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."
FULL STORY: Free the Garment District!
Fits and Starts for New York City's Special Districts
There has been a lot of breaking news originating from both the Garment District and the Theater District in New York City this week.
A New Generation of Community-Led Planning in New York
With a benchmark success in demanding rights for the community during an ongoing rezoning process in Inwood, a neighborhood in Manhattan, a new generation of community-led resistance to top-down planning is coalescing in New York City.
Judge Tosses Manhattan Rezoning; Developer Tosses Affordable Housing Project
A court decision to toss a signature rezoning plan of the de Blasio administration in New York City had immediate repercussions for a development proposal that would have added hundreds of new affordable housing units.
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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.
Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.
Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont