In the wake of a series of “downzonings” around the city over the last couple of years (including such neighborhoods as Park Slope, Fort Greene and Clinton Hill), the New York Chapter of the American Institute for Architects has submitted a proposal to the Department of City Planning for text amendments to the city’s zoning code that, the lobbying group argues, would make the code more contextual; critics say it’s just a way to eke out a few more dollars for the AIA’s developer clients. At issue are six changes, five of which would impact medium- and high-density districts (like R6 to R10) and one of which would affect low-density districts. One suggestion by the group is to allow 100% lot coverage on corner lots, instead of the existing 80%; another is to allow multi-family buildings on lots that are less than 18-feet wide; a third is to allow rear dormers. Probably the most controversial is a proposal to increase the maximum base height of a new building by 25% in cases where there are taller adjacent buildings. This would mean, for example, in a R6B zone, the height restriction would rise from 40 feet to 50 feet. According to Aaron Brashear of the Concerned Citizens of Greenwood Heights, the proposals “fly in the face of what the majority of the contextual rezonings in the city have attempted to accomplish: lower density and lower height which equal more light and air.” The public comment period runs through January 7 but it’s unclear at this point whether the proposal is subject to to a full ULURP review. You can be sure there will be strong words tonight at a public forum at Borough Hall that begins at 6 p.m.
Proposed Changes to the Zoning Resolution [AIA NY]
Zoning Amendments Might Produce Bigger, Bulkier Buildings [GL]