New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

NYU continues construction on 181 Mercer Street in SoHo gentrifying the area. Mayor DeBlasio’s plan for affordable housing in the area does not serve the public interest of the surrounding area. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Opinion: De Blasio’s rezoning plan is gentrification in the making

Mayor Bill de Blasio pledged to increase access to affordable housing for SoHo, NoHo and Chinatown residents with a controversial upzoning plan. The plan, however, will likely instead increase gentrification in NYU’s backyard and reduce net affordable housing. The City Planning Commision should reject it outright.
Asha Ramachandran, Opinion Editor September 1, 2021

Last year, Mayor Bill de Blasio’s office introduced a rezoning plan targeting much of SoHo, NoHo and parts of Chinatown. The city has emphasized the plan’s potential to create...

181 Mercer under construction in Lower Manhattan. Manhattans Community Board rejected a proposed rezoning plan that critics argued allow for further expansion of NYU. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Manhattan Community Board rejects controversial rezoning plan that critics say encourages further NYU expansion

Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration says it is aiming to create affordable housing by rezoning parts of SoHo, NoHo and Chinatown. Critics say the proposed plan would do the opposite: encourage high-end retail and NYU expansion.
Aneesh Kumar, Staff Writer August 16, 2021

In a 37-1 vote, Manhattan’s Community Board 2 passed an 11-page resolution rejecting the SoHo/NoHo Neighborhood Plan presented by Mayor Bill de Blasio and the Department of City...