Kevin Riley Opens Subcommittee Meeting on Zoning for Economic Opportunity

Kevin Riley outlines the challenges and goals addressed in updating NYC's zoning regulations

0:03:55

6 min

Introduction and overview of City of Yes proposals

0:11:17

58 sec

The changing economy in NYC and outdated zoning

0:12:15

109 sec

Support for City of Yes and public review timeline

0:14:04

114 sec

Extensive community board engagement and modifications made

0:15:58

105 sec

How does zoning affect businesses?

0:17:44

86 sec

The four goals of the City of Yes economic opportunity proposal

0:19:12

72 sec

Proposal 1: Lift time limits on reactivating vacant storefronts

0:20:24

85 sec

Proposal 2: Simplify rules for business types allowed on commercial streets

0:21:50

3 min

Proposal 3: Expand opportunities for small-scale clean production

0:25:00

172 sec

Modifications to Proposal 3 based on community board feedback

0:27:52

62 sec

Proposal 4: Modernize loading dock rules

0:28:55

89 sec

Proposal 5 part 1: Allow commercial use on second floor in C1/C2 districts

0:30:24

3 min

Proposal 5 part 2: Allow commercial use above residential in some districts

0:33:24

165 sec

Modifications to Proposal 5 based on community feedback

0:36:10

81 sec

Proposal 6: Simplify and modernize business classifications in zoning

0:37:31

103 sec

Proposal 7: Clarify rules for indoor agriculture in commercial districts

0:39:14

89 sec

Proposal 8: Provide zoning clarity for life sciences labs

0:40:43

143 sec

Proposal 9: Allow dancing and entertainment in more venues

0:43:12

3 min

Proposal 10: Modernize zoning for amusement and recreation businesses

0:47:08

97 sec

Proposal 11: Update home occupation rules

0:48:45

6 min

Proposal 12: Improve commercial ground-floor design

0:55:07

24 sec

Proposal 13: Reduce conflicts between auto repairs and pedestrians

0:55:32

57 sec

Proposal 14: Allow micro-distribution centers in commercial districts

0:56:29

50 sec

Proposals 15-16: Discretionary approvals for businesses on large campuses and new corner stores

0:57:19

122 sec

Proposals 17: Zoning flexibility for business growth

0:59:22

54 sec

Proposal 18: New manufacturing districts for future job hubs

1:00:17

3 min

Addressing misinformation and concerns about the proposals

1:04:00

3 min

Summary of the impacts of the zoning proposals

1:07:51

51 sec

How has New York City's zoning resolution become so outdated?

1:09:19

48 sec

What plans does the Department of City Planning have to make zoning changes more accessible to communities in the future?

1:10:07

104 sec

What prompted the administration to undertake this zoning text amendment?

1:12:00

54 sec

What estimates does the Department of City Planning (DCP) have for how many new businesses or jobs might be generated by this proposal?

1:12:55

24 sec

What could the Department of City Planning have done differently to better engage with the community on this proposal, and will more resources be allocated for community engagement going forward?

1:13:21

129 sec

Did City Planning invite council members to community board meetings regarding proposals?

1:15:55

169 sec

How can the Department of Buildings improve enforcement with staffing challenges?

1:19:00

132 sec

How does the zoning proposal account for differences between densely urban areas and more suburban, residential areas like Staten Island?

1:21:35

4 min

Are community board and borough president approvals binding for the proposed "city of yes" zoning changes?

1:25:55

107 sec

Why did the Department of City Planning propose a large, citywide zoning change instead of smaller, targeted changes?

1:27:54

71 sec

What is the process for approving corner stores under proposal 15 & 16, and are community board votes on corner stores binding?

1:29:05

80 sec

How will increasing the floor area ratio (FAR) help address flooding issues in New York City, particularly in coastal communities?

1:30:27

31 sec

How will the proposed zoning changes protect residents from excessive noise if commercial uses are allowed on upper floors of residential buildings?

1:30:59

126 sec

How does the city's proposed zoning changes affect businesses that sell liquor, cannabis, or tobacco products?

1:33:18

46 sec

What are some of the issues and unintended consequences of allowing non-manufacturing uses in manufacturing districts through the growth district tool?

