"Historically, the Citizens Budget Commission’s (CBC’s) research has focused on what is best for New Yorkers both today and in the future, including identifying which policies promote growth and a thriving city and enhance New York’s attractiveness as a place to live, work, and start and expand a business. While CBC has not focused extensively on the land use process or specific zoning proposals, CBC recognizes the best land use process and decisions will balance citywide and community needs, is based on solid analysis and some common criteria, is transparent and reasonably fast, and provides the certainty and predictability needed to support activities that catalyze job growth and increase a diverse housing supply.

CBC is increasingly concerned that at times the City’s land use process serves as an impediment, rather than as an instrument of improvement, to proposals needed to spur job creation and develop desperately-needed housing. As a result, CBC will initiate an in-depth study of the City’s land use policies and process.

In the meantime, CBC urges City leaders—particularly during this time of economic crisis—to work to advance and approve projects that help New York City continue to grow and adapt as a modern metropolis. The New York City Council soon will determine the future of the proposed Industry City rezoning, which has proceeded with significant community engagement and modification before and during the Uniformed Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP). In its determination, the Council should carefully consider how best to balance community needs with citywide interests, which include the potential for job creation with no direct public investment required."