The New York Landmarks Conservancy Tells Whom You Know: Citywide Rezoning Plan Revamped! Improvements to “Zoning for Quality and Affordability” Proposal .... But Questions Remain
Plan would still allow huge heights in Upper Broadway Commercial District. Image Courtesy of Landmarks West
The New York Landsmarks Conservancy Tells Whom You Know:
We asked you to speak out against the City Planning Department’s proposal for so-called “Zoning for Quality and Affordability.” The proposal would allow buildings to go from 5 to 50 feet taller than current limits in neighborhoods with contextual zoning. Your voice was heard and it has made a difference. Thanks to all of you who attended the public scoping session and wrote to City Planning, there are significant alterations to the plan. Click here to see City Planning letter.
In R8B districts - Maintain the current maximum height of 75 feet that exists today (the proposal previously identified an increase to 85 feet).
In R7A districts - Allow a basic maximum height of 85 feet (a 5 foot increase, instead of the 15 foot increase previously proposed), and 105 feet for buildings providing affordable senior housing or inclusionary housing. With this change, only buildings that provide affordable housing would be permitted additional stories.
In R6B districts - Allow a maximum height of 55 feet for all buildings (a maximum of 65 feet was previously proposed for affordable senior housing or inclusionary housing).
But there are still neighborhoods where height limits will be increased up to 50 feet. And there is still no guarantee of the "affordability" or the "quality" in the proposal’s title. City Planning will begin presentations to Community Boards that request the meetings over the next two months. The formal review process for the Community Boards, Borough Presidents, and City Council will begin in the fall.
This rezoning plan will affect neighborhoods across the City. If you live in a neighborhood that has contextual zoning, request that your Community Board receive a briefing this spring so you can learn what the changes will mean for your block. We will follow the informational meetings, testify at the public hearings, and send you alerts.