1:34:48

3 min

What are the impacts of allowing light manufacturing in commercial quarters on manufacturing businesses and zoning?

1:38:09

143 sec

What can be done to incentivize industrial development in transitional zones without mandating it?

1:40:32

137 sec

Will DCP commit to regulating last mile facilities and addressing their negative impacts on communities?

1:43:03

4 min

What is the city doing to incentivize the creation of new industrial space in the transition district?

1:47:42

161 sec

Council Member Avilés' concerns about auto body shops in her district and changes she would like to see

1:50:28

74 sec

What is the relationship between the proposed amusement regulations and the proposed new manufacturing zones?

1:52:17

3 min

What will the Department of City Planning (DCP) do to communicate the final zoning proposal to community boards, especially those that voted against the proposal?

1:55:45

151 sec

Council Member Sandy Nurse seeks more clarity around commercial use above residential

1:58:17

60 sec

What is the City Planning Commission's process for approving commercial uses in NYCHA properties, and can Council Members override community opposition to such uses?

1:59:48

3 min

How does the zoning amendment balance allowing bakeries and small artisan producers to expand while preventing heavier industrial uses like tobacco, metal, and pharmaceutical manufacturing in residential neighborhoods?

2:03:26

4 min

How will the city ensure home businesses comply with health and zoning regulations, and is the Department of Buildings adequately staffed for enforcement?

2:08:44

6 min

What is the new process for establishing small corner stores in NYC under the proposed zoning changes?

2:15:07

73 sec

How can the Department of City Planning better reach immigrant-owned small businesses and non-English speaking communities to inform them about proposed zoning changes?

2:16:21

118 sec

Lincoln Restler expresses broad support for the Department of City Planning's Recommendations

2:18:36

88 sec

What is the Department of City Planning's stance on requiring ground floor manufacturing and industrial uses in mixed-use commercial and manufacturing buildings to help incentivize industrial businesses?

2:20:04

41 sec

Is the Department of City Planning open to strengthening incentives for industrial spaces in transitional zones relative to commercial uses?

2:20:46

38 sec

What conversations has the Department of City Planning had with the Economic Development Corporation about offering financial incentives to industrial manufacturing businesses in transition zones?

2:21:24

70 sec

What is the Department of City Planning's approach to funding infrastructure improvements in neighborhoods being rezoned?

2:22:35

105 sec

What are the next steps to address truck traffic and last mile distribution centers in Red Hook and other saturated neighborhoods?

2:24:41

97 sec

Council Member Brewer's questions and concerns about the city planning proposal

2:26:31

7 min

Council Member Vickie Paladino voices concerns about City of Yes for Economic Opportunity

2:34:15

3 min

Are nail salons and other personal care businesses allowed to operate in residential districts under current NYC zoning rules?

2:38:20

160 sec

Why was the Cabaret Law repealed, and what challenges remain?

2:42:04

59 sec

Is it the case that businesses located within blocks of each other have totally different zoning restrictions?

2:43:06

26 sec

What is the process and cost for an individual business owner to change their business's zoning to be compliant with the law?

2:43:33

127 sec

What are the new proposals for public spaces with a capacity of up to 200 people?

2:45:40

86 sec

Where in Forest Hills is mixed commercial and residential use on the same floor already allowed?

2:47:48

26 sec

Lynn Schulman's concerns on enforcement of the City of Yes proposal

2:48:20

93 sec

Council Member Joann Ariola speaks against proposed zoning text amendments

2:50:54

3 min

What is the city planning department's stance on cabaret licenses and member deference in the proposed zoning changes?

2:54:32

4 min

Council Member Vickie Paladino opposes changes to zoning regulations

2:59:13

84 sec

What types of home-based businesses are currently allowed in New York City?

3:01:02

26 sec

What is the Department of City Planning doing to ensure the Department of Buildings has the resources to address complaints about home-based businesses under the expanded rules?

3:01:29

56 sec

Does the city currently track home-based businesses, and would a registration requirement help address illegal activity and enforcement concerns?

3:02:24

23 sec

What changes would proposal number 9 on nightlife make to what bars and restaurants are currently allowed to host?

3:02:48

74 sec

How does the NYC Office of Nightlife handle complaints about noise from local clubs and prevent them from operating late into the morning?

