Clinton Rezoning Enters Review Process

NEW YORK CITY-Responding to citizens’ concerns that existing zoning permits taller development within the West Side’s Clinton district, the New York City Department of City Planning launched the public review of its proposal to limit building heights along Ninth and Tenth avenues. With existing regulations, buildings within what is known as the Preservation Area of the Special Clinton District–bounded by on the north by 56th Street and 43rd Street to the south within those avenues–can be considerably taller than many existing ones and could result in “sore thumb buildings” that are out of character with the neighboring ones.

“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.