NEW YORK, NY April 04, 2005 —The controversial plan to rezone Greenpoint and Williamsburg for high density housing goes before the city council today. It's one of the final steps needed for approval.

The city's plan for Northwest Brooklyn would create 10,000 new housing units in a mix of high and low rise apartment buildings. About a quarter of the units would be "affordable", under an incentive program offered to devleopers. But some local residents say affordable housing should be be guaranteed, not encouraged.

Much of the waterfront is currently industrial and local manufacturers are concerned they could get displaced. But the city says the mix of residential and commercial zoning will protect current industries.

The re-zoning plan would also opens up 49-acres of Brooklyn's waterfront for parks and an esplanade. Today the city council zoning committee will hear from all sides. The full city council will have the final say.