Builders lobbied for no-votes saying down-zonings were aimed at impeding new minority residents. On July 27, 2005, the City Council approved Council Member Andrew J. Lanza’s proposed down-zoning plans for the Eltingville, Tottenville and Great Kills sections of Staten Island; actions which had faced significant opposition at the Planning Commission. See 2 CityLand 89 (July 15, 2005).

The Council down-zoned 12 blocks in Eltingville to allow only single-family homes as-of-right. The Tottenville rezoning covered 65 blocks, altering the zoning to restrict a portion to single-family homes and require large lots for two-family homes. A third rezoning of Great Kills and Tottenville down-zoned 235 lots, eliminating construction of new large apartment buildings. (read more…)