Proposals include expedited pathways for affordable housing approvals and procedures for large projects to bypass local City Council opposition. Mandatory Inclusionary Housing projects in the least affordable districts can expect a review period cut to 90 days. Appeal processes for unsuccessful rezonings involve a panel of key city officials, which could motivate Council members to negotiate more effectively. Borough presidents may recommend project downsizing, potentially limiting the success of appeals, though supportive leadership could bolster development efforts significantly.
The first fast track would be for Mandatory Inclusionary Housing projects in the 12 community districts that produced the least affordable housing in the previous five years, which I would call the Dirty Dozen.
The review for such projects would be 90 days, ending with the City Planning Commission, not the City Council.
Appeals would be heard by a three-member panel including the City Council speaker, the relevant borough president and the mayor.
The very prospect of being overturned could persuade a local City Council member to negotiate in good faith, rather than lose control of the process.
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