Statement from Senator Tony Avella on DCP's Proposed Zoning Changes

“As the former Chair of Zoning and Franchises, I worked hard, along with my colleagues, community boards and civic groups throughout the city, to rezone as well as create new zoning laws to preserve the residential character of our many unique neighborhoods. 

The changes proposed by the Department of City Planning now pose a serious threat to those efforts which took years, and in some cases decades, to achieve. It is outrageous that the City now wants to undo all of those efforts and destroy the quality of life in these communities.

It is no secret that there is an ever-increasing need for senior and affordable housing in New York City, but weakening the zoning protections citywide is not the solution to this problem.

Let me be perfectly clear – these changes are an act of war against residential neighborhoods and will not be tolerated.”