Two SoHo residents argue that outdated zoning holds the Manhattan neighborhoods back, requiring special permits or variances for many current residential and commercial uses.
A co-op owner and an art gallery owner, both residents of SoHo, make the case for an overhaul to the present zoning of SoHo and NoHo. "Our zoning hasn't been updated in almost 50 years, but the neighborhood has clearly changed," they write. "As a result, the majority of residents and small businesses must have special permits or variances. This is no way to bolster a district."
The last commercial zoning overhaul took place in the 1970s, "when wholesale textile and manufacturing companies were already on their last legs. Ground-floor retail is largely illegal without a special permit." Residents who aren't certified artists also require special permitting.
The authors make a case that brick-and-mortar retail businesses need all the help they can get. But onerous permitting requirements make it difficult for them to operate in SoHo and NoHo. "To support this existing economic engine, we must create a fair, straightforward environment. In this difficult time for retailers, business owners need flexibility."
FULL STORY: Outdated regulations shackling SoHo and NoHo
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.
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.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
Eviction Looms for Low-Income Tenants as Rent Debt Rises
Nonprofit housing operators across the country face almost $10 billion in rent debt.
Brightline West Breaks Ground
The high-speed rail line will link Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area.
Colorado Bans No-Fault Evictions
In most cases, landlords must provide a just cause for evicting tenants.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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