Home > News > Removing State Cap Won’t Produce More Affordable Housing

Removing State Cap Won’t Produce More Affordable Housing

The Conservancy told a November 26th State Assembly hearing on Affordable Housing Development that there is no evidence that removing the existing State cap on the size of residential buildings will produce more affordable housing. But it would leave neighborhoods across the City vulnerable to enormous new construction. Read our testimony.

The joint hearing of the Housing and City Committees was labeled “informational.” Committee Members said they are not considering any proposal currently. The City has tried to remove the State cap twice before in the name of “affordability” with no public notice or hearings. So the hearing was welcome.

We said raising the cap should be the last step to be considered. The City first needs a detailed plan outlining specific areas where the larger buildings would be suitable, not a citywide approach. Historic Districts should be excluded. We also need time to understand how recent City upzonings have impacted neighborhoods in terms of displacement and the loss of currently affordable units. The Conservancy wants to prevent real estate giveaways in the name of affordability.

Support Us

Donate

Your donation helps us expand our reach and be your voice for preservation.

Make A Donation

Become A Member

Join the Conservancy and be part of our mission to save New York’s extraordinary architectural heritage.

Join Us

Join Our Mailing List

Sign up to receive our free E-Newsletter, informative alerts, our monthly Mystery Landmark contest, and our monthly Tourist in Your Own Town video series.


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: New York Landmarks Conservancy. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact