NYC Approves $5B Housing Plan Amid Concerns

The New York City Council has passed Mayor Eric Adams' 'City of Yes' housing plan with a 31-20 vote, aiming to create 80,000 new housing units over 15 years to address the city's housing crisis. The $5 billion plan, marking the first major rezoning effort in six decades, promises infrastructure upgrades and legalizes certain dwelling units, although some provisions were scaled back due to opposition from council members representing outer boroughs. Governor Kathy Hochul has pledged $1 billion in state funding to support the housing initiative. The plan's approval follows a reduction in the projected number of new housing units from 100,000 to 80,000 after negotiations. Despite the modifications, concerns persist among Queens lawmakers about overdevelopment and infrastructure strain. In contrast, Pittsburgh is debating a zoning law change to promote affordable housing, highlighting different city approaches to similar challenges.