The article “I Want a City, Not a Museum” by Binyamin Appelbaum highlights the challenges of preserving New York City’s architectural history while addressing its current housing crisis. Appelbaum points out that the city’s stringent zoning laws and preservation efforts have contributed to a shortage of affordable housing by inhibiting new construction and favoring the preservation of buildings over the needs of its residents. He advocates for a balanced approach that allows for the development of new housing, particularly mid-rise options for the middle class, around transit hubs and within existing neighborhoods. This approach, he argues, would not only help alleviate the city’s housing crisis but also ensure its growth and dynamism for future generations. The article suggests that a more flexible urban development policy could create sustainable communities where new and old coexist, providing opportunities for all New Yorkers.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/30/opinion/new-york-housing-costs.html