The administration of New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani has introduced a new collection of housing resources designed to increase residential development while safeguarding the city’s historic neighborhoods. Announced alongside Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) Chair Lisa Kersavage, the initiative aims to simplify the process for homeowners seeking to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and help owners of landmark-designated properties benefit from Landmark Transferable Development Rights (TDRs).
The newly launched resources include an interactive online map that allows residents to identify properties within historic districts where ADUs are permitted. Homeowners will also have access to a detailed fact sheet explaining eligibility requirements, along with assistance from a dedicated LPC team created to guide applicants through the approval process. City officials believe these measures will make it easier for residents to add living space for relatives or generate rental income without compromising the architectural identity of historic communities.
The administration also released updated guidance explaining how landmark property owners can utilize transferable development rights. The program allows owners of protected buildings to transfer unused development potential to nearby sites, enabling additional housing construction while creating a revenue stream that can be invested in preserving historic structures.
Mayor Mamdani said the city must address its housing shortage while ensuring every neighborhood contributes to the solution. He emphasized that expanding housing opportunities and preserving New York’s historic character are complementary objectives rather than competing priorities. According to the mayor, the initiative reflects the broader vision of the city’s Block by Block housing strategy, which seeks to balance neighborhood preservation with responsible residential growth.
Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning Leila Bozorg described the effort as part of a citywide strategy to increase housing availability. She praised the Landmarks Preservation Commission for working to accelerate housing development while protecting buildings and districts that define New York’s architectural heritage.
Kersavage said the new guidance demonstrates that preservation and housing expansion can move forward together. She noted that the tools will help property owners take advantage of updated zoning policies by adding ADUs or using landmark development rights to secure funding for building maintenance while supporting nearby residential projects.
The resources complement the city’s broader Block by Block housing plan, which includes affordable housing investments, stronger tenant protections, improved code enforcement, and support for public housing. Officials also confirmed that the LPC is considering regulatory changes that would allow more routine modifications to historic properties to receive staff-level approval, reducing review times and streamlining the application process.
The initiative builds on zoning reforms adopted through the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity program in 2024, which expanded opportunities for ADUs across much of New York City. Additional guidance from the Departments of Housing Preservation and Development and Buildings is intended to further simplify the creation of ADUs, while updated TDR policies make it easier for landmark property owners to preserve historic buildings and encourage new housing development nearby.
