REMARKS
Modifications to Transit Oriented Development (TOD) in low density districts
0:12:37
·
3 min
Council Member Kevin Riley outlines the modifications to the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) aspect of the City of Yes proposal. The changes aim to address concerns about compatibility with existing neighborhoods and commuting patterns.
- Single-family zone districts are removed from TOD areas
- TOD area is reduced from a half-mile to a quarter-mile radius for certain train stations
- Changes reflect the reality of commuting patterns and accessibility in different parts of the city
Kevin Riley
0:12:37
The reform proposes to allow 3 to 5 story developments in low density communities.
0:12:42
To qualify for TOD, a site must be 5,000 square feet in lot area and on a wide street or short block and within a half of a mile of a mass transit station.
0:12:53
While this is an important tool to add housing to low density neighborhoods, it should also be mapped where the train line and stations are designed to accommodate are designed to accommodate commuters.
0:13:07
It should also consider where people in each community are working and how people are commuting to their jobs.
0:13:15
Besides looking at commuting patterns, the shape, size, and density of the proposed new development should also be compatible with the surrounding homes.
0:13:25
Our modifications are based on these considerations.
0:13:28
First, we are removing single family zone districts from TOD areas.
0:13:33
Because the area restricted to single family homes were not planned for 3 to family story buildings.
0:13:40
One family home districts represent less than 15% of the city's land area, and they are scattered in small areas throughout the city.
0:13:51
They are a valuable resource to the city in terms of maintaining a diversity of housing choices for New Yorkers.
0:13:57
For some household, having access to a yard, a garage, and owning a piece of land is an important goal, and we do not want to drive away these New Yorkers.
0:14:07
New York City has been defined by different types of neighborhoods for over 2 centuries, and we want to maintain the unique aspect of the city.
0:14:16
Apartment buildings are more appropriate building type in 2 and multifamily districts, which are intended and designed for bigger buildings and more density.
0:14:25
2nd, we are reducing the TOD area toward the end of the l I, double r, and the Metro North stations from a half a mile radius to a quarter mile radius.
0:14:35
This change reflects the reality of how people commute.
0:14:38
The ability to commute using public transportation is not the same throughout New York City.
0:14:44
All the subway and regional lines are not the same and do not provide the same type of access.
0:14:49
Where we reduce the TOD area, the existing community patterns and the cost and the frequency of the trains are different than mass transit station stations.
0:14:59
The trains are less frequent, the cost of a ticket exceeds subway fares, and many families who live in these areas do not simply commute by train into Manhattan, downtown Brooklyn, or Long Island City for work.
0:15:12
Families in these areas are much more car dependent to access jobs scattered throughout the city and surrounding counties.
0:15:19
In the 50 sixties, the city decided to place public housing and working class homes in places that were not easily accessible.
0:15:27
This was not only discriminatory, but a total failure.
0:15:31
Under my watch, I would not encourage housing in any place that are not accessible to jobs and essential services for everyday New Yorkers.
