"As important as it is to promote growth for the future of the city, we must also recognize the need to preserve the lower-scaled quality that makes a neighborhood like Clinton in Manhattan so special," points out DCP chief Amanda Burden.

The proposed text amendment would establish new height controls to ensure that new development is consistent with the scale and character of the surrounding neighborhood. The DCP is proposing that the overall height of new development and enlargements along the avenues be limited to 85 feet or approximately eight stories with a streetwall between five or six stories. The proposed bulk controls would continue to accommodate allowable floor area as well as the higher floor-to-ceiling height for ground floor retail uses, but would ensure that new development is compatible with the existing character of Clinton.

According to DCP, the preservation of the character of Ninth Avenue to the South of 43rd Street is an "integral part" of the proposed 360-acre Hudson Yards comprehensive plan. That plan, which is expected to take 40 years or so to realize, aims to revitalize the entire West Side are of the city. The proposal, which is intended to promote commercial and residential growth, retains the existing zoning along Ninth Avenue within the Hudson Yards.