Mayor de Blasio and Council Member Espinal Publish Progress Report on Promised Commitments for East New York Neighborhood Plan

April 6, 2017

As first anniversary of East New York rezoning approaches, comprehensive list offers unprecedented transparency and steady progress by Administration on commitments to the community

NEW YORK—Mayor Bill de Blasio and City Council Member Rafael L. Espinal and the Mayor’s Office of Operations today published a list of commitments detailing improvements promised to the East New York community as part of the neighborhood-wide rezoning adopted by the City Council in April 2016.

As part of the East New York plan, the administration promised new and improved infrastructure, including significant upgrades to parks and streets, a new school and community center. The projects are a reflection of the City's approach to planning holistically for the future of neighborhood.

The list, available here, offers easy access and transparency so community members and leaders can track commitments made at the time the rezoning was adopted. Progress reports on these commitments will be published annually, consistent with the administration's commitment to transparency and good governance. 

“The plan for East New York is a key milestone in our push to invest in New York City’s communities, as we work to promote and protect affordable housing and neighborhoods. We will follow through on commitments made as we push to make New York a more inclusive and just city,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“The promises we make to our communities must be kept. I am pleased that the commitments made to Council Member Espinal and his East New York community were tracked and published,” said Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “The bill that the Council passed provides the framework for increased accountability and transparency of the rezoning and planning processes. Moving forward, we will continue to look for new ways to engage constituents in the process of rebuilding and growing our neighborhoods.”

This list marks the first public posting of neighborhood rezoning commitments. Legislation introduced by City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, City Council Member Espinal and Public Advocate Tish James, and signed into law by the Mayor in December, requires similar postings tied to future area rezonings.

“The days of not making good on promises are over,” Council Member Rafael Espinal said. “Now, New Yorker’s will be able to hold the government accountable for commitments made to improve their neighborhoods. Transparency is key to the long-term efficiency of our city and I am proud that East New York will be the first to undergo this tracking system.”

“Public accountability is the cornerstone of good government,” said Mindy Tarlow, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Operations. “This process enables New Yorkers to hold their government responsible for commitments made as part of neighborhood plans.”

“As we continue to plan together with neighborhood residents and businesses to better accommodate their needs, transparency is the key to accountability. This online tracker will monitor progress across a range of community priorities – letting local stakeholders see how the City is keeping its multi-year commitments,” Marisa Lago, Chair of the City Planning Commission, said.

“Sustained community engagement is central to the East New York Neighborhood Plan, as we work together to promote economic growth and protect affordable housing,” said HPD Commissioner Maria Torres-Springer. “This list of commitments will ensure transparency and accountability and will allow community members to continue to have a strong voice as the plan moves to implementation. I am grateful to the many City agencies, community leaders, and most importantly the residents of East New York for their collaboration on this exciting initiative.” 

The Administration’s commitments to East New York cover initiatives led by numerous city agencies to support affordable housing preservation and production, economic development, and many improved community resources.