Planning Department and Council rezoned lots for television studio expansion. WMC Associates LLC obtained the Council’s approval to up-zone three of its four lots on Park Avenue between East 106th and East 107th Streets in East Harlem, Manhattan. Prior to the rezoning, three of WMC’s lots were zoned R7-2, which did not permit commercial use. The approved action up-zoned the three lots to C8-4, making them consistent with the fourth lot and permitting use as a television studio with a 5.0 commercial FAR. WMC will convert the existing commercial office buildings and driveway into additional studio space, but will not alter the buildings’ envelope.

At the Council’s December 15, 2005 Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises hearing, the new zoning lots were approved. The full Council approved on December 21, 2005.

ULURP Process: The Planning Commission, as lead agency, issued a negative declaration on July 25, 2005. Community Board 11 approved by a vote of 18 to 8, with five abstentions on September 20, 2005. Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields approved on October 11, 2005. Following a public hearing with no speakers in opposition, the Planning Commission unanimously approved on December 7, 2005.

Council: Metropolis Studios (December 21, 2005); CPC: Metropolis Studios (C 020615 ZMM – map amendment) (December 7, 2005). CITYADMIN