Rezoning Revealed: NYC Planning Proposes Changes in Brooklyn

The New York City Department of City Planning has released its preliminary rezoning proposal for the neighborhood of Gowanus in Brooklyn.

1 minute read

January 31, 2019, 5:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Brooklyn, New York City

Felix Lipov / Shutterstock

The New York Department of City Planning unveiled its preliminary plans to rezone Gowanus [pdf], a neighborhood in Brooklyn threatened by gentrification and rising sea levels.

Ivan Pereira reports on the proposed zoning changes, which "would mandate that new developments around the canal be built to withstand tidal surges, permit more mixed-use buildings along Fourth Avenue — which would include affordable units and ground-floor art spaces — and create a waterfront green space along the canal."

Other initiatives included in the preliminary zoning changes are protections for industrial and commercial uses along the canal and between Third and Fourth avenues. The draft also proposes ending parking and loft requirements. "A waterfront access plan that would elevate the land near the shoreline and create new parks and bridges over the canal is also part of the proposal," according to Pereira.

The unveiling of the proposed zoning changes culminates two years of public engagement through the Gowanus Neighborhood Planning Study.

Wednesday, January 30, 2019 in amNew York

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

4 hours ago - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Person wearing mask walking through temporary outdoor dining setup lined with bistro lights at dusk in New York City.

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?

Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

June 19, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of new neifhborhood under construction with enpty lots in foreground.

In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won

A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.

5 hours ago - CALmatters

Low-rise Pearl Sreet mall in Boulfer, Colorado.

Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide

Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.

6 hours ago - Boulder Reporting Lab

Two-story buildings with porches in walkable Florida neighborhood.

Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code

The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.

7 hours ago - CNU Public Square