P l a n N Y C | Planning Information Portal

Lower East Side Rezoning

On November 6th, 2006, the Department of City Planning presented its plan to guide future development of the Lower East side in anticipation of the area's first rezoning since 1961. After more discussion with the community and completion of the draft Environmental Review Statement, DCP hopes to push a finalized plan through the city's land use review process, ULURP, this year. The vast majority of the area, encompassing more than 100 city blocks, would be rezoned with a height cap of 80 feet. The zoning would also end a height exemption available for most community facilities, like dorms or hospitals, and would require new developments to build flush to the street line, preventing "tower-in-park" buildings that soar high above the low-rise neighborhoods. However, areas along East Houston, Delancey, and Christie Streets, and stretches of Second Avenue and Avenue D will be rezoned to allow buildings up to 12 stories high, if developers agree to set aside 20 percent of their projects as affordable housing in accordance with the city’s expanding Inclusionary Housing Program.

Opponents of the plan fear that increased development will transform the neighborhood's character, increasing traffic, displacing longtime residents and unleashing scores of rats. They further fear that existing, lower-rise buildings will be razed to make way for new developments built up to the height limit. Residents also argue that the plan doesn't provide enough affordable housing. On the other hand, developers also oppose the existing plan as too restrictive of development. Proponents of the plan say it strikes a good balance between preserving the area's existing character with more restrictive zoning and creating corridors for increased housing density and incentives for affordable housing.

Presently the Department of City Planning is preparing a draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) as the first phase of the environmental review process showing the impacts of development on the neighborhood. On June 25, 2007, DCP held a public meeting to discuss and get input on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), the first phase of the environmental review process showing the impacts of development on the neighborhood. The meeting discussed what will be addressed in the DEIS, how it be implemented and what can be done to solve potential site issues. Public commentary will be incorporated as the DCP moves forward in the process. Once the DEIS is complete the project can move into ULURP; this is scheduled to take place in the spring of 2008.