New York City is a city of neighborhoods, and each neighborhood is anchored by commercial corridors with shops and vibrant street life. Modest apartment buildings with stores on the street and apartments above exist in low-density across the five boroughs – most of them from the 1920s to 1950s. Today, zoning prohibits that classic form even in areas where it’s very common.

This multi-criteria decision analysis aims to identify Single Story Commercial Sites in Brooklyn, NY that align with designated criteria for optimal affordable housing development. This speculative analysis is rooted in City of Yes for Housing’s initiative to rezone commercial streets in low-density areas and create new housing, help neighbors reach small businesses, and build vibrant mixed-use neighborhoods.

The overarching objective is to provide actionable insights that guide policymakers, urban planners, and developers in making informed decisions for the strategic development of affordable housing and rezoning in Brooklyn.