New York to fast-track affordable housing in 12 community districts starting in 2027

New York City will speed up the approval process for affordable housing projects in 12 community districts beginning January 1, 2027, targeting neighborhoods that have produced the least affordable housing in recent years. The initiative, known as the Affordable Housing Fast Track, was approved by voters as part of changes to the City Charter.

The 12 districts represent roughly one-fifth of the city’s 59 community districts but produced only 724 of the 63,870 new affordable homes created over the previous five years, according to the city.

The selected areas are:

Brooklyn

• Community District 10: Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights
• Community District 12: Borough Park and Kensington
• Community District 18: Canarsie and Flatlands

Manhattan

• Community District 7: Upper West Side
• Community District 8: Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island

Queens

• Community District 4: Corona and Elmhurst
• Community District 5: Ridgewood, Maspeth and Middle Village
• Community District 10: South Ozone Park and Howard Beach
• Community District 11: Auburndale, Bayside and Douglaston
• Community District 13: Queens Village, Bellerose and Rosedale

Staten Island

• Community District 2: Mid-Island
• Community District 3: South Shore

Starting in 2027, eligible projects that include affordable housing can use a streamlined public review process capped at about 90 days, compared with the traditional land-use review process, which can take considerably longer. The accelerated process preserves Community Board and borough president review, as well as opportunities for public input. Environmental review and landmark protections will also remain in place.

The change does not mean that every property in these neighborhoods will automatically be rezoned or converted into housing. Projects must meet the applicable requirements and qualify for the Fast Track process.

It also does not create a new housing lottery. New Yorkers looking for affordable apartments must continue using NYC Housing Connect to find currently available lotteries and opportunities. The city’s new policy is intended to speed the approval of future developments, meaning its effect on the number of available apartments will take time to materialize.

The list of 12 districts will be updated every five years based on affordable housing production. The next list is scheduled for October 2031.