{"id":2885,"date":"2025-05-28T11:14:35","date_gmt":"2025-05-28T15:14:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/press\/?p=2885"},"modified":"2025-05-28T14:39:32","modified_gmt":"2025-05-28T18:39:32","slug":"new-york-city-council-releases-community-planning-framework-to-advance-housing-and-neighborhood-development-efforts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/press\/2025\/05\/28\/2885\/","title":{"rendered":"New York City Council Releases Community Planning Framework to Advance Housing and Neighborhood Development Efforts"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Framework is critical tool to build local support necessary to confront housing crisis<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>City Hall, NY \u2013<\/strong> Today, the New York City Council released its Community Planning Framework as a tool to help achieve successful land use outcomes that confront the housing crisis and other citywide and neighborhood needs through more intentional planning at the local level within communities. First introduced by Speaker Adrienne Adams in her <a href=\"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/state-of-the-city-2025\/\">2025 State of the City address,<\/a> the Framework seeks to facilitate earlier and more inclusive community planning that secures better housing and neighborhood development outcomes for the city and New Yorkers. It is intended as a guide for Council Members, city agencies, potential land use applicants, and community stakeholders to undertake planning processes that foster successful outcomes, offering strategies for community engagement and proactive efforts to define collective goals and advance development plans with local support. Several neighborhood development plans, including the Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan and the Bronx Metro North Stations rezoning, have already successfully utilized this framework for the approval of over 11,000 housing units.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIntentionally proactive community planning that engages a broad and fully representative set of neighborhood voices is critical to advancing housing solutions and local investments that combat the housing crisis and benefit all New Yorkers,\u201d said <strong>Speaker Adrienne Adams<\/strong>. \u201cThis Community Planning Framework can help guide our city towards successful land use outcomes that meet the needs of our diverse communities, and it has already been implemented to deliver these benefits, most recently in the Bronx and Brooklyn. The city\u2019s housing crisis demands an array of strategies, and this framework offers concrete tools to achieve support for shared goals through planning. This Council will continue to advance the housing and neighborhood development solutions that New Yorkers deserve.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read the full Community Planning Framework <a href=\"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/press\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/05\/Speaker_CommunityPlanningFramework_Report-052825.pdf\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Community Planning Framework builds on past efforts by Speaker Adams to address the City\u2019s housing crisis, including her <a href=\"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/speaker-adams-planning-toolkit-and-housing-agenda\/\">Planning and Land Use Toolkit<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/housing-agenda-to-confront-the-citys-crisis\/\">Housing Agenda<\/a> that outlines steps to develop and preserve more housing of all types, including more deeply affordable housing, supportive housing, and homeownership. Collectively, these efforts address the citywide planning challenges facing New York, such as the need to increase housing production, affordability, and equity, while also identifying ways in which projects can be shaped to better serve citywide and local community needs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Framework is built on the following core principles:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Expanding participation and input from more diverse stakeholders at the neighborhood level, including those experiencing housing insecurity, instead of limiting participation to those who are most often empowered in traditional public engagement processes.<\/li>\n<li>Conducting engagement through both traditional and non-traditional venues and outlets.<\/li>\n<li>Balancing local input with considerations of long-term citywide goals and needs that must be fairly addressed by all communities.<\/li>\n<li>Elevating the role of planning for communities and the entire city beyond specific projects and initiatives.<\/li>\n<li><a>Engaging<\/a> with local Council Members and stakeholders well before the start of any review process to offer opportunities for meaningful input.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Various Council Members and Districts have already applied these strategies to major rezoning efforts. Examples include:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/press\/2025\/05\/12\/2865\/\"><strong>The Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan (AAMUP)<\/strong><\/a> proposes to rezone the area around Atlantic Avenue from Putnam Ave to Bergen Street in Council Members Crystal Hudson and Chi Osse\u2019s districts. Building on proposals initially developed by Brooklyn Community Board 8, the Department of City Planning (DCP) collaborated closely with the Council Members on an intensive six-month engagement process that resulted in a detailed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nyc.gov\/assets\/planning\/download\/pdf\/plans-studies\/atlantic-avenue-mixed-use\/2023-community-prioritites-report-final.pdf\">Community Vision and Priorities Report<\/a>. The recommendations from the report <a>guided<\/a> a neighborhood rezoning plan implemented by DCP. Public review began in October 2024, about one year after the report was published, and the final plan was approved by the City Council\u2019s Land Use Committee and Zoning Subcommittee on May 12, 2025, and is slated for a vote by the full Council today. This project will deliver 4,600 new units of housing, approximately 1,900 of which will be permanently affordable \u2013 more affordable housing units than have been built in the area over the entire previous decade. The Council also negotiated commitments from the mayoral administration to invest $215 million in tenant and homeowner protections, park and playground renovations, street and public space improvements, and other economic development and infrastructure enhancements.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The Bronx Metro-North\/Parkchester Visioning Workshop, <\/strong>held by the Council and Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson in 2023, collected additional feedback regarding two separate proposals for new mixed-use development coming to Parkchester as part of the larger Bronx Metro-North Area Study (BMNS) rezoning, along Tremont Avenue and around a potential Metro-North station at Van Nest Park. This workshop educated and consulted community members about development trade-offs, which resulted in clear feedback about their values and priorities. The Council\u2019s Planning and Land Use division compiled the feedback, which guided conversations between the Council Member and development teams during the ULURP process. As part of the agreement, the Council successfully negotiated commitments from the mayoral administration to invest $498.5 million in improvements to parks, playgrounds, schools, streets, and other infrastructure for the surrounding neighborhoods. The Council negotiated rezoning, <a href=\"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/press\/2024\/08\/15\/2684\/\">approved in August 2024<\/a>, will create nearly 7,000 new units of housing, including up to 500 units for homeownership opportunities.