Changes included the addition of anti-harassment law and strengthening of height limits. In May 2005, after last-minute modifications, the City Council approved six land use actions related to a comprehensive redevelopment plan of a two-mile waterfront area along the East River and adjacent upland neighborhoods in Greenpoint and Williamsburg, Brooklyn. 2 CityLand 36 (Apr. 15, 2005), 2 CityLand 51 (May 15, 2005), 2 CityLand 67 (June 15, 2005). Public review of the proposed amendments identified the need for additional modifications, including a specific request by the community and Borough President Marty Markowitz that current residents be protected by anti-harassment laws.

On October 28, 2005, the Planning Department filed two applications for Follow- Up Corrective Actions, or FUCAs, to clarify certain provisions of the earlier rezoning and to amend the zoning map to establish contextual height limits in 19 blocks.

The amendments to the zoning resolution would include application of anti-harassment provisions, clarifications to the inclusionary housing program, corrections to the waterfront access plan, and changes to permit sidewalk cafés in MX- 8 zoned districts. Zoning map amendments adding contextual height limits would replace the existing zoning with M1-2/R6A and M1-2R6B zoning, which would limit the maximum building height to 70 and 50 feet, respectively. Under the new zoning the City would also reduce the maximum FAR for community facility use from 4.8 to 3.0 and 2.0 respectively.

At the February 27th Zoning and Franchises Subcommittee hearing, Council Member David Yassky supported the amendments, calling them an appropriate “cleanup,” and saying that his reservations about the original rezoning have been relieved. Full Council review is pending.

ULURP Process: The Planning Commission, as lead agency, issued a Notice of Minor Modification. Community Board 1 approved both applications on the condition that one block be removed from the height restriction and included in a subsequent follow-up. Borough President Marty Markowitz approved both applications on the condition that lots fronting North 1st Street be removed and later rezoned from R6 to R6B.

The Planning Commission approved, noting that the new contextual height limits imposed by the corrective action were a response to the 2005 rezoning that, due to pressure from developers, permitted excessively tall buildings.

Council: Greenpoint-Williamsburg FUCA (February 27, 2006); CPC: Greenpoint- Williamsburg FUCA (N 060170 ZRK – text amendment) (January 25, 2006); CPC: Greenpoint-Williamsburg FUCA (C 060171 ZMK – map amendment) (January 25, 2006). CITYADMIN