The Department of City Planning sent out an email yesterday saying it has commenced a 45-day public review for a zoning text amendment that’ll mean new developments on a number of streets in Carroll Gardens can only rise a maximum of 55 feet. The text amendment, which comes out of concerns raised by Community Board 6, Councilman Bill de Blasio’s office, ever-vocal neighborhood groups and Borough President Markowitz’s office about out-of-scale development in Carroll Gardens, will affect 1st through 4th Place, Second Street, Carroll Street and President Street between Smith and Hoyt Streets. The streets are currently classified as “wide” for zoning purposes, which means developers can build 75 feet or more on many of them, but, following the amendment, will instead be considered “narrow,” like much of the rest of the neighborhood. “This is the first of many steps to help preserve the streets of Caroll Gardens,” said Councilman de Blasio in a statement. “This is a good indication that City Planning is serious about protecting and preserving our low density neighborhoods and I continue to be hopeful that City Planning will begin the downzoning study shortly.” A map showing the area in question is on the jump.
Prelude to a Downzone in Carroll Gardens? [Brownstoner]
Carroll Gardens Narrow Street/Wide Street Zoning Text Amendment [nyc.gov]
“wide” Carroll Gardens Streets to Get Narrow [Gowanus Lounge]