Introduction to Midtown South Rezoning Proposal
The City Council Committee on Land Use approved a massive rezoning plan to build over 9,500 homes in Midtown South on Wednesday, clearing the way for a full Council vote amid increasing public support.
Manhattan Councilmember Erik Bottcher at the New York City Council Land Use Committees Vote on East Midtown Rezoning.
Photo: John McCarten/NYC Council Media Unit
Details of the Rezoning Plan
The Midtown South Mixed-Use (MSMX) plan would redesignate 42 blocks between West 23rd and 40th Streets and Fifth and Eighth Avenues for housing development, allowing the city to repurpose office spaces. The final plan also included approval for a car-free busway on 34th Street, a proposal that had recently stalled, and a $122 million fund to support Garment District businesses.
Community Impact and Support
Manhattan Councilmember Erik Bottcher, who represents part of Midtown South, said the plan will help address the city’s housing crisis while protecting the community. “We’re tackling New York’s housing crisis head-on by unlocking over 9,500 new homes in one of the most transit-rich, high-opportunity areas of the city — helping to bring down rents not just in Midtown, but citywide,” Bottcher said in a statement. “At the same time, we’re protecting good-paying jobs, preserving the heart of our fashion industry, and reimagining Midtown South as a place where more families can live, thrive, and build lasting community.”
Affordable Housing and Community Investments
The plan would include over 2,800 rent-regulated affordable units through Mandatory Inclusionary Housing, a city program requiring developers to include affordable housing in rezoned areas. Logan Phares, the political director of housing group Open New York, said the MSMX plan is key to responding to New York City’s housing crisis. “This plan is a major step toward a more affordable Manhattan — helping to lower rents, keeping New Yorkers close to jobs and transit, and bringing more customers to local businesses,” Phares said in a statement.
Rezoning Plan Approval and Next Steps
The City Council plan included slightly fewer homes than the original proposal to protect some Garment District manufacturing facilities, small businesses and workers, alongside the $122 million fund. The deal also will provide $340 million to street upgrades, parks, subway stations and local healthcare services. A spokesperson for the Protect the Garment District coalition — a group that had opposed the MSMX plan as recently as last week, alleging it would destroy small businesses — praised the final proposal, thanking Bottcher and Councilmember Keith Powers, who also represents part of Midtown South, for their support.
Conclusion
The Midtown South rezoning proposal has taken a significant step forward with the approval of the City Council Committee on Land Use. The plan aims to address the city’s housing crisis by unlocking over 9,500 new homes in one of the most transit-rich areas of the city. With the inclusion of affordable housing units, community investments, and a car-free busway, the proposal has garnered support from various stakeholders. As the plan moves forward to a full Council vote, it is likely to have a positive impact on the community and contribute to the city’s efforts to address its affordability crisis.
FAQs
Q: What is the Midtown South Mixed-Use (MSMX) plan?
A: The MSMX plan is a rezoning proposal that aims to redesignate 42 blocks in Midtown South for housing development, allowing the city to repurpose office spaces.
Q: How many new homes will the plan create?
A: The plan is expected to create over 9,500 new homes in Midtown South.
Q: What community investments are included in the plan?
A: The plan includes a $122 million fund to support Garment District businesses, as well as $340 million for street upgrades, parks, subway stations, and local healthcare services.
Q: Will the plan include affordable housing units?
A: Yes, the plan will include over 2,800 rent-regulated affordable units through Mandatory Inclusionary Housing.
Q: What is the next step for the proposal?
A: The proposal will move forward to a full Council vote, where it is likely to be approved.
