Mayor Eric Adams, alongside the New York City Department of City Planning (DCP) and other city officials, has unveiled the Atlantic Avenue Mixed-Use Plan, initiating a public review process aimed at transforming a key stretch of Central Brooklyn. The proposal is designed to address decades of restrictive zoning along a 21-block corridor that has stifled residential and economic growth. With a bold vision for the future, the plan aims to create 4,600 new homes, including 1,440 permanently affordable units, as well as 2,800 permanent jobs, making it a cornerstone of the administration’s ambitious goal to build 500,000 new homes by 2032 under its "City of Yes for Housing Opportunity" initiative.
Central to the plan is a reimagining of Atlantic Avenue from Vanderbilt Avenue to Nostrand Avenue, which has long been dominated by industrial and storage uses. The new zoning framework would pave the way for high-density housing and commercial developments, promoting vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods. The inclusion of affordable housing through the Mandatory Inclusionary Housing program ensures that a significant portion of the new units will remain accessible to low-income and vulnerable populations, including older adults and the formerly homeless. Additionally, the city has committed $3 million toward anti-displacement programs and has partnered with local organizations to safeguard tenant rights.
Infrastructure upgrades and public space improvements are integral to the plan. Proposed traffic safety enhancements include daylighting at intersections, bike corrals, expanded sidewalks, and painted "neckdowns" to enhance pedestrian safety. Public spaces like St. Andrew’s Playground will undergo a $24.2 million transformation, adding a synthetic turf field, upgraded courts, and green infrastructure. These changes align with broader environmental goals, incorporating stormwater detention systems and rain gardens to address climate resilience and reduce flooding risks.
This proposal is the result of extensive community engagement, reflecting years of advocacy from local leaders and residents who sought safer streets, affordable housing, and sustainable development. Facilitated by WXY Studio, the plan has been shaped in collaboration with City Councilmembers Crystal Hudson and Chi Ossé, Brooklyn Community Boards 3 and 8, and other stakeholders. The Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP), a seven-month process, will further refine the plan through public hearings and city council approvals.
The Atlantic Avenue initiative is part of a larger housing strategy championed by Mayor Adams. It complements zoning reforms in neighborhoods such as Midtown South, Long Island City, and Jamaica, which collectively aim to deliver over 50,000 housing units in the coming years. Additionally, the administration’s record-breaking $26 billion housing capital investment underscores its commitment to tackling New York City's generational housing crisis. Programs like the "Green Fast Track for Housing" and new state-level incentives for multifamily construction and office conversions exemplify the city’s innovative approach to expanding its housing stock.
As the public review unfolds, the Atlantic Avenue Mixed-Use Plan serves as a model for equitable and inclusive urban development, addressing pressing housing and employment needs while integrating sustainability and community priorities. With its transformative potential, the initiative not only redefines Central Brooklyn but also sets a precedent for how cities nationwide can pursue comprehensive, community-driven planning.
The attorneys at Outside Legal Counsel LLP specialize in housing and employer-related matters, offering comprehensive legal support to individuals, businesses, and organizations. Whether navigating the complexities of affordable housing initiatives, zoning regulations, or employer-employee relationships, our team is committed to providing tailored advice that minimizes liability and ensures compliance with evolving laws. Reach out to us to learn more about our services and how we can assist you in navigating these critical and rapidly changing areas.
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