Revitalizing NYC Housing: Removing Parking Mandates to Make Way for New Homes

New York State needs to build 817,000 more homes in the next decade, as per Regional Plan Association analysis. This housing shortage and affordability crisis is contributing to the homelessness crisis, with over 100,000 people in shelters. The removal of parking mandates from the zoning code can catalyze more affordable housing production. These rules have diminished housing production and caused the current housing crisis. Lifted parking mandates can spur housing development and reduce costs for renters and affordable housing projects. Requiring housing projects to pay for car storage makes affordable developments unfeasible, especially for low-income New Yorkers who are less likely to own cars. Reforms in other cities have led to increased affordable housing production. Eliminating parking requirements can facilitate equity and opportunity for all New Yorkers and prioritize livability and affordability.