Two Years On, Assessing New York's Progress and Pitfalls Under "New" New York Plan by Hochul and Adams

It's been two years since Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams unveiled a plan to bolster New York in wake of the pandemic. The ambitious "New" New York action plan saw the city make strides towards reinvigorating business districts, enhancing transportation, and fostering inclusive growth. But, while some progress is undeniable, other goals remain out of reach. As noted by Crain's New York, substantial efforts, including Midtown’s rezoning and the City of Yes plans, have paid off, contributing to the city's transformation into a bustling 24/7 neighborhood. However, increasing bus speeds — a key proposition — has proven elusive, with buses now averaging a slower pace than before.

Despite the mixed outcomes, reports indicate the collaboration between Hochul and Adams has been atypical for New York politics, pushing major developments forward. According to Crain's, B.J. Jones, the "New" New York panel's current executive director, claims the panel's focus has shifted towards championing projects that tally with the report's recommendations. The "New" New York plan, while not without its unmet proposals, such as the unfulfilled acceleration of library modernization amidst budget cut proposals, has kept some momentum, primarily in the realm of backing up rezoning initiatives and the likings of the City of Yes housing plan.

On the anniversary of the panel's formation, both Hochul and Adams have heralded these efforts as crucial steps in building a more inclusive and thriving New York, as reported by an announcement on the state's official website. From reimagining business districts to hitting new records in subway ridership, the state and city leaders are touting their progress. Not to mention, the launch of "Dining Out NYC," New York’s permanent outdoor dining program, and initiatives in sustainable transportation such as the planned expansion of greenway corridors and bike infrastructure.

Yet the reality remains that some outcomes from the commitments made, particularly in the realm of transportation, have been contested. Sifting through the promises and the actual results, indicators point toward an economic recovery that has been uneven at best, with wage gains largely favoring higher earners. The "Making New York Work for Everyone" plan, arduously crafted by the "New" New York panel, has seen noteworthy advancements such as historic investments in several zoning and development projects, but still grapples with issues like bus speeds that continue to hinder the efficiency of the city’s transport system and the broader goal of a more accessible New York, according to the state's official website.