Diaz, borough board oppose rezoning

The Bronx Borough Board unanimously voted last week to oppose zoning proposals aimed at encouraging new affordable housing, a major priority of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration. 

Nineteen members of the board, headed by Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., voted down the Zoning for Quality and Affordability and Mandatory Inclusionary Housing proposals. There was one abstention, from City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.

“Honestly, I am surprised it was unanimous,” said northwest Bronx Councilman Andrew Cohen, who voted on the board alongside five other council members, Mr. Diaz and heads of community boards.

“It’s a hard-fought victory, but the proposals are still out there,” noted Sherida Paulsen of the Riverdale Nature Preservancy. “The next step is the City Planning Commission hearings, and our borough groups I think will be anxious to contribute to their discussions.”

Activist groups and community organizations have decried the mayor’s zoning plans as a handout to developers that might do little to increase the city’s affordable housing stock. They have called for Mr. de Blasio to go back to the drawing board and seek direct input from community members.

“We have to remain vigilant,” said Marty Zelnik of the Riverdale Community Coalition. “Sometimes, it’s out of the hands of the common citizen. All we can do is voice our concerns. It’s a process that can take mysterious turns.”

Mr. Diaz called the mayor’s proposals “tremendously flawed” and criticized the review process.

“Allowing just 60 days for our community boards to weigh in on these proposals is disrespectful to the boards, their members and the neighborhoods they serve, and goes against the spirit of progressive, inclusionary and transparent government,” he said in a statement.

“He very appropriately waited to hear from all of the boards and responded to what his constituents had to say,” Ms. Paulsen said of Mr. Diaz.