3:04:28

115 sec

Has the Department of City Planning considered modifying zoning regulations for eating and drinking establishments to address concerns about nightlife businesses disturbing families living above them?

3:06:23

40 sec

How will the proposed regulations requiring a special permit from the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) for new auto repair shops ensure these businesses fit into neighborhood retail corridors?

3:07:06

112 sec

How can the city ensure enforcement of new rules when existing regulations are often not enforced?

3:08:59

46 sec

What is the policy rationale for allowing indoor growth of cannabis in C1 and C2 overlay districts, and should cannabis cultivation be restricted in predominantly residential neighborhoods?

3:09:45

129 sec

How will the proposed urban design regulations for parking impact different areas of the city, including districts that rely more on cars?

3:11:54

118 sec

What is the rationale for setting the size limit for micro distribution centers at 2500 square feet in C1/C2 Districts?

3:13:53

47 sec

What is the Department of City Planning's approach to managing the impacts of concentrated truck deliveries from micro distribution centers on city blocks?

3:14:41

49 sec

Why were 'last mile' warehouses not addressed in the Department of City Planning's proposal?

3:15:30

82 sec

Why is the Department of City Planning (DCP) proposing authorizations instead of special permits for certain new approvals?

3:16:54

85 sec

Regarding the corner store authorization, are there any types of neighborhoods where a corner store might not be appropriate?

3:18:21

63 sec

Can people grow and sell marijuana from their homes without a license under the proposed zoning changes?

3:20:30

83 sec

George Janes, Urban Planner, on the Impact and Implications of New City Planning Commission Authorizations

3:31:54

119 sec

Vienna Levitson, Representative of the Ridgewood Property Owners And Civic Association on Opposing the Expansion of Business Use in Residences and Adjoining Commercial Areas in Ridgewood

3:33:59

163 sec

Alicia Boyd, Community Representative from the Movement to Protect the People (MTOPP), on NYC's Public Safety, Urban Development, and Governance Concerns

3:36:49

160 sec

Lucie Levine, Representative of the Historic Districts Council, on Concerns Over Zoning Text Amendments and Their Impact on Housing, Small Businesses, and Special Purpose Districts

3:39:35

134 sec

Vanessa Gibson, Bronx Borough President, on supporting the City of Yes Zoning Text Amendments

3:42:35

4 min

Mark Levine, Manhattan Borough President on updating NYC's 1961 zoning code to support modern businesses

3:47:06

5 min

Josh Nachowitz, Senior Vice President for Economic Development at the Alliance for Downtown New York, on supporting zoning reforms to encourage diverse and vibrant ground floor retail in downtown Manhattan

3:53:10

87 sec

Layla Passman on Zoning Amendments and Their Impact on Atlantic Avenue and NYCHA Residents

3:54:58

149 sec

Marcel Negret, Senior Planner at the Regional Plan Association, on Support for the City of Yes for Economic Opportunities Zoning Tax Amendment

3:57:33

131 sec

Tonisha Hurd, Representative for the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, on Endorsing the City of YesPlan

3:59:48

122 sec

Emily Goldstein, Director of Organizing and Advocacy at the Association for Neighborhood And Housing Development (ANHD), on Proposing Adjustments to the Manufacturing District Text Amendment

4:02:36

137 sec

Brenda Lau, Assistant Project Manager at Greenpoint Manufacturing And Design Center, on Proposed Modifications to the Manufacturing District Tax Amendment

4:04:57

116 sec

Paula Crespo, Senior Planner at the Pratt Center for Community Development, on Modifications to the City of Yes Economic Opportunity Text Amendment for New Manufacturing Districts

4:06:57

125 sec

Leah Archibald, Executive Director of Evergreen, on Proposed Improvements to New Manufacturing (M) Zoning Districts in NYC

4:09:09

108 sec

Jesse Solomon, Executive Director of Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation, on Modifications to New Manufacturing District Text Amendments

4:11:04

126 sec

Osagie Afe, Senior Manager of Business Assistance at Long Island City Partnership, on Support for the City of Yes for Economic Opportunity Zoning Amendments