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/press\/2017\/11\/21\/1549\/\"><strong>The East Harlem Neighborhood Plan<\/strong><\/a> helped to successfully rezone areas of the Park Avenue, Lexington Avenue, Third Avenue, Second Avenue, and East 116th Street corridors through a process of deliberate coordination between several city agencies, former Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and Council Member Bill Perkins in 2017. This plan highlighted priorities of the existing residents of East Harlem to better guide the City\u2019s development of the neighborhood rezoning proposal. Areas of focus for community members included arts and culture, schools, workforce development, transportation, and accommodations for seniors. The plan informed DCP&#8217;s neighborhood rezoning proposal and commitment package. The final neighborhood rezoning, approved in November 2017, resulted in the creation of over 1,200 affordable housing units and over $220 million of investments in affordable homes, public housing, open space, and economic development.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Council, under Speaker Adams since 2022, has prioritized the advancement of housing solutions by approving land use applications that create over 120,000 new units of housing, more than 50% of which are affordable, and securing over $8 billion in additional housing-related investments. These include the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity citywide zoning reforms with the Council\u2019s City for All housing plan, as well as the AAMUP and Bronx Metro North rezonings and InnovationQNS \u2013 the largest privately developed affordable housing project in the history of Queens.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWith the support of Speaker Adams, I implemented the very first district-wide community planning framework during my first year in office \u2014 the District 35 Land Use Framework \u2014 and I\u2019m proud that, under the speaker\u2019s leadership, community-led planning will now expand citywide,\u201d said<strong> Council Member Crystal Hudson.<\/strong> \u201cBy centering residents and actively surveying their needs and preferences around land use and development, we have secured more affordable units than my district has seen in over a decade. When we tackle the goals of building affordable housing, strengthening infrastructure, and improving public space by centering our communities, we can build stronger and more equitable neighborhoods \u2014 block by block. The Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan (AAMUP) is proof of that, shaped by years of sustained community engagement.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe Community Planning Framework reflects a necessary shift toward deeper, more inclusive engagement in the way we plan our neighborhoods. As Chair of the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises, I know how vital it is to center resident voices early and often in land use decisions,\u201dsaid <strong>Council Member Kevin C. Riley, Chair of the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises.<\/strong> \u201cThis Framework provides the structure to ensure that our citywide goals\u2014like affordable housing, economic opportunity, and infrastructure equity\u2014are advanced in partnership with the communities most impacted. It\u2019s not just about building more\u2014it\u2019s about building smarter, more collaboratively, and more equitably.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAs our city reckons with a housing crisis, climate crisis, and deepening inequities, we must center diverse community voices in the policy and planning decisions that will shape our future,\u201d said <strong>Council Member Pierina Sanchez, Chair of the Committee on Housing and Buildings<\/strong>. \u201cThe Community Planning Framework affirms a deep faith in New Yorkers \u2014 faith that, when equipped with the right tools, when treated with respect by their government, our neighbors can be invaluable partners in planning for a more just and caring city. I want to commend Speaker Adams and the Planning and Land Use Division for modeling this collaborative approach, which will empower New Yorkers who are traditionally excluded from development decisions. I sincerely hope that this Framework will serve as a useful guide for community groups, government partners, and Council Members for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cLeadership in land use means being intentional, listening early, and bringing community voices to the forefront,\u201d said <strong>Council Member Dr. Nantasha Williams<\/strong>. \u201cIn Southeast Queens, I\u2019ve been clear: development must reflect the voices and needs of the people who live here. That\u2019s why over the last two years we created a community steering committee, hosted town halls, walked the blocks, door knocked, sent robo calls, listened closely, and worked to ensure the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan was shaped by residents from the start. I\u2019ve also called on the Mayor to establish a dedicated task force for the Jamaica Plan to ensure long-term engagement, oversight, and accountability as this plan moves forward. By planning early, setting clear goals, and inviting meaningful community input, we\u2019ve created a path forward that not only addresses the city\u2019s housing needs but does so in a way that centers local priorities and delivers real, lasting value for our neighborhoods.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe Coney Island Avenue Neighborhood Planning Study is an opportunity to shape land use in a way that meaningfully addresses our city\u2019s housing crisis while also honoring the unique needs and character of our neighborhoods,\u201d said <strong>Council Member Rita Joseph<\/strong>. \u201cI am proud to see this study move forward; because intentional, community-driven planning is how we make real progress together. Thoughtful planning leads to real solutions, ones that create affordable housing, support local businesses, and strengthen our communities for generations to come. I look forward to working with Council Member Hanif, a steadfast partner in this work. Together, we\u2019re committed to building a more just and inclusive Brooklyn.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAs the Coney Island Avenue Neighborhood Planning study moves forward, I\u2019m committed to ensuring it reflects the needs of our rent-burdened, climate-vulnerable community,\u201d said <strong>Council Member Shahana Hanif<\/strong>. \u201cThis corridor faces real displacement pressure, and we have a chance to act boldly. I look forward to employing the principles of the Community Planning Framework with the Speaker, Council Member Joseph, and the Department of City Planning to shape a plan that delivers deeply affordable housing and strengthens stormwater infrastructure.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">###<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><em>Framework is critical tool to build local support necessary to confront housing crisis<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>City Hall, NY \u2013<\/strong> Today, the New York City Council released its Community Planning Framework as a tool to help achieve successful land use outcomes that confront the housing crisis and other citywide and neighborhood needs through more intentional planning at the local level within communities.<\/p>\n<p>&#8230;<\/p>\n<p><strong><small><a href=\"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/press\/2025\/05\/28\/2885\/\">READ MORE<\/a><\/small><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":274,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2885","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2885","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/274"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2885"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2885\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2885"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2885"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2885"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}