Bloomberg Proposes Micro Apartments for NYC...

Mayor Michael Bloomberg has yet another idea to improve the lives of New Yorkers: micro apartments. Yesterday he proposed that single people should live in studios no larger than 300 square feet. The size of this apartment is now considered illegal because it's so small, but never fear, the good mayor plans on changing the zoning laws so the new tiny apartments will be legal.

One might think that an apartment that's barely large enough for a toaster would be cheaper to rent. Does $2,000 a month sound cheap? Didn't think so.

The mayor said that single-person apartments are rare in the city and are in high demand. But it's an apartment that people want not a room that's the size of half a train car.

According to Business Insider there are currently 1.8 million one and two-person households, but only one million studio and one-bedroom apartments.

These smaller 300 foot micro apartments will all be 10 by 30 feet and must have a window and a kitchen. But will there be room for a kitchen table and maybe a chair?

Bloomberg is accepting proposals for the apartments, which will be located on E 27th Street and First Avenue in Kips Bay. The apartments, the mayor insists, will help young professionals find proper housing in the city while they start their careers. Keep telling yourself that, Mike.

But the question is: Would New York's billionaire mayor ever live in an apartment that small? Of course he would - if he were younger. Bloomberg said he'd be more than happy to live there. It's a good thing the mayor isn't so young anymore or someone might suggest he move there instead of his current mansion which is 41 times the size of his 300 foot apartment proposal.

In his youth, Bloomberg lived in a 600 square foot studio apartment for almost ten years. The rent was $120 a month, much cheaper than the rent of the new smaller apartments that will be half the size of what the mayor used to live in.

Maybe it's a good thing that Michael Bloomberg would like to ban large-sized sugary drinks. With only 300 square feet to live in people will have to be pretty slim to be comfortable in the micro apartments.

Comments: 15

Franklin Newman Jul 10, 2012, 8:00pm UTC

I'd live in something like that, for 200 or 300 dollars. Nowhere near a thousand! And as for should, where one wishes to live is a matter of choice. The problem isn't a single person deciding to live in a huge house, but far too many people having more than one home while so many others have no home at all.

Sharon Katz Jul 10, 2012, 8:49pm UTC

Thanks for your comment, Franklin. Maybe I'd live in an apartment like that for $200 a month but certainly not for $2,000 a month. And I agree with you that too many people can't afford an apartment for either $200 or $2,000 a month let alone having more than one home. Bloomberg should try to fix that instead of changing laws to make small apartments legal and banning things like large sized soft drinks. He should get his priorities straight.

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Larry Not a Fan Jul 10, 2012, 8:02pm UTC

I remember my 400 foot sq apt. It was cozy and neat. I loved it. I was young and dumb and had a wonderful place to live.

Sharon Katz Jul 10, 2012, 8:52pm UTC

Thanks Larry. A 400 foot square apartment can be cozy but Bloomberg wants the new micro apartments to be between 275 - 300 feet - now that is small and claustrophobic.

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Jared G. Jul 10, 2012, 9:28pm UTC

Sounds like my apartment in Korea.

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donna a. Jul 11, 2012, 3:30pm UTC

I really don't see what all the fuss is about. I have lived for many many years in an apartment that is less than 300 square feet WITH my husband. In fact all the apartments in my buildling and the twin building next door are all the same size. We have a bed, a couch, a table, tv unit, book cases and closets. we have learned to 'build up' and the apartment is very cozy. OK .. so we're not entertaining a dozen people every night. In fact, most New Yorkers really don't spend every hour in their apartments.. there is too much going on in the City itself to take advantage of.
While granted the apartment is small compared to some, I have seen many apartments in the city that are much smaller than 300 square feet... and some I do wonder how the people do it.. but for prime NYC real estate... unless you are extremely well off or "born rich" .. that's pretty much what you can hope to do.. and it's FAR from tragic and really unworthy of all this "poor poor pitiful folk" talk.

Sharon Katz Jul 11, 2012, 5:49pm UTC

Donna - 300 feet is very small. Is it even legal in your city/state because here in NYC it isn't legal. There's barely room for anything. But if you're comfortable in it that's all that matters. I wouldn't be able to live in 300 feet especially for $2,000 a month.

Vic Damico Jul 11, 2012, 5:56pm UTC

Wow, I have a storage unit that I rent that is 30 feet by 10 feet...That is a pretty large storage unit, but I cannot imagine living in an area that small...

Sharon Katz Jul 11, 2012, 10:28pm UTC

Yep, it seems pretty small to me too. But if some people can do it then that's great. I still say that $2,000 a month for something that small is way too much.

donna a. Jul 12, 2012, 9:54am UTC

Hi Sharon... I DO live in NYC -- midtown east to be precise. it is only after 1987 that newly constructed apartments had to be a minimum of 400 square feet. all those walk-up prewar bldgs and older buildings have PLENTY of apartments that are 300 square feet and less. You wouldn't believe the size of some I have seen while looking for apartments.
I totally agree $2000 is too much money and thankful I don't pay that.. but sizewize... it's very liveable and workable.

Sharon Katz Jul 12, 2012, 1:23pm UTC

Hi Donna - I give you and your husband a lot of credit, living in 300 square feet is way too small for me. Not that I'm an expert because I'm not, but I'm pretty sure that it's illegal to rent an apartment that's as small as 300 square feet, but I really don't know for sure.

It's hard to find apartments in NYC, as we all know and if someone is happy in a smaller apartment then that's great; but $2,000 a month! Ouch.

I'm in Brooklyn in three rooms and that's a nice size for one or two people I think.

Thank you so much for commenting on the article. I do appreciate your feedback.

donna a. Jul 12, 2012, 1:40pm UTC

not to beat a dead horse as they say but no. it is definitely NOT illegal to rent apartments smaller than 300 square feet in NYC. In 1987 the zoning law was changed so that any NEW apartment built had to have a minimum of 400 square feet. As you know, there are a huge amount of apartments/buildings in NYC that were built before 1987 so it does not apply to those pre-existing apartments. Most walk-ups fall into this category.
Interesting all the chatter this topic is creating though.

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Yoav Ilan Jul 12, 2012, 4:32pm UTC

I can't help reflecting on Korben Dallas' ("The Fifth Element") apartment. If at least Bloomberg's units would come with the chance to win a trip to Flosten Paradise.

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alice janette mann Jul 13, 2012, 9:21pm UTC

"Daddy" needs something to do with his time apparently !!! First it's soft drinks, smoking, and God knows what's next!! He needs to deal with some real issues to benefit New Yorkers. But, donuts are okay with him!!! I live in N.C. and if our mayor started this kind of crap, he'd be gone!!! Ya'll need to get him out of office SOON!!! Who will want to visit NYC with all these dos and don't????? He's nutty!!!

Sharon Katz Jul 13, 2012, 11:21pm UTC

I do wonder about how's he leading the city. Thanks, Alice.

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Bloomberg Proposes Micro Apartments for NYC Singles to Live In

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