New York City has a new plan to modernize its zoning regulations known as the “City of Yes” plan, but the Bay Ridge Community Board is fiercely opposed to parts of the plan.
The portion of the plan that received pushback from community boards focuses on rezoning to accommodate business expansion. Members of Brooklyn’s Community Board 10 argue that the new rules have an undue influence on the blending of commercial and residential areas.
Current zoning laws prohibit the opening of new small-scale stores in residential areas, but the City of Yes plan changes this, allowing businesses to not only open stores in residential areas but also employ three employees. Businesses will also be allowed to operate out of their homes.
“We are appalled when we read proposals to move commercial properties upstairs or into corner residential areas. Our concern is that it won’t stop there. It’s only going to grow.” said one Bay Ridge community member. board.
Some local businesses, such as Henry’s Florist, support the change, arguing that local businesses need to operate in a shopping district to succeed.
“They have to find some kind of solution,” said Henry, owner of Henry’s Florist. “We have banks now, but they can’t help people. We need to bring people in.”
