(The Center Square) – Mayor Eric Adams signed several pieces of legislation as part of his “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” proposal, which aims to build new housing and address infrastructure needs, including sewers and flood prevention.
The Adams administration characterizes the legislation as the “most pro-housing zoning proposal” in the city’s history, claiming it “exceeds all the housing created from rezonings” during any administration in the last 50 years.
“‘City of Yes for Housing Opportunity’ is a watershed moment in our city history,” said the mayor. “Our city met the moment in front of us, passing legislation that will allow us to build 80,000 new homes while investing $5 billion in critically-needed infrastructure and housing. The bill signing is another step in the right direction, but our work is far from over. Our administration will continue the work of fighting for more affordable housing, providing stable housing to our unhoused neighbors in need.”
The legislation includes establishing a basement and cellar-dwelling unit legalization program in certain community districts, allowing building owners to apply for authorization for temporary residence for units before April 20 of this year.
A bulk of the legislation addresses safety, security and paves the way for improvements and updates made to certain properties, especially those considered low-income.
The legislation includes plans to prevent sewer backup and conduct updates every five years. It adopts an interim flood risk area map that addresses inland and coastal flooding, including areas at risk of a 10-year flood and coastal storm surge during a 100-year storm. The maps would take into account rising sea level predictions.
To date, the Adams administration has committed $26 billion in housing capital as part of a 10-year plan to address the housing shortage.
