Zoning changes in SoHo and NoHo are expected to allow more kinds of uses by-right in parts of the neighborhood previously restricted to manufacturing uses.
"The de Blasio administration plans to announce a rezoning effort in SoHo and NoHo this fall—including a strategy to minimize controversy," reports Joe Anuta.
On the matter of zoning, "The Department of City Planning, working with Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and Councilwoman Margaret Chin, seeks to tackle a longstanding issue in the neighborhoods: Ground-floor retail and residential apartments have become common, but they are not allowed under industrial zoning rules still on the books in SoHo and part of NoHo." Changes would allow more types of uses by right, without discretionary approval.
As for the strategy designed to minimize controversy, Anuta reports the city could use a steering committee, "similar to those that shaped the rezonings of the Garment District and Midtown East."
Anuta provides more details on the politics of planning in the neighborhoods, and the controversies planners expect to arise as they revisit the zoning code.
FULL STORY: SoHo rezoning plan to reverse outdated rules
Manhattan Rezonings Pose Tough Challenges for Planners
The New York City Department of Planning kicked off a rezoning process for the Manhattan neighborhood of SoHo earlier this month. Planning and development challenges abound.
NoHo and SoHo Rezoning Controversies, Amplified
One of the big questions of planning is up for debate with a proposed rezoning in the SoHo and NoHo neighborhoods of New York City: Can upzoning be an effective tool for affordability?
Advocating for Upzoning in Two of New York's Wealthiest Neighborhoods
The New York City Department of City Planning is expected, very soon, to release a rezoning proposal for the neighborhoods of SoHo and NoHo in New York City.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
California Invests Additional $5M in Electric School Buses
The state wants to electrify all of its school bus fleets by 2035.
Austin Launches $2M Homelessness Prevention Fund
A new grant program from the city’s Homeless Strategy Office will fund rental assistance and supportive services.
Alabama School Forestry Initiative Brings Trees to Schoolyards
Trees can improve physical and mental health for students and commnity members.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Ada County Highway District
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service