Both Pelham Bay and Westchester Square are low- to mid-density areas with detached homes in the inner blocks and apartment buildings on the main streets. The Department of City Planning proposes to “downzone” 55 blocks of these areas to encourage “in character” development and reduce the increasing traffic load on the areas. The rezoning will also encourage developers to build detached garages in new buildings.
Both rezoning applications were certified under the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure in October 2005. In November 2005, Community Board 10 approved the rezoning plans. A public hearing was held by the Bronx Borough President in December 2005 and the City Planning Commission approved the rezoning changes in February 2006. The City Council voted to approve the rezoning of both neighborhoods on March 22, 2006.