Open Plans responds to Eric Adams' State of the City
Statement from Sara Lind, co-executive director of Open Plans:
“Mayor Adams’ State of the City address was an opportunity to seize this critical moment in our city and lead with a bold vision for New York’s future, but he squandered it. While he did outline several encouraging projects in housing and affordability made possible by recent policy reforms, his address betrayed a narrow focus. The city needs a holistic approach—one that not only champions housing but also people-centered infrastructure, transit access, and public space—to truly become a place where every person can live, work, and thrive.
“It’s a glaring and frustrating omission that Mayor Adams did not even mention congestion pricing in its first week of operation. Early data shows that the program is already making an impact; that’s well worth celebrating. But more than that, New York City must be proactive about making the most of this program. Newly freed street space must be reclaimed for Bus Rapid Transit, wider bike lanes, versatile public space, and more. It’s troubling that congestion pricing, and its potential to transform our city, is not even on the Mayor’s radar.
“Housing production and affordability are crucial priorities, and we welcome Adams’ commitment to build hundreds of thousands of new homes across the city. Building homes at this scale is only possible due to the zoning reforms won in City of Yes for Housing Opportunity and it’s exciting to see our advocacy making an immediate positive impact; lifting parking mandates and zoning for density results in more homes for New Yorkers, more affordability and more walkability. We urge the administration to continue this momentum and pursue new ways to encourage dense, livable, walkable neighborhoods in all five boroughs.
“Adams’ pledge to make New York City the best place to raise a family is an exciting one, but that requires more than just housing affordability. Car-clogged streets are not family friendly. Our young New Yorkers need abundant public space, streets designed so they can walk or bike safely by themselves, and schools that enjoy enriching street space outside their building. Aging New Yorkers need accessible, walkable neighborhoods and traffic-calmed streets so that they can get where they’re going with independence and confidence. These are essential pieces of building a city that is welcoming to multigenerational families and the Adams administration must include these strategies in their efforts to make New York family friendly.
“New York deserves a Mayor with a bold and forward-thinking vision not only for where people live but how they get around and where they build community. But without any meaningful ambitions for improving transit, micromobility, accessibility, and public space, Adams has let New Yorkers down. We look forward to continuing to work with the many dedicated advocates, elected officials, and decision makers who share our vision for a livable city with people-centered streets and public space for all.”
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