The City of Yes initiative for carbon neutrality, economic improvement and housing eases restrictive building requirements such as “mandatory minimum parking spaces to allow for plans to include more housing,” she says.

While “the housing process has been slow getting through New York City agencies,” Whelan says she’s seen increased development plans for affordable and market rate housing. She expects that market “will be strong” thanks to increased state sustainable and green energy incentives for housing, new zoning allowances and lower interest rates that “will help developers build better, greener and more sustainable buildings sooner.”