Queens Borough President hosts hearing on City of Yes For Housing Opportunity: Residents voice support and opposition for rezoning proposal

Samir Lavingia, campaign coordinator of Open New York, a pro-housing nonprofit, believes the rezoning policy is the answer to the city’s housing shortage crisis. “Evictions have increased, asking rents have skyrocketed and newly issued building permits have plummeted. The City of Yes for Housing Opportunity offers a once-in-a-generation chance to reverse these trends,” Lavingia said.  He added that the policy is critical to Queens, bringing more housing opportunities, income-restricted workforce housing and backyard cottages providing critical revenue for homeowners. “The zoning changes will not destroy neighborhoods. They are smart, relatively minor changes and far less dramatic than zoning changes implemented in other states.” he said.

Vishnu Reddy, a Sunnyside resident, said that the rezoning policy will expand beyond a “one size fits all cookie-cutter approach that forces people into narrow housing options.” Reddy added that the proposal will allow Queens residents to support multi-generational family living through ADUs and support local businesses by building apartments on commercial corridors.