Public Review for Dumbo Rezoning Begins

After almost three years of work with Community Board 2, local community groups and the Landmarks Preservation Commission, City Planning yesterday announced the start of the formal public review period for its proposed rezoning of Dumbo. According to the press release, “this proposal would foster the residential conversion of existing loft buildings and allow for new mixed-use construction at heights and densities consistent with the historic built context.” Because of the creation of the Dumbo Historic District in late 2007, there are 25 buildings within the footprint of the rezoning that would have to receive LPC approval before any new construction or exterior alterations could take place. In addition to creating an estimated 891 units of new housing, the rezoning would provide inclusionary housing incentives to developers to build affordable housing (though they could do this off-site). “The DUMBO rezoning will catalyze investment and economic opportunities that complement this unique industrial area, adding new mixed-income housing to a dynamic neighborhood that has become a haven for artists, furniture makers, music and film production, textile design, architectural offices, neighborhood retail, web-design and other design-oriented businesses,” said City Planning Commissioner Amanda Burden (whose Brooklyn cred was enhanced considerably by a spotting at Williamsburg’s Diner on Valentine’s Day). To give some perspective to the plan, check out this rendering of the building that could be built on the site where Pedro’s Restaurant is now at the corner of Front and Jay!
City Planning Launches Public Review of Dumbo Rezoning [NYC.gov]
Planning Reveals More Deets About Dumbo Rezoning Plan [Brownstoner]