Designated Zones to Protect New York Manufacturing

After a 22-month wait, New York City manufacturing companies have the mayor's assurances that the zoning code will protect them. This editorial argues that manufacturing jobs can offer high compensation to workers. "But one thing they do need help with is space. These businesses are perfectly happy to compete with each other, but in a fight for real estate with apartment and hotel developers, they are toast."

The proposed rules severely limit or restrict residential and hospitality uses in designated areas. From the editorial: "That it came a year and a half after the mayor's housing plan says a lot about his priorities, but the policymaking, while tedious, was solid." See here for more on New York's ongoing debate over where to zone for much-needed housing.

Emphasis will be placed on retaining high-tech, high-skill manufacturers. "The city will develop zoning to accommodate the so-called innovation economy—smaller, modern, tech-oriented businesses with different needs from the heavy industry of yesteryear."