City Planning Commission Reviews Williamsburg Rezoning Proposal Amid Housing Affordability Concerns

The City Planning Commission reviewed a proposed rezoning plan on January 6, 2025, which aims to introduce 28 housing units in Williamsburg, seven of which would be set aside for income-restricted residents. This initiative has sparked discussions about its potential effects on local housing affordability.

According to the proposal, which includes a zoning map amendment and adjustments to zoning tax to allow a six-story mixed-use development, the area’s housing stock has increased by 34% over the last decade, outpacing the citywide growth of 8% (Source: https://youtu.be/HqdfA9ybZFE&t=1091). The median household income in Williamsburg stands at $93,676, significantly higher than both Brooklyn’s average of $68,507 and New York City’s $70,643. This income level raises concerns about affordability for lower-income families, particularly given that a studio apartment costs an estimated $1,270 per month for families earning 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), while three-bedroom apartments approach $1,910 (Source: https://youtu.be/HqdfA9ybZFE&t=1091).

The population demographics of Greenpoint and Williamsburg reveal a considerable disparity. As of 2020, over half of the local population identified as white non-Hispanic, a proportion that contrasts sharply with the lower representation of Black non-Hispanic individuals compared to citywide figures. The area’s racial and ethnic composition raises issues about equitable development and whether the incoming housing units will truly address the needs of economically diverse residents (Source: https://youtu.be/HqdfA9ybZFE&t=1091).

Advocates for the project believe that the rezoning will alleviate housing shortages, particularly in a region designated for higher density living, close to employment and transit options. This approach aligns with broader city planning goals that prioritize high-density housing around transit hubs, a concept supported by external presentations (Source: https://youtu.be/guf7sYbd2wM&t=4028).

As the review session progresses, community members are keen to see how this development will impact their neighborhood’s housing market and whether it will succeed in maintaining affordability amid continuing gentrification pressures.