Greg David argues that zoning rules limiting Manhattan's Garment District to manufacturers are obsolete. Without them, underutilized space could be put to better use.
New York City is considering changes to 1980s zoning rules restricting the uses possible in the Garment District. Here, Greg David makes the case that the situation has been studied long enough.
Claiming that the area's continued industrial viability amounts to so much fake news, David writes, "myths will need to be abandoned and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer must understand that reform isn't being rushed, but rather has been studied forever."
The restrictions date back to Ed Koch's term as mayor. The idea was to clean up then-seedy Times Square and preserve space for apparel businesses. However, "zoning couldn't counteract the global forces sweeping the industry. Today apparel manufacturing jobs in the city have dropped below 14,000, of which about 5,100 are in the district. Buildings are underutilized, and some are deteriorating because landlords have little incentive to invest in them."
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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.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions