NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of City Planning (DCP) director and City Planning Commission (CPC) chair Dan Garodnick have celebrated the CPC’s vote in favor of the “City of Yes for economic opportunity,” a set of citywide zoning changes that will further fuel New York city’s economic recovery and pave the way for a more inclusive future.
The 18 proposed, together, changes will help businesses find space and grow, support entrepreneurs and freelancers, boost growing industries, and enable more vibrant streetscapes and commercial corridors.
City of Yes for economic opportunity is the second of the Adams administration’s three “city of yes” initiatives — the first being “City of Yes for carbon neutrality,” and the third being “City of yes for housing opportunity.”
“To continue driving New York City’s economic recovery forward, we must look to the future and not be bound by the past,” said Mayor Adams.
“So many of our old zoning rules simply made no sense, but ‘city of yes for economic opportunity’ will deliver long-overdue, sensible zoning changes that will unlock family-sustaining jobs for our neighbors, inclusive growth in our communities, and a vibrant future for our city.
New York City isn’t coming back — we are back, and ‘city of yes for economic opportunity’ will help take us to new heights,” he added.
“Today’s city planning commission vote in favor of ‘city of yes for economic opportunity’ is an important step towards creating a more dynamic and prosperous future for New York City,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer.
“The zoning of 1961 is not serving the needs of 2024, and replacing outdated regulations with clear and sensible rules will help boost small businesses, growing industries, and commercial corridors. We look forward to working with our partners in the City Council to advance this important proposal and help sustain our economic recovery into the years ahead.”
“New York City’s entrepreneurs, small businesses, and commercial corridors have been held back for too long by outdated zoning rules,” said CPC chair and DCP Director Garodnick.
“With ‘city of yes for economic opportunity,’ we’re bringing these rules into the 21st century so they reflect how people and businesses work today. Thanks to today’s vote by the city planning commission, we’re one step closer towards setting New York City’s economy on a more vibrant and prosperous path.”
“We are proud to support the ‘city of yes for economic opportunity’ by redesigning our streets to not only support critical housing needs, but also small businesses with elements like outdoor dining, open streets, new plazas, and bike and bus lanes — all of which have shown to help businesses thrive,” said New York city department of transportation commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez.
“When we build welcoming streets that people want to visit, spend time on, and shop through, everybody wins.”
“As the agency charged with enforcing the city’s zoning resolution, we are glad to see the city planning commission agrees that the status quo can be overhauled to support small businesses without negatively impacting the quality of life for New Yorkers,” said New York city department of buildings commissioner Jimmy Oddo.
“‘City of yes for economic opportunity’ greatly enhances this administration’s ability to ensure all New Yorkers have multiple ways to access healthy, affordable, and culturally appropriate food,” said Mayor’s Office of Food policy executive director Kate MacKenzie.
“These zoning changes will open opportunity for many food businesses to operate in commercial corridors and update rules to enable current businesses to thrive. ‘city of yes’ will result in a stronger food system that’s sustainable now and into the future.”
“CPC’s approval of the ‘city of yes for economic opportunity’ is a win for New York city-based urban agriculture and food entrepreneurs,” said Mayor’s Office of Urban Agriculture executive director Qiana Mickie.
“These zoning changes will open pathways for small-scale producers and clean manufacturers who process value-added food products in commercial districts. Increasing healthy food access production is good for small businesses and New Yorkers.”
