Under a new zoning law, New York City developers can receive density bonuses for building elevators and other accessibility upgrades for the city’s subway system.
A New York City zoning amendment allows developers to build at higher density in exchange for including accessibility projects in their plan. As Jacob Kaye reports in the Queens Eagle, a new elevator planned for the Queensboro Plaza subway station will mark the first time the law has been used outside of Manhattan since its passage last year.
The amendment, titled Zoning for Accessibility, takes advantage of new development projects near subway stations to improve accessibility to the city’s subway system. “The accessibility project, which is being constructed on the northern side of Queens Plaza, is part of Grubb Properties development of 25-01 Queens Plaza North. The 26-story residential tower will include a little over 400 units, 30 percent of which would be deemed affordable.” Without Zoning for Accessibility, the building would only be built with 16 stories.
“As part of the deal, Grubb Properties will install the new elevator for access to the station mezzanine level and replace the current subway entrance. The developer will be responsible for maintenance of the staircase on the north side of the station, as well as elevator improvements.”
On the heels of two lawsuits claiming that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the agency has pledged to make 95 percent of its stations compliant with the ADA by 2055.
FULL STORY: Queensboro Plaza to get accessibility upgrades
Report: NYC Transit Falling Behind on Accessibility
The city is lagging on meeting its pledge to improve accessibility across the system.
Zoning for Transit Accessibility
Using zoning codes to improve accessibility to public transit facilities is a new, but well overdue, idea.
New York Must Make Almost All Subway Stations Accessible by 2055, Judge Rules
Another recent ruling is forcing the agency to accelerate its efforts to make all New York subway stations accessible to people with disabilities and mobility issues.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
How Atlanta Built 7,000 Housing Units in 3 Years
The city’s comprehensive, neighborhood-focused housing strategy focuses on identifying properties and land that can be repurposed for housing and encouraging development in underserved neighborhoods.
In Both Crashes and Crime, Public Transportation is Far Safer than Driving
Contrary to popular assumptions, public transportation has far lower crash and crime rates than automobile travel. For safer communities, improve and encourage transit travel.
Report: Zoning Reforms Should Complement Nashville’s Ambitious Transit Plan
Without reform, restrictive zoning codes will limit the impact of the city’s planned transit expansion and could exclude some of the residents who depend on transit the most.
Judge Orders Release of Frozen IRA, IIJA Funding
The decision is a victory for environmental groups who charged that freezing funds for critical infrastructure and disaster response programs caused “real and irreparable harm” to communities.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service