New York City Planning Commission

New York City Planning Commission is a key component of the New York City Department of City Planning, working closely with the New York City Council, New York City Mayor, and various New York City Departments such as the New York City Department of Transportation and New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. The commission plays a crucial role in shaping the city's physical environment, with input from stakeholders like the Real Estate Board of New York, New York City Economic Development Corporation, and Metropolitan Transportation Authority. As part of its mission, the commission collaborates with community boards, such as Manhattan Community Board 1 and Brooklyn Community Board 2, to ensure that local voices are heard in the planning process, alongside organizations like the New York City Planning Federation and the American Institute of Architects.

● History

The New York City Planning Commission was established in 1938, with the goal of creating a comprehensive plan for the city's development, in line with the vision of Robert Moses and the New York City Housing Authority. Over the years, the commission has played a significant role in shaping the city's landscape, from the development of Lincoln Center to the revitalization of the South Street Seaport and the creation of Battery Park City. The commission has worked with notable architects like I.M. Pei and Frank Lloyd Wright, and has been influenced by the work of urban planners such as Jane Jacobs and Daniel Burnham. The commission's efforts have been recognized by organizations like the American Planning Association and the Urban Land Institute, and have been shaped by the city's participation in international events like the Venice Biennale and the World Urban Forum.

● Responsibilities

The New York City Planning Commission is responsible for reviewing and approving zoning changes, land use applications, and other proposals that impact the city's physical environment, in consultation with agencies like the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and the New York City Fire Department. The commission works closely with the New York City Department of Buildings to ensure that new developments comply with the city's building codes and zoning regulations, and collaborates with organizations like the New York City Housing Development Corporation and the New York State Housing Finance Agency. The commission also provides guidance on urban design and sustainability initiatives, such as the PlaNYC and the OneNYC plan, and works with stakeholders like the New York City Bar Association and the New York City Chamber of Commerce.

● Structure

The New York City Planning Commission is composed of 13 members, including the Chair, who is appointed by the New York City Mayor, and representatives from the New York City Council and the New York City Department of City Planning. The commission is supported by a staff of planners, architects, and other professionals who work on a range of initiatives, from community planning to transportation planning, and collaborate with agencies like the New York City Department of Sanitation and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The commission's work is informed by data and research from organizations like the United States Census Bureau and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and is guided by the principles of smart growth and new urbanism.

● Land Use Review

The New York City Planning Commission plays a critical role in the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP), which is the city's process for reviewing and approving land use applications, in consultation with community boards like Queens Community Board 3 and The Bronx Community Board 7. The commission works closely with the New York City Department of City Planning and other stakeholders to ensure that proposed developments align with the city's comprehensive plan and zoning regulations, and collaborates with organizations like the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The commission's review process involves careful consideration of factors like affordability, sustainability, and community character, and is informed by the work of experts like Richard Florida and Edward Glaeser.

● Notable Projects

The New York City Planning Commission has been involved in a range of notable projects over the years, from the development of Hudson Yards to the revitalization of the Brooklyn Waterfront and the creation of High Line. The commission has worked with developers like Related Companies and Extell Development Company, and has collaborated with architects like Frank Gehry and Norman Foster. The commission's efforts have helped to shape the city's public spaces, from Central Park to Times Square, and have been recognized by organizations like the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the American Society of Landscape Architects.

● Commissioners

The New York City Planning Commission is led by a Chair, who is appointed by the New York City Mayor, and includes representatives from the New York City Council and the New York City Department of City Planning. The commission's members have included notable figures like Amanda Burden and Shirley McLaughlin, and have been recognized for their contributions to the field of urban planning by organizations like the American Planning Association and the Urban Land Institute. The commission's work is guided by a commitment to social justice and environmental sustainability, and is informed by the principles of equity and inclusion, as outlined in the New York City Charter and the New York State Constitution.

Category:New York City government agencies