De Blasio voted for “poor door” provision: report

But zoning change in 2009 was beneficial overall, mayor's spokesperson says

From left: Gary Barnett, 40 Riverside Boulevard and Mayor Bill de Blasio
From left: Gary Barnett, 40 Riverside Boulevard and Mayor Bill de Blasio

Despite criticizing developers’ use of “poor doors,” Mayor Bill de Blasio voted in favor of a zoning resolution change in 2009  that allowed a building to have separate entrances.

One of the provisions permitted developers of market-rate condominium buildings to separate several services, including entrances. De Blasio, as a City Council member, voted for it. A spokesperson for the de Blasio administration, however, blamed then-Mayor Bloomberg’s team for allegedly changing “the law to enable this kind of development,” as the New York Post reported.

City officials told the Post that the 104-page zoning change was overall beneficial and the provision was one of many.

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“The resolution at issue was focused on helping more low-income New Yorkers buy their own homes and expanding affordable housing,” Wiley Norvell, spokesperson for the city, told the Post.

Earlier this month, Extell received approval from the city to install a so-called a “poor door” at a 33-story luxury condo at 40 Riverside Boulevard, as previously reported. [NYP]Mark Maurer