and economy, driving economic growth, and providing over 500,000 sustainable living-wage employment opportunities for the local workforce, particularly individuals from diverse backgrounds.<\/p>\n \u201cExpanding access to equitable economic opportunities is critical to safe and healthy communities, and for our city\u2019s long-term recovery,\u201d<\/em> said Speaker Adrienne Adams. \u201cIn my State of the City address, which focused on building more pathways to economic mobility, I outlined important steps our city can take to cultivate a renewed industrial sector that promotes these outcomes by providing good-paying jobs for all New Yorkers. I\u2019m encouraged that the initial City of Yes for Economic Opportunity proposal includes some zoning changes that can support industrial businesses and manufacturing. The Council will continue its work with all stakeholders to advance necessary zoning and economic development policies that help achieve our shared goal of strengthening the sector’s role in supporting our economy and clean energy goals.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The ZEO citywide text amendment proposal is a crucial opportunity to create new land use tools that address the challenges posed by the changing industrial landscape, foster green energy initiatives, and support a thriving, equitable city. The M-Zone Coalition is committed to ensure that the industrial sector benefits from the ambitious reforms included within the administration\u2019s \u201cCity of Yes\u201d vision. A collaborative approach will be essential in achieving the most robust version of this initiative.<\/p>\n ###<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" New York City, October 30 \u2013 Today, the Department of City Planning kicked off the public review process for Mayor Adams\u2019 City of Yes for Economic Opportunity citywide text amendment. The M-Zone Coalition, a dedicated group of Council Members and Borough President’s working with advocates, businesses and community leaders, is excited to announce a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to promote economic opportunity and industrial growth.<\/p>\n …<\/p>\n