The Brian Lehrer Show NIMBY vs. YIMBY Housing Battles Continue
Jun 25, 2025
David Brand, a housing reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, dives into the heated housing battles in New York City. He discusses the cancellation of the affordable senior housing project at Elizabeth Street Garden and the skepticism surrounding the redevelopment of the Brooklyn Marine Terminal. Brand examines the delicate balance between growth and preservation, highlighting community concerns and the implications of political negotiations. He also sheds light on the financial impacts of housing subsidies and shifting alliances in the ongoing urban housing debate.
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Mamdani's Ambitious Housing Plan
- Zoran Mamdani's housing plan aims to build 200,000 affordable units with $100 billion investment over ten years.
- Implementation depends on lifting federal and state bond caps, which faces significant political challenges.
Balancing Public and Private Roles
- Mamdani supports maintaining private developers in affordable housing but seeks greater public subsidy for 100% deeply affordable projects.
- The strategy contrasts with current requirements that typically reserve a quarter of units for low- to middle-income renters.
Elizabeth Street Garden Housing Battle
- Elizabeth Street Garden was a city lot turned community garden, targeted for 123 units of affordable senior housing promoted by Mayor Adams.
- New deputy mayor paused the project, and an agreement now preserves the garden while suggesting other, less defined alternative housing sites.