On April 3, 2023, the New York City Department of City Planning announced its South Richmond Zoning Relief proposal after years of planning with Staten Island communities in the Special South Richmond Development District of the South Shore. The proposal will simplify the approval process for simple home projects that require zoning clearances, such as pool installations or other home improvements. The proposal will also enhance preservation efforts on larger land spaces and allow the community to have greater oversight over sensitive natural sites in the District, such as the area’s wetlands. (more…)

Rendering of the new ten-story building that will have over 150 units and serve as the new home for the Reform Temple of Forest Hills. Image Credit: NYC CPC.

On February 2, 2023, the City Council voted to approve a rezoning that would enable the redevelopment of the Reform Temple of Forest Hills to a ten-story mixed-use building that includes a new temple and residential space. The Reform Temple of Forest Hills is currently located at 71-11 112th Street in Forest Hills, Queens. (more…)

An example from the Dept. of City Planning’s presentation, highlighting how a change to a facade for better insulation may be hindered by floor area ratio restrictions. Click to enlarge. Image Credit: NYC DCP.

Commissioners raised early questions about implementation and funding issues. On January 30, 2023, the City Planning Commission held a review session and overview discussion for the proposed Zoning for Carbon Neutrality amendment, one of the three City of Yes amendments proposed by Mayor Eric Adams last year. The Zoning for Carbon Neutrality amendment aims to reduce or eliminate unnecessary restrictions within the zoning text that inhibit a developer or building owner from using sustainable technology and design in their properties. While the official text of the amendment is not finished at this time, this hearing provided an overview about the goals of the amendment and highlighted common issues to be addressed by the amendment. Department of City Planning Director of Zoning Frank Ruchala presented the overview of the amendment to the commission. (more…)

Image credit: New York City Council.

On October 12, 2022, the City Council unanimously passed a rezoning off the Bruckner Expressway in Throggs Neck, Bronx, allowing for four mixed-use apartment buildings at four different sites. For CityLand’s previous coverage of the Bruckner rezoning, including a breakdown of the proposals for each site, click here. (more…)

The three amendments aim to remove unnecessary restrictions that limit housing, economic development and sustainability. On October 17, 2022, the Department of City Planning will host an information session regarding the proposed “City of Yes” zoning text amendments. The “City of Yes” amendments, announced in June, aim to resolve obstacles that prevent the creation of more housing, remove certain zoning limitations to encourage economic growth, and support sustainability. (more…)