KGCA Opposes “Planning Together”
In December 2020, City Speaker Corey Johnson released a plan to radically change the City’s land use planning and zoning process. This plan will change what type of buildings can be constructed on residential blocks. There was no prior input or information from community boards prior to the report’s release.
Only one City Council hearing was held on February 23, 2021, further limiting community input. There is considerable opposition to the plan and the lack of community input.
The plan calls for
— Appointed Director of Long-term Planning with authority to set goals for city planning and rezoning
— Director and his office submits three plans for each community board (177 in all) for their review
— Community Boards select one of three plans, but choice can be overridden by Director
— Opinions of Community Boards and Borough Presidents are advisory only. Final decision rests with Director
— Rezoning to be citywide and includes mandatory upzoning
Mandatory upzoning is most likely to affect current low-density areas like Kew Gardens and could result in high-rises being built in the middle of a single family home block.