Introduction to Midtown South Rezoning
The New York City Council passed a major rezoning plan to build over 9,500 homes in Midtown South (MSMX) on Thursday, marking the first use of a landmark zoning law aimed at addressing New York City’s affordability crisis.
The Midtown South Mixed-Use (MSMX) plan allows residential construction in 42 blocks between West 23rd and 40th Streets and Fifth and Eighth Avenues. Over 2,800 homes would be rent-regulated affordable units.
Key Provisions of the Plan
Manhattan City Council Member Erik Bottcher, who represents part of Midtown South, said the MSMX plan will transform the area and is key to increasing New York City’s housing stock. “This is what it looks like when people come together to solve complex problems and really deliver the housing and other benefits our city needs,” Bottcher said at the Council vote. City Planning Commission Director Dan Garodnick said the plan will reinvigorate Manhattan’s housing market and provide new opportunities for young New Yorkers. “Manhattan used to be the place where people started their journey,” Garodnick said at a press conference before the vote. “It is now at the bottom of housing production. … With this plan, we’re making that dream a reality again in Midtown South.”
Other Incentives in Midtown South Plan
The Council’s approval also clears the way for a new car-free busway on 34th Street aimed at reducing congestion, and a $122 million funding allocation to support Garment District businesses. The MSMX plan received broad support, particularly from Bottcher and City Council Member Keith Powers, who also represents part of Midtown South, and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. It was the first use of the Adams administration’s “City of Yes” land-use initiative, which the City Council approved last December to allow high-density districts with larger residential buildings to respond to the city’s housing crisis.
Impact and Reception
With the rezoning plan, the Adams administration said it had passed its goal of permitting 100,000 new housing units through rezoning and text amendments, though that presumes the City of Yes plan successfully enables 82,000 homes over the next 15 years. “Midtown South is home to some of our city’s most iconic parks, buildings, and businesses, but for too long, outdated zoning has stopped it from actually being a home for many New Yorkers,” Mayor Eric Adams said. “Today, we are changing that as we create a more affordable Manhattan where families can live, work and play.” Many in City Council credited Speaker Adrienne Adams’ efforts toward the successful passage of the MSMX plan and other affordable housing projects. Richard Maroko, president of the Hotels and Gaming Trade Council, said the rezoning plan is a win for working New Yorkers. “By creating affordable housing and revitalizing a neighborhood where so many of HTC’s members live and work, this plan helps ensure that the people who make this city run can continue to call it home,” Maroko said in a statement.
Conclusion
The approval of the Midtown South rezoning plan marks a significant step towards addressing New York City’s affordability crisis. By allowing for the construction of over 9,500 new homes, including 2,800 affordable units, the plan aims to increase the city’s housing stock and provide more opportunities for residents. The plan’s success is a testament to the collaboration and efforts of city officials, community leaders, and stakeholders. As the city continues to evolve and grow, the Midtown South rezoning plan serves as a model for future development initiatives.
FAQs
Q: What is the Midtown South Mixed-Use (MSMX) plan?
A: The MSMX plan is a rezoning plan that allows for residential construction in 42 blocks between West 23rd and 40th Streets and Fifth and Eighth Avenues, with the goal of creating over 9,500 new homes, including 2,800 affordable units.
Q: What are the key provisions of the plan?
A: The plan includes the construction of new residential buildings, a car-free busway on 34th Street, and a $122 million funding allocation to support Garment District businesses.
Q: How will the plan impact the community?
A: The plan aims to increase the city’s housing stock, provide more opportunities for residents, and revitalize the Midtown South neighborhood.
Q: Who supported the plan?
A: The plan received broad support from city officials, community leaders, and stakeholders, including Manhattan City Council Member Erik Bottcher, City Council Member Keith Powers, and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine.
Q: What is the expected outcome of the plan?
A: The plan is expected to create over 9,500 new homes, including 2,800 affordable units, and help address New York City’s affordability crisis.
