Grand Street Burg Downzoning in the Works

A potentially significant zoning change for small part of Williamsburg that was not included in the 2005 Williamsburg and Greenpoint rezoning is making its way through the system. The change could kill several planned tall buildings, but is also likely to spark a construction frenzy among developers trying to beat any zoning change. The rezone would impose a 50 foot height limit along Grand Street and a 70 limit elsewhere. Building fronts along Grand Street would be limited to 40 feet. (In general terms, the areas outlined R6B in the image above would be limited to 50 feet; in the R6A zone they could rise to 70 feet.) The changes would effect about 13 blocks bounded by Berry Street, North Third Street, Fillmore Place, Hope Street, Marcy Avenue and South First Street. According the City Planning Department site, "The rezoning aims to preserve neighborhood character and scale by establishing contextual zoning districts that have height limits and street wall lineup provisions. It would reflect Grand Street's presence as a local retail corridor while protecting the residential character of lots adjacent to retail corridors."

The next step in the process is a Community Board 1 public hearing that will take place on January 8 at 6:30PM at the Swinging 60’s Senior Citizen Center, which is located at 211 Ainslie St. The plan would also need to be reviewed by the Borough President, City Planning Commission and City Council. Any final action would come next summer.