Borough President testified against the rezoning because of as-of-right hotel use and “big box” retail provisions. On April 9, 2008, the City Planning Commission held a public hearing on the Department of City Planning’s proposal to rezone a 75- block area in the Hunts Point section of the South Bronx. The proposed rezoning would establish the Special Hunts Point District, bounded by the Bruckner Expressway, Halleck Street, and Ryawa and Oak Point Avenues. The area is characterized by a small residential district surrounded by industrial uses, such as the relocated Fulton Fish Market and the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center, as well as some waste-related uses.

The proposed Special Hunts Point District would consist of two subdistricts, one residential and the other catered to the food industry. According to City Planning, 13 residential lots and 47 commercial lots, representing 31 businesses, do not comply with the proposed rezoning. 5 CityLand 9 (Feb. 15, 2008). (read more…)

Plan strives to encourage growth in food service industry. On January 7, 2008, the Planning Commission launched public consideration for the Department of City Planning’s proposal to rezone portions of the Hunts Point peninsula. The proposal is now with Bronx Community Board 2 for its review.

City Planning seeks to downzone 70 blocks of industrial land to M1-2 for light manufacturing. The area surrounds a 22-acre residential district and is roughly bounded by Bruckner Boulevard, Oak Point Rail Yard, Oak Point Avenue, and Halleck Street/Edgewater Road. It is currently developed by a mix of uses, including warehouses, auto repair shops, and food-related manufacturers and distributors. City Planning also seeks to map a C1-4 commercial overlay along portions of Lafayette and Hunts Point Avenues. The overlays would encourage sorely needed neighborhood retail, such as eating and drinking establishments. (read more…)