4:14:39

130 sec

Carlo Casa on Support for the City of Yes for Economic Opportunity Initiative

4:17:02

124 sec

Council Member Kristy Marmorato expresses disapproval of City of Yes approach to economic development

4:20:20

79 sec

Ronda Wist, Board Member of Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts, on the City of Yes Initiative's Potential Impact on Residential Areas

4:22:22

122 sec

Jack Bolinbach, Representative of the Coalition of Civic Associations, on Opposing Zoning Changes in Residential Areas

4:24:33

152 sec

Charlene Jackson Mendez, Bronx Resident, on the 'City of Yes' Economic Development Plan's Impact on Local Communities

4:27:13

155 sec

Kevin Garcia, Senior Transportation Planner with the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance, on the Impact of Last Mile Warehouses on Communities of Color and the Need for Zoning Reform

4:29:58

122 sec

Maddie DeCerbo, Representative from the Real Estate Board of New York, on Support for the City of Yes for Economic Opportunity Initiative

4:32:52

137 sec

Christopher Leon Johnson on the 'City Yes' Initiative Favoring Developers Over Community Needs and Input

4:57:47

150 sec

Jeremiah Kane, Senior Vice President of Prologis, on Improving Micro Distribution Centers in Commercial Districts

5:00:43

137 sec

Geoff Marcus, Chairman of the Association of Electronic Music Producers and DJs (AEMPD), on Supporting Proposal 9 of the 'City of Yes' Initiative to Open More Venues for Dancing and DJing

5:03:08

91 sec

Jodi Stein, Land Use Attorney at Sheppard Mullin, on the Proposal for Micro Distribution Facilities

5:04:45

120 sec

Rachel Suna, Vice President of Silvercup Studios on Support for the 'City of Yes' Zoning Text Amendments to Generate Jobs in the Film and Television Industry

5:06:54

128 sec

What amendment proposal does Silvercup Studios prefer, and why?

5:09:08

49 sec

Greg Miller, Dancer on the Adverse Impact of the Cabaret Law on Marginalized Communities and the Need for its Reevaluation

5:10:44

165 sec

Sommay Jaijong, Owner of May Kaidee Vegan Thai Restaurant, on Zoning Changes to Allow Dancing and Promote Veganism

5:14:00

150 sec

Jerry Goldman, Chair of Dance Parade, on Repealing NYC's Racist and Restrictive Dance Laws

5:16:51

3 min

Claudia Valentino, President of the Forest Hills Community and Civic Association, on Opposition to the 'City of Yes' Zoning Proposals

5:22:12

145 sec

Mark Anderson, President of the Westerly Improvement Society, on the Negative Impacts of Proposed Zoning Changes on Staten Island Residential Neighborhoods

5:24:43

130 sec

Barbara McManara, Co-President of the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic Association on Opposition to the 'City of Yes' Text Amendment

5:27:02

97 sec

George Calderaro, Board Member of Six NYC Civic Organizations, on the 'City of Yes' Zoning Proposal's Negative Impact on NYC Communities

5:29:01

131 sec

Mark McNulty, DJ, on Proposal 9's Impact on Cultural Expression and Safety in NYC Nightlife

5:34:01

129 sec

Lauren Gashinsky, Small Business Owner and Artist, on Enhancing Equitable Urban Nightlife through Proposal 9

5:36:17

132 sec

Rae Moore, Senior Quality Research and Training Specialist at Safety Partners on Laboratory Safety and Compliance in New York City

5:40:08

127 sec

Robert Press, Member of the Public on City Planning's Lack of Community Board Approval for Housing and Rezoning Proposals

5:42:20

88 sec

Derek Pitts, Owner and Operator, Farm.One on Zoning Changes to Support Small Businesses

5:44:13

124 sec

Quincy Ely-Cate, Director of Industrial Business Development, Business Outreach Center Network on Economic Opportunities for New Manufacturing Districts

5:46:35

119 sec

Eva Hanhardt from the Collective for Community, Culture and the Environment on Zoning Updates and Economic Challenges

5:49:08

120 sec

Gina Caliendo, Bronx Resident on the Proposed Changes to the City of Yes Proposition

5:51:18

119 sec

Grace Marrero on Opposition to Rezoning Plans and Critique of Globalist Agendas in New York City

