A Rare Win for Affordable Housing

New York City took a concrete step toward easing its housing crisis this week with the groundbreaking of Bronx Haven—a $400 million, 100% affordable housing development in Mott Haven. The project will bring 1,200 units for low- and middle-income families, with rents starting as low as $500/month for those who qualify.

Key Details of the Project

• 📍 Location: 800 East 138th St, South Bronx

• 🏗️ Developers: NYC Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) and Bronx Pro Group

• 💰 Income Targets:

  • 30% of units for households earning ≤ $30,000/year (30% AMI)

  • 50% of units for households earning $50,000–$70,000/year (60–80% AMI)

  • 20% of units reserved for seniors (Section 8 vouchers accepted)

• ✅ Amenities:

  • On-site childcare center

  • Solar panels and green roofs

  • 10,000 sq ft of retail space prioritizing local businesses

Why This Project Stands Out

• 100% affordable in a high-cost area: Mott Haven rents have surged 40% since 2020. This project helps prevent displacement.

• Faster timeline-Approved under City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, allowing it to break ground in 18 months instead of the typical 3–5 years.

• Labor protections-All construction jobs pay union wages. 25% of workers will be Bronx residents.

The Bigger Picture: NYC’s Housing Crisis

• Shortage: NYC needs over 560,000 more affordable units (NYU Furman Center)

• Recent wins:

  • $2.2 billion in the 2024 city budget for affordable housing (a record high)

  • New laws passed: Good Cause Eviction, basement apartment legalization

• Ongoing challenges: NIMBY lawsuits, rising construction costs, and expiring affordability covenants

Reactions

• Advocates: “Proof that 100% affordable projects can happen.” — Cea Weaver, Housing Justice for All

• Critics: “Still a drop in the bucket.” — Member, Community Board 1

• Tenants: “I’ve been on a waitlist for 7 years. This gives me hope.” — Maria R., Bronx resident

What’s Next

• Construction start: August 2024

• Phase 1 completion: Late 2026

• How to apply: Housing lottery opens early 2025 via NYC Housing Connect

A Major Shift for NYC Governance

Key Proposals Approved

• Ranked-Choice Voting Expansion

  • Would extend RCV to more citywide elections

  • Goal: Reduce polarization and ensure majority-supported winners

  • Potential impact: Less influence from extreme candidates, more coalition-building

• Mayoral Power Rebalance

  • Certain executive powers—especially in budgeting and emergencies—may shift to the City Council

  • Debate: Could slow crisis response vs. curbing executive overreach

• Ethics and Transparency Upgrades

  • Tougher lobbying rules

  • Expanded disclosure requirements for public officials

  • Creation of a public contract-tracking database

• Police Oversight Changes

  • Adjustments to the civilian complaint review process

  • Details still being debated

Why This Vote Matters

• Direct impact on daily life: Could affect how elections are run, how money is spent, and who makes decisions during crises

• National relevance: NYC governance trends often influence other major cities

• Ballot in November: Voters will decide; advocacy campaigns are already underway

Reactions from Stakeholders

• Supporters: Civic groups and watchdogs call the reforms “long overdue”

• Opponents: Some mayoral allies warn the changes could cause “gridlock”

• Undecided: Many residents are just starting to hear about the proposals

What’s Next

• Public hearings: More community input will shape final wording

• Ballot prep: Proposals will be turned into clear yes/no referendum questions

Read full article here: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/21/nyregion/charter-revision-commission-vote.html

Opponents Challenge NYC’s "City of Yes" Zoning Plan in Legal Battle

New York City’s ambitious "City of Yes" zoning overhaul—designed to boost housing, sustainability, and small businesses—is facing fierce legal pushback from critics who argue it oversteps local control and could harm neighborhood character.

Why Are Opponents Suing?

A coalition of community groups and local leaders filed a legal challenge, claiming:

1. Loss of Local Voice – Critics argue the plan bypasses community input, giving too much power to city planners.

2. Overdevelopment Fears – Some neighborhoods worry about increased density, parking shortages, and strained infrastructure.

3. Legal Overreach – Opponents claim the plan violates state zoning laws by overriding local land-use decisions.

What Happens Next?

The lawsuit could delay or force revisions to the plan, which was set to roll out in phases starting this year. If upheld, it may set a precedent for how much control NYC has over zoning changes.

The Big Picture: This fight highlights the tension between progress and preservation—can NYC modernize its zoning without alienating residents? Stay tuned as the legal battle unfolds!

What do you think? Should NYC push forward with "City of Yes," or should communities have more say? Drop your thoughts below!