Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Robert K. Steel andDepartment of Housing Preservation and DevelopmentCommissioner Mathew M. Wambua today launched theadAPT NYCCompetition, a pilot program to develop a new housing model for the Citys growing small-household population.adAPT NYCseeks to create additional choices within New York Citys housing market to accommodate the citys changing demographics.Currently New York City has 1.8 million one- and two-person households, but only one million studios and one-bedrooms. The design competition involves a Request for Proposals for a rental building composed primarily, or completely, of micro-units apartments smaller than what is allowed under current regulations. New York Citys housing codes have not kept up with its changing population, and currently do not allow an entire building of micro-units. Under this pilot program, Mayor Bloomberg will waive certain zoning regulations at a City-owned site at 335 East 27thStreet in the Kips Bay neighborhood of Manhattan to test the market for this new housing model. The Mayor made the announcement at the American Institute of Architects Center for Architecture and also was joined by Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Linda I. Gibbs, City Planning Commissioner Amanda Burden and Buildings Commissioner Robert LiMandri, whose agencies collaborated with the Department of Housing Preservation and Development on the creation of this design competition.

Developing housing that matches how New Yorkers live today is critical to the Citys continued growth, future competitiveness and long-term economic success, said Mayor Bloomberg. People from all over the world want to live in New York City, and we must develop a new, scalable housing model that is safe, affordable and innovative to meet their needs.

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Once again the Bloomberg Administration tackles age-old issues with fresh thinking and a willingness to experiment with new ideas, said Jerilyn Perine, Executive Director of the Citizens Housing and Planning Council. This pilot project will not only create new types of much needed housing; but will also set the stage for much need regulatory relief to make room for more housing choices for our growing population.

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