Commission modifies rezoning plan for LIC’s Dutch Kills

Proposed Dutch Kills Rezoning. Rezoning Map used with permission of the New York City Department of City Planning. All rights reserved.

FAR increased for certain uses after Community Board and Borough President raised concern over proposed limits on commercial and industrial growth. On September 8, 2008, the City Planning Commission approved, with one modification, the Department of City Planning’s proposed rezoning and text amendment for the Dutch Kills area of Long Island City, Queens.

The … <Read More>


Commission modifies Hunts Pt. Special District

Alterations are designed to restrict big-box retail and hotel developments. On May 21, 2008, the City Planning Commission voted to approve, with modifications, the Department of City Planning’s proposal to rezone a 70-block area in the Hunts Point section of the South Bronx. The area City Planning proposes to rezone is bounded by the Bruckner Expressway, Halleck Street, and Ryawa and Oak Point Avenues.

Consisting of 690 acres, the Hunts Point peninsula is characterized by … <Read More>


Council negotiates modifications to 125th Street rezoning

Council Members Dickens and Jackson defend plan despite vocal opposition from local residents. On April 30, 2008, the City Council modified the Department of City Planning’s plan to rezone the 125th Street corridor, a 24-block area in the Harlem section of Manhattan.

The plan will rezone large portions of the east and west ends of the corridor to encourage arts, entertainment, and retail uses. The plan will also impose height limits, street wall continuity requirements, … <Read More>


Columbia University’s and CB9’s plans approved

Last minute effort to delay vote until disclosure of community benefit package was defeated. On December 19, 2007, the City Council voted to approve Columbia University’s and Manhattan Community Board 9’s development plans for West Harlem after the Planning Commission modified both plans the month before. The approval clears the way for Columbia to move forward with its campus expansion into the traditionally industrial neighborhood of Manhattanville.

Columbia’s plan called for a Special Manhattanville Mixed-Use … <Read More>


Council seeks to halt spread of illegal hotels

The Bronx County Courthouse’s green roof, funded by the Bronx Initiative for Energy and the Environment. Photo: The Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation.

Proposal would increase fines for illegal conversions of residences into hotels. On December 3, 2007, the City Council’s Committee on Housing and Buildings held a public hearing on a proposal to increase fines on building owners who illegally convert residential units, especially rent-regulated ones, into hotel units.

Council Member Gail Brewer sponsored … <Read More>


Council OKs budget increases for 10 BIDs

BIDs receive over $3.1 million increase in annual spending. On November 28, 2007, the City Council passed a local law to increase the annual budget for 10 business improvement districts and one special assessment district. The increases will require property owners within these districts to pay more into their BID or SAD.

The Times Square Alliance received the largest increase at $768,000, bringing its annual budget to $10.4 million. Outside of Manhattan, the largest increase … <Read More>