Five More Affluent NYC Neighborhoods to Upzone

In keeping with the goals of the Regional Plan Association's Fourth Regional Plan, New York City must continue its nascent trend of rezoning for more building capacity in affluent neighborhoods.

2 minute read

November 2, 2020, 5:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Manhattan, New York City, New York

andersphoto / Shutterstock

Moses Gates writes for the Regional Plan Association to present a vision for affluent New York neighborhoods that includes more zoned capacity for housing development—i.e., upzoning.

The article is presented in context of the ongoing effort to upzone NoHo and SoHo in Manhattan—the most affluent neighborhood to be rezoned for more development capacity in a recent series of rezoning processes in New York City.

The central argument of Moses's writing here: that NoHo and SoHo might be there first, but they shouldn't be the last:

For too long, higher-income, majority-white neighborhoods have been able to stymie development and affordable housing, shifting the burden onto other, lower-income neighborhoods. We need affordable housing in every neighborhood, especially ones without it.

Another rezoning process in an affluent part of the city is already underway in Gowanus, but more "could easily follow," according to Moses, who has some specific recommendations: Midwood, Forest Hills North, Riverdale, the Meatpacking District and the Far-West Village, and Grasmere.

For those keeping track at home, that's all five boroughs, and a lot more detail is included to explain the specific potential of each neighborhood to add more housing capacity.

Thursday, October 22, 2020 in Regional Plan Association

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Bird's eye view of manufactured home park.

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing

Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

March 25, 2025 - Shelterforce

U-Haul truck on road with blurred grassy roadside in background.

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?

Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

March 27, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Aerial view of schoolyard in Oakland, California with newly planted trees, sports courts, and playground equipment.

Greening Oakland’s School Grounds

With help from community partners like the Trust for Public Land, Oakland Unified School District is turning barren, asphalt-covered schoolyards into vibrant, green spaces that support outdoor learning, play, and student well-being.

7 hours ago - FacilitiesNet

Power lines at golden hour with downtown Los Angeles in far background.

California Governor Suspends CEQA Reviews for Utilities in Fire Areas

Utility restoration efforts in areas affected by the January wildfires in Los Angeles will be exempt from environmental regulations to speed up the rebuilding of essential infrastructure.

April 2 - Los Angeles Times

Green roadside sign with white text reading "Entering Nez Perce Indian Reservation" against grassy field and blue sky.

Native American Communities Prepare to Lead on Environmental Stewardship

In the face of federal threats to public lands and conservation efforts, indigenous groups continue to model nature-centered conservation efforts.

April 2 - The Conversation