Term-limited Mayor de Blasio is forging ahead with a controversial rezoning plan for Soho as part of his “racial justice” legacy — despite an ongoing lawsuit by local opponents. The City Planning Commission officially kicked off its public review process Monday — angering locals who are trying to stop it from going ahead in court. The SoHo neighborhood plan would create 3,500 new apartments including 900 affordable units. Finally, it will go back to the Planning Commission before a City Council vote. “Through permanently affordable housing requirements and support for the arts, this plan is a giant step forward towards a more equitable and even livelier New York City,” said city Planning Commission Chair Marisa Lago.

Source: The Local May 18, 2021 21:55 UTC