New York City Releases Plans for Thousands of New Homes in Midtown
City Officials Unveil Plans for Midtown South Mixed-Use (MSMX) Plan
Many New Yorkers could start to feel at home in Midtown, as the city released on Thursday updated plans of what thousands of new homes in the traditionally commercial area could look like now that a state law on residential restrictions has been lifted.
What’s Changing?
The Midtown South Mixed-Use (MSMX) plan calls for constructing nearly 10,000 new homes in a part of the bustling borough where housing is currently not permitted. The plan shows the dwellings, including up to nearly 3,000 of which would be permanently income-restricted affordable, stretched across 42 Manhattan blocks, from 23rd to 41st Streets between Fifth and Eighth Avenues.
Why the Change?
The proposal maps out new, high-density residential zoning districts made possible by the recent repeal of what city officials call New York State’s "outdated and arbitrary" 12 FAR cap on housing, a law created out of concern of too much housing that it could limit much-needed commercial and mixed-use space.
What’s the Goal?
According to the New York Department of City Planning (DCP), the changes will help create "a more dynamic, 24/7 mixed-use, transit-rich neighborhood with great housing and job opportunities for New Yorkers."
What’s Next?
The plan is part of Mayor Eric Adams’ City of Yes initiative to create more affordable housing around the Big Apple. The rezoning is now closer to public review around the start of 2025.
What’s Being Said?
"Midtown South is one of the most transit- and job-rich areas of the city, but it’s long been held back by antiquated zoning that has restricted new housing," said DCP director Dan Garodnick. "With action in Albany, we’re moving quickly to put new zoning tools to work to deliver more of the homes that New Yorkers urgently need, while fostering a vibrant mix of commercial, manufacturing and residential uses. It’s a bold step toward building a more inclusive and dynamic Midtown."
Additional Features
The plan also includes more pedestrian space and proximity to nearby public transit.
Conclusion
The Midtown South Mixed-Use (MSMX) plan represents a major step toward modernizing housing in New York City’s most transit-rich areas, delivering affordable housing, improving mobility, creating opportunities, and strengthening local services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Midtown South Mixed-Use (MSMX) plan?
A: The plan is a new zoning proposal that allows for the construction of nearly 10,000 new homes in Midtown, including 3,000 permanently income-restricted affordable units.
Q: Why is this plan important?
A: The plan is part of Mayor Eric Adams’ City of Yes initiative to create more affordable housing around the Big Apple and to modernize zoning laws to allow for more mixed-use development.
Q: When will the plan be reviewed?
A: The plan is expected to be reviewed by the public around the start of 2025.
Q: What’s the goal of the plan?
A: The goal is to create a more dynamic, 24/7 mixed-use, transit-rich neighborhood with great housing and job opportunities for New Yorkers.
