New York City Council Land Use Committee Meeting: Block-by-Block Housing Plan Oversight - October 21, 2026

The New York City Council Committee on Land Use, chaired by Councilmember Kevin C. Riley, convened on October 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM. The meeting began with votes on several land use applications, followed by an oversight hearing examining Mayor Mamdani's ambitious Block-by-Block Housing Plan, which targets 200,000 new affordable housing units and 200,000 preservation units over the next decade. Administration officials from the Department of City Planning (DCP) and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) testified, and a wide range of public testimony was heard.

Consent Calendar

• LU 0129-2026 & LU 0130-2026 (48-50 Convent Avenue Cluster, Manhattan): Approved by roll call vote, 11-0. These applications facilitate the preservation of four buildings, including approximately 77 home ownership units, through a UDAAP approval and Article 11 tax exemption.
• LU 0142-2026 & LU 0143-2026 (1455 Coney Island Avenue Rezoning, Brooklyn): Approved by roll call vote, 11-0. These applications amend the zoning map and text to facilitate the development of a long-term care facility for seniors.
• LU 0144-2026 & LU 0145-2026 (135-27 Sapphire Street Rezoning, Queens): Approved by roll call vote, 11-0. These applications change the zoning to R6A and establish a Mandatory Inclusionary Housing Area to facilitate a residential project with up to 268 apartments, up to 80 permanently affordable.

Oversight Hearing: Administration Testimony and Discussion

Chair Riley opened the oversight hearing, emphasizing the need for comprehensive planning and community engagement to support the Block-by-Block Plan's goals. Key points from administration testimony and discussion included:

• Affordable Housing Fast Track: DCP Chair Sherman stated that the 12 fast track districts were selected based on a methodology required by the charter. DCP is assessing opportunities but has not yet released public analysis. Engagement with council members and community boards will be a priority.
• Neighborhood Planning: DCP is pursuing two neighborhood plans (White Plains Road and South of Prospect) and is open to working with council members on additional plans. The administration committed to pairing large-scale rezonings with infrastructure investments.
• Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): DCP is developing a citywide TOD initiative, focusing on areas near subway stations. Early conversations with the MTA are underway.
• Micro Plans: A new concept of smaller publicly-led planning actions was introduced, which would include community engagement and appropriate investments.
• Infrastructure and Capital Planning: Multiple councilmembers raised concerns about sewer, water, electric, school seats, and open space capacity. DCP acknowledged the need for a stronger role in capital planning but noted that implementation is led by other agencies. DCP has a centralized team for capital coordination.
• Fair Housing Growth Strategy: The strategy sets citywide targets but councilmembers noted gaps in deeply affordable housing needs and omission of factors like displacement risk. HPD explained the methodology used population data and the administration's commitments.
• Homeownership: HPD outlined programs to expand homeownership, including doubling down payment assistance and creating new co-op opportunities, with a focus on areas with low homeownership rates like the Bronx.
• Spotlight on the Bronx: HPD is launching a planning process to address quality-of-life issues around affordable housing in several Bronx community districts, focusing on healthy homes and public space.
• Environmental Review Exemptions (CEQR): DCP clarified that exempt projects (under 250-500 units) still undergo land use review and that the exemptions are based on a 10-year analysis showing minimal environmental impacts.
• Community Input and Accountability: Several councilmembers expressed concern that the fast track removes final approval from the City Council, reducing democratic accountability. DCP stated that community board review and public hearings remain, and that the City Planning Commission will consider testimony and potentially require modifications.

Public Comments & Testimony

The committee heard from multiple panels of public witnesses:

• Chris Walters (ANHD): Supported the plan's goals but called for comprehensive planning, accurate needs assessment, and empowered community participation. He urged legislation for a community-based neighborhood planning process.
• Lacey Tauber (Brooklyn Borough President's Office): Echoed the need for comprehensive planning, raised concerns that the Fair Housing Growth Strategy targets may not provide enough deeply affordable housing in Brooklyn, and urged preservation of manufacturing zones.
• Brendan Cheney (NYHC): Supported the plan and advocated for further neighborhood rezonings and transit-oriented development.
• Kevin Wolf (Center for NYC Neighborhoods): Recommended expanding ADU programs and providing technical assistance to homeowners.
• Matt Thibodeau (MAS): Called for a clear plan linking housing goals with capital commitments, and deeper housing needs analysis.
• Yvette Chen (Fair Housing Justice Center): Urged funding for CCHR to enforce source of income discrimination laws and fair chance for housing.
• Jack Connors (Open New York): Supported MIH and transit-oriented development to cross-subsidize affordable housing.
• Stephanie Simone Mahaney and Victoria Hoffmell (Bay Ridge residents): Opposed the fast track designation for Community Board 10, arguing the methodology is flawed and will lead to displacement, loss of rent-stabilized housing, and inadequate infrastructure.
• Josephine Backman (CB10 District Manager): Highlighted school seat deficits, antiquated sewers, and risk of displacement.
• Rochelle Thompson (Harlem resident): Shared personal experience with harassment and eviction attempts from landlords, calling for tenant protections.
• Andrea Goldwyn (NY Landmarks Conservancy): Opposed the fast track and growth strategy, warning of demolition of existing affordable housing and historic districts.
• Emma Bartley (Historic Districts Council): Supported affordable housing but cautioned against incentivizing demolition, and called for recognizing conversions as housing production.
• Dan Fortini, Anthony Orloski, Matthew Gogliata, Dave Pardee, John Biggers (Plumbers Union, Building Inspectors Union, Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute): Strongly opposed proposals in the Block-by-Block plan to expand plastic piping in buildings over five stories, citing fire safety, public health, and enforcement concerns. They urged the council to reject such code changes.
• Fabian Derwisky (Local 78): Supported the plan but called for addressing delays in asbestos permitting through professional certification.
• Kyle F. (tenant in HPD-financed building): Raised concerns about a large tax exemption awarded without tenant notification, questioning its cost and benefit.

Key Outcomes

• All six land use applications (LUs 0129-2026 through 0145-2026) were approved by the committee with a vote of 11-0.
• The oversight hearing on T2026-2627 was held and filed by the committee.
• Written testimony on the Block-by-Block Housing Plan may be submitted to landusetestimony@council.nyc.gov.
• Several councilmembers indicated they would follow up on specific issues, including infrastructure planning, homeownership programs, and the plastic piping proposal.