Obi Ene’s Post

😎 🏫 🏭 In NYC often you see structures like the building below, where a property next door encroaches on to the air space of another. How and why does this happen? When this happens, it comes under the Subject Area: NYC Air Rights. Understanding air rights in New York City can seem complex, especially for someone new to the concept. However, grasping the basics is essential for any New York City resident or real estate enthusiast. In simple terms, air rights refer to the space above a building that can be used for further development. What Are Air Rights in NYC? 🏢 🏭 Air rights in New York City are essentially the ability to utilize the space above a building for development. They represent the unused vertical space above a property that a building owner can develop or sell to neighboring properties. For example, if zoning laws allow a building to reach a height of 75 feet, but the current building is only 50 feet tall, the 25 feet of unused vertical space are considered air rights. In NYC, air rights have become a valuable asset due to the limited availability of land, particularly in densely populated areas like Manhattan. The ability to build upwards rather than outwards offers developers an opportunity to maximize the utility and value of a given piece of property.

Many urban highways are nearing the end of their lifespan. Rather than rushing to repair them, we need to question if they align with the transportation needs and vision of 21st century cities. As more cities begin to reclaim these spaces to connect communities, it's crucial that these projects are led with the values of ethics, equity, and empathy. Learn more about the history of highway removal and our approach to reconnecting communities: https://lnkd.in/gujMgHZ2

A study that accounts for the the lost opportunity value of building new roads in urban areas. Here's a sobering point: "their estimate finds that roads account for a fifth to a quarter of all urbanized land in the US". Powerful figures to help us visualise and understand such a poor use of public, community space 😕 "new research finds that the costs of expanding roads in urban areas are three times greater than its potential benefits... "The researchers considered several kinds of costs: They looked at direct government spending on roads, external costs such as pollution and traffic deaths and the value of roadway land that could otherwise be used for different purposes like housing, shops or public space... "A core part of the new study was conducting a novel assessment to quantify the amount of space and land value dedicated to roadways across 316 US cities, where approximately 80% of the population lives... "they also urge policies that remove existing roads: They find that reducing roadway area by 10% would yield a net benefit of nearly $28 billion a year". "From an economic perspective, the best way to use a lot of the land is to reallocate it into the private sector for shops and houses, or into the public sector for parks and other forms of transportation like busways or bike lanes... Dedicating less of it to transportation would certainly be good for the economy, for the environment and for public health" ~ Prof Erick Guerra, University of Pennsylvania’s Weitzman School of Design #induceddemand #landuse #publicspace #community #neighbourhoods #liveability #urbanmobility https://lnkd.in/g-thJhb8

Urban highways vs. Complete streets. (Institute for Transportation & Development Policy,  2023 The adopted national street design manuals should aim to mainstream the best-practice street  designs to improve safety for vulnerable road users and support sustainable modes of transport,  particularly public transport, pedestrians, and cyclists. The coordinating agency should foresee and  plan for the implementation challenges, including the necessary communication strategies,  enforcement, and capacity building actions (Institute for Transportation & Development Policy &  United Nations Human Settlements Programme, 2022).

Balancing progress with preservation is no easy feat—especially when history and housing needs collide. The proposed 255-unit apartment complex near the Santa Barbara Mission has sparked heated community discussions about growth, heritage, and responsible development. Can modern infrastructure coexist with centuries-old cultural landmarks? This project, filed under California’s “Builder’s Remedy,” highlights a key tension in urban planning: meeting state housing mandates while addressing local concerns like traffic, aesthetics, and infrastructure strain. It’s a test case for collaborative solutions that prioritize both community sentiment and housing goals. Read the full article to learn how this project could shape the future of urban development in California. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gZ4nnCHb

ArchDaily 🌆 Air Rights: A Gateway to Vertical Innovation or Urban Overload? Air rights transactions offer an incredible opportunity for cities to grow vertically while preserving limited land resources. From preserving historic landmarks like Japan's Club Kansai to reshaping skylines with projects like Hudson Yards, air rights have proven their transformative potential. They enable architectural creativity, unlock financial opportunities, and activate dormant spaces. However, as an architect, I can't ignore the challenges: over-densification, reduced street-level engagement, and risks to community character. Striking a balance between private gains and public good is key. If we integrate thoughtful urban planning and prioritize inclusivity—like mandating public spaces or walkable designs—air rights can truly serve as a model for equitable and sustainable growth. The air above us holds endless possibilities, but how we "build" on them matters.

Sara C. Bronin's book "Key to the City" should be required reading for all planners - whether serving as professionals or as volunteer board members; or for that matter, anyone who cares about their community. Yes, it's about zoning, arguably the most arid of subjects. But Sara is a masterful storyteller and she makes it easy to grasp the everyday importance of this tough subject. Moreover, she puts zoning into historical and cultural settings; she assesses its shortcomings and celebrates its great potential. In particular, I was struck by this one subtle sentence: "To produce ethical outcomes, a zoning code must respond to its context." This is both analysis and prescription; one of Sara's central theses is that zoning should reward changing context with flexible response. I was left with renewed hope that zoning can simultaneously serve people's needs (all the people), promote the economy, and protect the environment. In short, zoning can help create wonderful communities that we will joyfully call home. Read this artfully written book - it's worth your time. https://lnkd.in/e4aCk_Fp

🏙️ Unlocking the Sky: What Are Air Rights in Real Estate? 🌤️ Did you know that in the world of real estate, the space above your property can be just as valuable as the land itself? 🤔✨ Air rights refer to the legal ability to use, lease, or sell the space above a property, typically for construction or development purposes. This concept is especially crucial in urban areas where space is limited, and vertical development can provide lucrative opportunities! Whether you're looking to build a rooftop garden, a residential high-rise, or commercial spaces, understanding air rights can open up a whole new world of possibilities for your real estate ventures. 🌆💼 #RealEstateTips #AirRights #UrbanDevelopment #RealEstateInvesting #PropertyDevelopment #KathleenForrest #MetrobrokersofOklahoma #TogetherAchievingTheExtraOrdinary

Did you know larger lot sizes lead to higher home prices, urban sprawl, and longer commutes? Smarter zoning policies could make homes more affordable and reduce your environmental footprint. See how zoning reform impacts you! https://lnkd.in/e3UcHBgT

Michael Kimmelman, in his New York Times article, emphasizes the perpetual dynamics of urban development, where new construction often sparks significant civic reaction. Zoning regulations, civic engagement, and economic forces all play crucial roles in shaping our cities, often with complex outcomes. Our urban analytics platform seeks to aid in this process by providing precise visual impact assessments to forecast potential changes. By assisting architects and city planners in making informed decisions that balance urban development while anticipating impacts, we ensure a thoughtful approach to city growth and preservation. Link to article: https://lnkd.in/eygjS3R4