The New York City Council on Thursday approved a sweeping rezoning plan for Midtown South, marking the first major use of the “City of Yes” initiative aimed at tackling the city’s affordability crisis.
First Use of “City of Yes” Land-Use Initiative
The Midtown South Mixed-Use (MSMX) plan will allow residential construction on 42 blocks between West 23rd and 40th Streets and Fifth and Eighth Avenues. The project is expected to create over 9,500 homes, including more than 2,800 rent-regulated affordable units.
Manhattan Council Member Erik Bottcher, whose district includes part of Midtown South, called the vote a turning point in addressing the city’s housing shortage.
“This is what it looks like when people come together to solve complex problems and really deliver the housing and other benefits our city needs,” Bottcher said.
Housing, Transit, and Economic Benefits
The plan includes more than just housing. It paves the way for a new car-free busway along 34th Street to ease congestion, and allocates $122 million to support Garment District businesses.
City Planning Commission Director Dan Garodnick said the rezoning will breathe life into Manhattan’s housing market and create new opportunities for younger New Yorkers.
“With this plan, we’re making that dream a reality again in Midtown South,” Garodnick said.
Support from City Leaders
The MSMX plan won strong backing from Bottcher, Council Member Keith Powers, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, and Mayor Eric Adams. The mayor highlighted that Midtown South has long been an employment hub, but it has lacked sufficient housing.
“Today, we are changing that as we create a more affordable Manhattan where families can live, work, and play,” Adams said.
With this rezoning, the Adams administration says it has exceeded its target of permitting 100,000 new housing units through rezoning and text amendments, assuming the City of Yes initiative delivers its projected 82,000 homes over the next 15 years.
A Win for Workers and Future Generations
Labor leaders, including Richard Maroko, President of the Hotels and Gaming Trade Council, called the rezoning a victory for working New Yorkers.
Bottcher added that the plan reflects the city’s duty to future residents.
“Our mission is to do everything we can to make New York City even better,” he said. “That includes addressing the housing crisis, public space, infrastructure, the arts, fashion, culture, and so much more.”
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