New York's housing plan is set for a major change with a new agreement between the City Council and Mayor Eric Adams' administration on the City of Yes zoning plan. This plan will update the city's zoning code for the first time since 1961, as Crain's New York reported. The revised plan, which passed key committee votes and will be decided by the full council on December 5, aims to add about 80,000 homes, less than the original goal of 100,000, after ongoing discussions and compromises.

While some enthusiasts of urban development see the plan as an underpinning for a more densely populated future, concessions have been made in several areas: Parking mandates, accessory dwelling units, and scaled-back plan for small apartment buildings in outer boroughs will now be part of a cityscape contorting plan amidst these recalibrations, where new 80,000 units, though less than originally planned, signal an era of more jam-packed habitation in the Big Apple, altering a narrative on housing that has been static for the span of a human lifetime as NY Daily News illustrates "Nothing has been done with this over half a century" Mayor Adams expressed moments after the vote, revealing both the timeline's inertia and his enthusiasm.

The revised proposal keeps a three-tiered parking model, balancing the city's goals with the needs of car-dependent neighborhoods, unlike other cities that have completely removed parking mandates. Supporters like Sara Lind, co-executive director of Open Plans, expressed disappointment, saying, "While cities across the country are fully lifting parking mandates, the New York City Council chose to be less bold," according to Crain's New York.

Zoning professionals expect challenges with the new plan, requiring them to adapt to new definitions and standards. Some may retire rather than take on the task. Land-use lawyer David Rosenberg said the changes, though disruptive, are needed. Mayor Adams is also committing $5 billion to improve infrastructure and housing agencies, making the project even bigger.

The plan, awaiting final approval in December, marks a shift in the city's approach to housing. It suggests that increasing housing density is seen as a solution to the housing shortage, not a cause of gentrification. This reflects recent zoning changes and neighborhood rezonings, signaling a new vision for New York focused on compact growth for future sustainability.