In a recent government meeting, officials expressed growing concerns over the decline of small and shared housing options, particularly Single Room Occupancies (SROs), in urban neighborhoods. Participants noted that many SROs have been converted into luxury apartments, significantly reducing affordable housing availability. This trend is particularly evident in areas like the Bowery and parts of Chinatown, where the remaining SROs are dwindling.

The discussion highlighted the need for a balanced approach to housing development, advocating for a mix of unit types, including family-sized apartments alongside smaller units and SROs. Officials emphasized that while there is a market incentive for developers to build smaller, more profitable units, this could lead to a lack of diverse housing options, ultimately harming community stability.

Concerns were raised about the potential for new housing policies to favor dormitory-style SROs, which may not meet the needs of families or long-term residents. The conversation also touched on the implications of allowing individual rooms within apartments to be rented out, which could lead to overcrowded living conditions and a decline in housing quality.

Overall, the meeting underscored the urgent need for policy changes that would encourage the preservation and creation of affordable housing options, ensuring that diverse community needs are met without sacrificing quality or accessibility.