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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

Opinion: Universal Rental Assistance Could Help End the Homelessness Crisis

‘Currently only 25 percent of eligible households receive the housing voucher, meaning that nearly everyone in need of aid does not receive it.
By Amie Pospisil and Frederick Shack
Every NYC Tenant Has Access to Housing Court Lawyer, as Eviction Protections Near End

All tenants in New York City Housing Court now have a right to at least some legal assistance, with lower-income renters eligible for full representation from nonprofit attorneys through an initiative funded with $166 million in the latest budget.
By David Brand
Officials Probe Police Beating of Man in West Village, Renewing Debate Over NYPD Role in Homeless Response

The incident came on the heels of another violent encounter between police and New Yorkers who were camping out on a Lower Manhattan sidewalk near Tompkins Square Park Nov.
By David Brand
De Blasio Said East New York’s Rezoning Would Spur Industrial Jobs Boom. That Hasn’t Happened.

In 2016, the mayor and city officials committed to doubling the manufacturing capacity of the East New York Industrial Business Zone, which they say would help create 3,900 local jobs there.
By David Brand
New York’s COVID Rent Relief Fund Is Almost Out of Money

Gov. Kathy Hochul said Friday that the state had applied for a $996 million reallotment from the Treasury Department and that officials will shut down the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) application portal Sunday.
By David Brand
Two Sides Clash Over SoHo Rezoning at Final Public Hearing

Opponents argued to councilmembers that the plan to add about 3,000 new units and change land use rules in a 56-block swath of Lower Manhattan would incentivize demolition to make way for luxury housing, usher in big box retail and forever alter the artistic character of the iconic SoHo and NoHo neighborhoods.
By David Brand
Councilmembers Confirm Support for Gowanus Rezoning After NYC Commits to NYCHA Repairs

Councilmembers Brad Lander and Stephen Levin had both previously expressed support for the plan, but said their ultimate approval depended on the city committing to repairs at the Gowanus and Wyckoff Gardens Houses.
By David Brand
Number of Homeless NYC Students Surpasses 100K For 6th Consecutive School Year

Advocates are pushing for the incoming Eric Adams administration to address the persistent issue with a number of policy changes, including hiring more DOE staff to work directly with students in shelter, who tend to experience a number of challenges that impact their learning compared to their permanently-housed peers.
By Jeanmarie Evelly

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: Why Housing is Key to Addressing the Public Health Crisis of Racism

‘Expanding supportive and affordable housing for homeless families in New York City would immediately save lives and dramatically improve health outcomes for families of color in the long-term.’
By Nicole Branca
Opinion: NYC Needs Diverse Housing Solutions. Start By Legalizing SROs

'Single room occupancy units are one of the earliest forms of affordable housing, allowing hundreds of thousands of working-class residents to live here. And yet, New York City has limited their construction for 65 years, supposedly in the name of progress.'
By Samuel Tran
Opinion: Expanding Section 8 Rental Assistance Would Be Transformative for NY

'Universalizing Section 8 would address poverty, boost the economy, and even stimulate affordable housing production–ultimately benefiting everyone, not just the recipients.'
By Rachel Fee
Opinion: Striking a ‘Grand Bargain’ to Rebuild Trust in NYC Affordable Housing

‘We are seeing a rampant level of opposition to every suggestion of new housing going back to before the COVID-19 pandemic. If we are going to address the housing shortage and fuel the recovery, we must strengthen our practices to ensure there is always a net positive for communities.’
By Rafael E. Cestero
Opinion: New York City Needs Basement Apartments Now More Than Ever

‘In one of the most expensive housing markets in the country, people will continue to rent basement apartments whether they are legal or not. We need legalization to make them safe.’
By Patrick Spauster