The New York City Council approved the rezoning of a 42-block section of Manhattan, paving the way for the development of more than 9,500 new residential units in the area.

The rezoning would allow construction of high-density housing in four separate areas south of Times Square that are currently designated for manufacturing and offices. About a third of the new units would be permanently affordable.

City leaders expect developers will move quickly to convert vacant and underused office buildings in the area - known as Midtown South - to help address a critical housing shortage. Providing more shelter for New Yorkers is an issue that has taken center stage in the city’s mayoral race.