Friends Of The Upper East Side Historic Districts: Advocacy Alert: Say NO To Lifting The Cap

Upper East Side NY

09 February, 2022

3:25 PM

Description

Press release from Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts: February 9, 2022 For the third time in recent years, there is a fast-moving proposal at the State level to lift the longstanding cap on residential development in New York City. Lifting the 12 FAR (Floor Area Ratio) cap in the State's Multiple Dwelling Law would potentially unleash a flood of development rights that are likely to yield more supertall superluxury development, displace existing affordable units, and threaten livability in neighborhoods across the City. It is imperative that we tell our State Legislators NO on lifting the 12 FAR cap before lawmakers' deadline for budget priorities next week. Please use the form below to make this point to Governor Hochul, Albany legislators, and their companion representatives at the City level. Governor Hochul has included lifting the cap in the State budget in order to give the City "authority to encourage densification," and has linked it to creation of affordable housing. However, there is no evidence that increased density alone yields affordability, and many City neighborhoods are extremely dense already. The Upper East Side is already the densest community in the country. And the 1,000+ foot tall supertalls of Billionaire's Row/57th Street were built under just 10 FAR zoning. Put simply, 12 FAR buildings are tall, expensive buildings that are the opposite of affordable. Removing the cap entirely would literally lift the lid on supersize, ultra-luxury residential development across New York City, and put further strain on already taxed neighborhood infrastructure. Lawmakers need to hear from you now. Please use our pre-filled form below, or write your own emails today. This press release was produced by Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts. The views expressed here are the author's own.