CUNY Parking Lots Could Help Solve NYC Housing Crunch

A think tank proposes building housing on underutilized CUNY campus land, but the idea faces pushback from a borough president.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Center for an Urban Future, a nonprofit think tank, has proposed building new housing on underutilized land such as parking lots on City University of New York (CUNY) campuses across New York City. The think tank estimates this could generate over $5 billion in total lease revenue that could be used for infrastructure improvements. However, the idea has faced hostility from Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella, who called it a "really bad, and it's a really dumb idea."

Why it matters

New York City is facing an affordable housing crisis, and the think tank's proposal aims to leverage underutilized land on CUNY campuses to create new housing units. This could provide much-needed homes in residential neighborhoods across the city, while also generating revenue for CUNY to reinvest in infrastructure. However, the plan faces opposition from local officials who are concerned about the impact on college campuses.

The details

The Center for an Urban Future highlighted the College of Staten Island (CSI) campus as an example, noting that it spans 204 acres with 10% designated as surface parking. The think tank estimated that redeveloping a single 5-acre site on the CSI campus could generate $500,000 to $900,000 in recurring annual revenue, while preserving the majority of campus parking. Overall, the think tank calculated that the CSI campus could accommodate four housing projects that would generate between $2 million to $3.6 million in annual revenue.

  • The Center for an Urban Future published its report earlier this month.
  • On Wednesday, Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella spoke out against the proposal at the College of Staten Island campus.

The players

Center for an Urban Future

A nonprofit think tank focused on improving inequality and increasing economic growth in New York City.

Vito Fossella

The Staten Island Borough President, who has expressed strong opposition to the proposal to build housing on CUNY campuses.

City University of New York (CUNY)

A public university system with 26 campuses across the five boroughs of New York City.

College of Staten Island (CSI)

A CUNY campus located on Staten Island that the Center for an Urban Future highlighted as a potential site for housing development.

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What they’re saying

“One promising option is to unlock underutilized land on CUNY campuses for infill housing — generating dedicated, recurring revenue for the university while also adding much-needed homes in residential neighborhoods across the city.”

— Center for an Urban Future (Center for an Urban Future report)

“We're here today to say it's a really bad, and it's a really dumb idea. Let's take away hundreds or who knows how many parking spots, which would only compromise the quality of life for the students and the faculty and College of Staten Island.”

— Vito Fossella, Staten Island Borough President (SILive.com)

What’s next

In order for the think tank's proposal to move forward, the organization would need approval from state officials as well as CUNY's board of trustees.

The takeaway

The proposal to build housing on CUNY campuses highlights the difficult tradeoffs involved in addressing New York City's housing crisis. While the think tank's plan aims to leverage underutilized land to create more homes, it faces opposition from local officials concerned about the impact on college communities. Resolving this tension will require careful consideration of the needs of both students and the broader housing market.