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The Department of City Planning is beginning discussions about rezoning Dumbo, according to an article in the Architect’s Newspaper. The rezoning push follows LPC’s designation of the neighborhood as a historic district a couple of months ago and the Planning Commission’s vote yesterday to approve that designation (the Council still needs to give its blessing to the new district). It’s unclear exactly what Planning will propose for the rezoning, though a couple of sources told the Architect’s Newspaper that it might be rezoned R8A, which would allow for 10-12 story residential buildings. It’s looking like they want a high-density residential neighborhood, said Simeon Bankoff, executive director of the Historic Districts Council. What will happen to the remaining factories and illegal lofts, we don’t yet know. The area in question is generally bounded by Bridge Street to the east, the Manhattan Bridge to the west, John St and the East River to the north, and Front Street to the south, said a Planning official, and it aims to preserve the mixed-use character of the neighborhood, allow for residential conversion of existing loft buildings, promote new construction at densities consistent with the built character of the area, and provide incentives and opportunities for affordable housing development in Dumbo. Councilman David Yassky says there is a desperate need for rezoning in the area in order to address issues like affordable housing, the neighborhood’s many illegal loft conversions, and to bring amenities like schools and groceries to Dumbo. This is exactly the news that HK Management has been waiting for at 205 Water Street.
Breaking: City to Rezone Dumbo [Architect’s Newspaper]
Dumbo Designated as Landmark District [Brownstoner]


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  1. Many recent zoning changes have included density bonuses in exchange for creation of “affordable” (let’s ignore how that is defined) housing. It is interesting that the DCP spokesperson said this rezoning will “provide incentives and opportunities for affordable housing development in Dumbo.” That seems to indicate that the density bonus strategy will be included here.