For Immediate Release
October 6, 2023
Contacts:
Casey Berkovitz, Joe Marvilli – press@planning.nyc.gov (212) 720-3471
Joint Statement from DCP Director Dan Garodnick and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams
NEW YORK – Casinos have the potential to bring jobs and economic opportunities to New Yorkers, but applicants within New York City are at a disadvantage today because the city does not currently have a mechanism in our land use regulations to properly review casino siting. To ensure New York City applicants are not at a competitive disadvantage, the Department of City Planning and City Council will consider a standalone citywide zoning change that allows them to be judged within the guidelines of the state’s statutory process for considering casino license proposals. The state process includes the required approval of each application by a separate six-person Community Advisory Committee, which includes local elected officials. This citywide casino zoning proposal will be put forward as its own initiative to undergo public review, including required approval by the City Planning Commission, advisory review by all affected borough presidents and community boards, and approval by the City Council. Details of the proposal will be forthcoming and enter the public review process before the end of the year.
Department of City Planning
The Department of City Planning (DCP) plans for the strategic growth and development of the City through ground-up planning with communities, the development of land use policies and zoning regulations applicable citywide, and its contribution to the preparation of the City’s 10-year Capital Strategy. DCP promotes housing production and affordability, fosters economic development and coordinated investments in infrastructure and services, and supports resilient, sustainable communities across the five boroughs for a more equitable New York City.
In addition, DCP supports the City Planning Commission in its annual review of approximately 450 land use applications for a variety of discretionary approvals. The Department also assists both government agencies and the public by advising on strategic and capital planning and providing policy analysis, technical assistance and data relating to housing, transportation, community facilities, demography, zoning, urban design, waterfront areas and public open space.