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Mapping the Future

Mapping the Future investigates and explains the history, economics, politics and policies that shape the way land is used in the city of New York and beyond. It is supported by the Ford Foundation and the Neighborhoods First Fund.

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Must Reads

Pandemic Worsens Hard Road to Housing for Homeless New Yorkers with Health Needs

Many of the issues homeless new Yorkers with health problems face—abrupt transfers, inaccessible accommodations, shelters in isolated areas—existed long before the pandemic, but they have been laid bare as Mayor Bill de Blasio continues to pursue a summer-long effort to clear about 60 so-called “de-densification” hotels.
By David Brand
Sorry Sightseers, That NYC Landmark May be Covered by Scaffolding

Adi TalwarA view of scaffolding-clad Tom’s Restaurant at Broadway at 112th Street, used for the fictional Monk's Café in the television sitcom Seinfeld.
By David Brand
Here’s What the Supreme Court’s Latest Eviction Ruling Means for NYC

The ruling comes less than two weeks after the Supreme Court ended New York state’s ban on most evictions.
By David Brand
Opinion: Let’s Have a Compassionate Conversation About NYC Homelessness

'For every supportive housing slot there are six applications.
By Tori Lyon
Hochul Pledges to Speed Up Rent Relief, as $115 Million Contractor Struggles to Hit Benchmarks

The contract granted to outside firm Guidehouse to administer the beleaguered program has begun to attract scrutiny from lawmakers and good government groups, who have also questioned the hiring of a top Cuomo advisor for a high-level position at the company.
By David Brand
NYCHA Seeks to Recover $124 Million in COVID Rent Relief

More than 5,000 NYCHA tenants have so far applied for rental assistance through New York’s COVID relief fund, prompting state officials and the public housing agency to begin work on a streamlined submission process to cover tens of millions of dollars in pandemic-related arrears.
By David Brand
End of Eviction Freeze Could Mean Big Business for NYC’s Marshals

Two years ago, before COVID-19 arrived, New York City’s 35 then-marshals collectively took home almost $14 million in net income.
By David Brand
After Outcry, NYC Opens Emergency Housing Vouchers to More Homeless New Yorkers

The city's previous policy, which City Limits reported on last month, blocked adults approved for supportive housing—permanent apartments with on-site staff, typically reserved for people with mental illness—from even applying for the roughly 8,000 new rental subsidies.
By David Brand

The Neighborhoods

Click on a neighborhood to get news, documents, opinions and videos about that community.

Key

Proposal Anticipated

Proposal in Approval Process

Proposal Approved

Proposal Defeated or Withdrawn

Rezoning Status

Bay Street

Bushwick

Downtown Far Rockaway

East Harlem

East New York

Flushing West

Gowanus

Inwood

Jerome Avenue

Long Island City

Southern Boulevard

Sunset Park

Two Bridges/Chinatown

Upper West Side

Mapping the Future: Opinion

Opinion: A Truly Equitable SoHo/NoHo Rezoning Should Focus on More Housing, Not Office Space

The need for new housing, especially affordable, in these high-opportunity neighborhoods is much more acute than the need for more commercial space.
By Casey Berkovitz
Opinion: It’s Time to Make Housing Vouchers Universal

'What low-income renters and homeless New Yorkers really need is Section 8 for all: housing assistance offered as an entitlement for everyone who qualifies.'
By Jacquelyn Simone
Opinion: Every Level of Government Must Step Up to Address Family Homelessness

‘We need to strengthen the safety-net for families at risk of homelessness, and make sure that even as people get jobs they don’t lose their rental assistance.’
By Catherine Trapani and Kim Maloney
Opinion: As Times Square Makes a Comeback, It’s Time to Help Those Still Struggling

'Many vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness or in need of other services are shuttled into the criminal justice system in a cruel and costly revolving door, often leaving them rightfully distrustful of social services providers.'
By Lauren Curatolo, Tom Harris, Brenda Rosen and Ashwin Vasan
Opinion: NYC’s Next Mayor Should Commit to Upholding the Right to Shelter

‘The right to shelter provides unshakeable protections for those who would otherwise have no choice but to sleep on the street. Threats to the right to shelter by New York mayors aren’t new—Both Giuliani and Bloomberg mounted strident challenges to modify and undo it.’
By Tony Hannigan and Joe DeGenova