Legislation proposed by public advocate would require city to perform racial disparity report ahead of rezoning

Neighborhoods citywide are seeing change right before their eyes - now, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams is introducing legislation in hopes that the city will take a deeper look at communities impacted before changes are made.

News 12 Staff

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Jan 12, 2021, 2:39 AM

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Updated 1,444 days ago

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Neighborhoods citywide are seeing change right before their eyes - now, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams is introducing legislation in hopes that the city will take a deeper look at communities impacted before changes are made.

“The way in which land is rezoned in our city is subsequently made it very difficult for most New Yorkers to find a home, let alone stay in their home,” said Williams ahead of a hearing with the Committee on Land Use.

The hearing falls after controversial rezoning proposals in parts of the city could cause displacement, homelessness, and impact communities of color, many say.

Williams is looking to protect New Yorkers by introducing legislation that requires the city to perform a racial disparity report ahead of potential rezoning.

“The report must include an analysis that the existing demographic, social, economic and housing conditions trends, neighborhoods, racial and ethnic composition and social-economic indicators,” said Williams.

Councilman Antonio Reynoso says the need is great, especially in areas targeted for change.

“You know NYCHA has needs, you know there needs to be a solution to those needs and you've done nothing for NYCHA to say that you understand it,” said Reynoso.

While the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development carries out the mayor’s plan to preserve 300,000 affordable homes by 2026, Williams says this legislation is needed sooner than later.

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