fortunejack N.Y.C. Plan That Could Add 109,000 New Homes Clears Key Vote

Mayor Eric Adams’s plan to ease New York City’s housing shortage by making way for more than 100,000 new homes cleared the City Planning Commission on Wednesday, setting up a much tougher fight between the administration and the City Council.

The planning vote was 10 to 3, and the approval was expected: The head of the commission, Dan Garodnick, was appointed by Mr. Adams and is one of the proposal’s main champions. But the Council must also approve it — a vote is expected in November — and some members are already resisting major proposed changes for their districts.

The fate of the plan, known as City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, may also be seen as a test of Mr. Adams’s power and political will as his administration faces corruption investigations, though the mayor has not been accused of any wrongdoing. It will also be a referendum on the strength of a pro-development swing in local and state politics, which in recent years has earned the backing of a growing number of lawmakers.

“The only way to solve this crisis is to build more,” Mr. Adams said in a statement. “Now, it is time for the City Council to meet the moment.”

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It’s not clear how the plan will fare in the Council. Adrienne Adams, the speaker, said Wednesday that while the “proposal seeks to address one part of the problem by reducing barriers to build new housing,” the city should also pursue a bigger plan that addresses affordability.

“We encourage the public to continue providing specific feedback throughout this process so we can advance the best plan to truly address the housing crisis and improve our cityfortunejack,” she said.

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