Committee on Children and Youth Services Kickstarts Year with Vital Hearing

City Council Passes "City of Yes" Initiative, Aiming to Tackle NYC's Housing Crisis

For Immediate Release

Point of Contact: Jahtah Brown | Jbrown@council.nyc.gov | (917) 565-2404

City Hall, NY -On December 5, 2024, the New York City Council made a historic decision by voting to approve the City of Yes, a comprehensive housing plan aimed at addressing New York City’s growing housing crisis. The initiative includes $5 billion in investments through the City for All program and modified zoning changes to create over 80,000 new homes.

The City of Yes reflects an ambitious vision for tackling housing affordability and supporting neighborhood development while maintaining the city's character. The plan is the most pro-housing initiative in NYC’s history, outpacing the total housing units created under both the Bloomberg and de Blasio administrations. While the plan's emphasis on equity and infrastructure investments offers promise, it also highlights the challenges of balancing the city’s housing needs with neighborhood-specific concerns.

A Balancing Act: Council Member Althea Stevens Weighs In

Council Member Althea Stevens of District 16, representing the West Bronx, acknowledged both the promise and shortcomings of the City of Yes in a candid statement following the vote.

“Today’s decision is a challenging one, as housing inequities persist across our city,” said Council Member Stevens. “The original promise of the City of Yes was to create equity for communities citywide. However, even with the proposed modifications, this plan falls short of achieving true equity. The housing crisis cannot be addressed with a one-size-fits-all solution.”

Stevens pointed out that the West Bronx has consistently shouldered a disproportionate share of the city’s housing burden. District 16 has seen population growth without the necessary public service expansions or funding to accommodate these changes, creating strain on infrastructure and the quality of life for residents.

“True equity demands that all districts across the city contribute their fair share,” Council Member Stevens stated. “Understanding the complexities of addressing New York City’s housing crisis, I have decided to vote yes. I recognize that halting the advancement of housing development would only deepen the crisis and harm our communities citywide. However, my vote comes with a commitment: I will continue to fight for genuine housing equity throughout my time in the City Council.”

Wins for the West Bronx

Despite her concerns about the City of Yes, Council Member Althea Stevens successfully secured several transformative initiatives for District 16 through her advocacy. These projects address long-standing community needs and provide a foundation for future progress:

Homeownership Opportunities

Council Member Stevens championed efforts to increase affordable homeownership in the district. The Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) has committed to:

1337 Jerome Avenue: This site, a small vacant commercial building in the Jerome Avenue rezoning area, will be developed into homeownership opportunities through a competitive process, pending financial feasibility.
Gerard Avenue: As part of the River Commons project, over 300 affordable homes and expanded health services will be introduced at the Gotham/Morrisania Clinic. Once construction begins, HPD and NYC Health + Hospitals (H+H) will explore improving, repurposing, or expanding the existing Gerard Avenue facility to include affordable homeownership initiatives.

STEM Center Development

To advance education and workforce development, Stevens secured a commitment to establish a STEM Center in District 16. HPD will explore opportunities to facilitate its development, potentially co-locating the center on public or private sites through future community visioning processes and city-supported initiatives.

Harlem River Ferry Study

Recognizing the transportation challenges in District 16, Council Member Stevens pushed for a study to evaluate the feasibility of ferry service along the Harlem River. The NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) will examine navigation and marine conditions, travel times, ridership potential, and projected costs. Results of the study are anticipated by the end of 2025, providing insight into how ferry service could alleviate transportation issues in the district.

Community Center in Highbridge

Efforts are underway to ensure the timely completion of a new community center in Highbridge. This center will provide much-needed services and a dedicated space for residents to gather, connect, and access vital resources.

A Vision for the Future

While the City of Yes marks a significant step toward addressing the housing crisis, it underscores the necessity for ongoing advocacy to ensure equitable implementation. Council Member Stevens’ leadership exemplifies the importance of standing firm for local communities while navigating citywide challenges.

As New York City embarks on this new chapter, Council Member Althea Stevens, Chair of the Chair of Children & Youth vows to continue to fight for genuine housing equity throughout her time in the City Council.

Through these wins, Council Member Althea Stevens demonstrated her commitment to addressing the unique challenges of District 16 while striving for equitable solutions to the citywide housing crisis. These projects not only highlight her advocacy but also set a foundation for sustainable development in the West Bronx.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact the Office of Council Member Althea Stevens at (718) 588-7500 or at District16@council.nyc.gov

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