Density, Sustainability, Affordability

A few days ago, the New York City Zoning Resolution turned 50 years old. As zoning nerds the world over take a moment to acknowledge this milestone, we must not forget to turn our attention to the next 50 years and start considering specific actions that will encourage the progress of this great city and preserve its competitive advantage. It is time to think big—literally.

As we look at the next 50 years, we must have a defined focus guiding our decisions. Architects of the city’s planning and zoning policies should eschew the three words usually associated with real estate—location, location, location—and focus instead on these three: density, sustainability and affordability.