PLACES is: a collaborative approach to planning for diverse, livable neighborhoods

As part of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Housing New York plan, the Department of City Planning (DCP) is organizing a series of place-based planning studies to foster diverse, livable neighborhoods with mixed-income housing and supporting services. PLACES is a people-centered planning approach in which DCP and other agencies work collaboratively with communities, stakeholders and elected officials to actively shape their neighborhoods. 

PLACES is: more than just zoning

PLACES studies examine and address key land use and zoning issues in neighborhoods, but also take a broader look at current and future community needs to identify a wide range of strategies and investments that support the neighborhood’s growth and vitality. These recommendations will vary to respond to the distinct needs of individual communities, but may include recommendations for affordable housing preservation and development, economic development, and priority investments in infrastructure and community supporting services.

DCP’s enhanced role in the City’s capital budgeting process is central to these integrated planning efforts. PLACES studies include participation from all of the City’s capital agencies, which inform neighborhood planning needs and opportunities. The Mayor has also established a new $1 billion Neighborhood Development Fund dedicated to building capacity in neighborhood infrastructure and facilities for PLACES studies.

While the PLACES planning process will react and adapt to local needs, our general process is outlined below: 

Listen + Learn:
This first phase is all about learning. City representatives, residents, community organizations, and elected officials will all work together to share their perspectives on neighborhood opportunities and challenges.

Vision:
Using the information gathered in Listen + Learn, participants will describe a vision for the neighborhood’s future and compile a set of goals and priorities. These shared goals will guide the development of the neighborhood plan.

Generate Plan:
From the foundation built upon in the previous phases, DCP will work with the community and elected officials to draft a neighborhood plan, consisting of recommendations for land use, zoning, housing, and other subjects that advance the plan’s goals.  

Public Review + Implementation:
The strategies outlined in the plan, including recommendations for zoning changes, will be vetted with the community, and land use actions will enter the formal land use review process (ULURP link). Other initiatives will be advanced by their respective lead agencies during and after the ULURP process.