5:53:33

126 sec

Karen Argenti, Representative, Bronx Council for Environmental Quality on the Impact of Zoning Designations on Environment and Community

5:55:47

127 sec

Camelia Tepelus, Executive Director, Morris Park Business Improvement District on the City of Yes Initiative and Specific Concerns for the East Bronx

5:58:38

124 sec

Julie Stein on Supporting Economic Opportunity and Modernizing Union Square through City of Yes

6:00:50

124 sec

John Calcagnile, Land Use Chair of Queens Community Board 10, on the Zoning for Economic Opportunity text amendment modifications

6:03:44

129 sec

Phyllis Inserillo, Co-President, Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic Association on Opposing the City of Yes Economic Opportunity Tax Amendment

6:06:27

132 sec

Maria Caruso, Representative of Bronx Community Board 10, on Opposition to Economic Opportunity Portion of City of Yes Initiative

6:08:47

103 sec

Laura Spalter, Representative of Broadway Community Alliance, on Opposition to 'City of Yes for Economic Opportunity' Zoning Proposals

6:10:37

137 sec

Bernadette Ferrara, Bronx Resident, on the Negative Impacts of City Proposals on Low Density Communities

6:13:05

132 sec

Megan Fitzpatrick, Director of Preservation and Research at Landmark West, on Proposed Zoning Changes and Their Impact on New York's Commercial Spaces

6:15:54

125 sec

Paul Graziano on the Opposition to New York City's Zoning Proposal Package

6:18:11

126 sec

Joseph McAllister, President of the South Beach Civic Association, on Opposition to the 'City of Yes' Economic Opportunity Proposals

6:20:35

128 sec

Walter Mugdan, President, Westmoreland Civic Association, on Opposition to Zoning Changes Allowing Commercial Development in Residential Areas

6:24:37

127 sec

Ricardo Garcia, Representative, City Island Civic Association, on Concerns Over the Department of City Planning's City of Yes Initiative

6:26:57

133 sec

Rob Spalter, Co-chair of the Broadway Community Alliance, on the 'City of Yes' Zoning Proposals and Their Impact on North Rividia

6:29:21

129 sec

Phil Orenstein, President of the Queens Village Republican Club, on Opposing the 'City of Yes' Economic Expansion Proposals

6:31:44

124 sec

Yiatin Chu, President of Asian Wave Alliance, on 'City of Yes' Economic Package's Negative Impact

6:34:28

123 sec

Cathy Cebek, Board Member of the City Island Civic Association, on concerns about the citywide zoning text amendment and its impact on City Island

6:37:15

155 sec

Carol Donovan, President of Richmondtown & Clarke Avenue Civic Association on opposition to City of Yes proposal

6:40:05

123 sec

Frank Roman, Queens Resident on opposing the 'City of Yes' rezoning proposal

6:42:42

121 sec

Eileen Miller, Board Member of the Bayside Hill Civic Association, on the negative impacts of the City of Yes zoning text amendments on residential neighborhoods in Queens

6:45:27

117 sec

George Havernick on the City of New York's zoning plan

6:47:38

108 sec

Mario Buonviaggio, Vice President of the Port Richmond/North Shore Alliance, on opposition to the entirety of the proposed City of Yes zoning text amendments

6:49:44

134 sec

Lo van der Valk on Potential Changes to Retail Use Regulations on Madison Avenue

6:52:16

108 sec

Richard Moses on the City of Yes Special District Zoning Provision

6:54:39

119 sec

Phil Konigsburg, Vice President, Bay Terrace Community Alliance on Opposition to the City of Yes Proposal

6:56:46

75 sec

Laura Sewell, Director of The East Village Community Coalition, on Proposed City Policy Changes Impacting Commercial Vacancies and Affordable Housing

6:58:12

136 sec

Greg Morris, CEO, New York City Employment Training Coalition, on Modernizing Commercial Corridors and Zoning for Economic Recovery

7:00:43

118 sec

Henry Euler, President of the Auburndale Improvement Association, on Concerns About the City of Yes Economic Opportunity Proposal

7:05:11

96 sec

Agnes Pantina on the Impact of the City's Economic Opportunity Package on Staten Island's Zoning and Cannabis Policies

7:07:03

151 sec