Proposed Zoning View a full size graphic

The primary component of the proposal would affect zoning rules governing FAR, building heights, and street walls:

• R8A is proposed along Second Avenue and along Third and First avenues in the southern rezoning area. R8A bulk regulations are appropriate because of the width of these streets and their proximity to the subway along Lexington Avenue. The maximum heights permitted in R8A districts are appropriate because they are adjacent to high-rise developments.

• C4-4D, a new zoning district, is proposed to replace the existing C4-4 district along Third Avenue between East 115th and East 122nd streets. C4-4D would increase residential FAR on Third Avenue while retaining the commercial FAR currently allowed in C4-4 districts. The existing C4-4 district, an R7-2 equivalent, allows residential FAR of 3.44 (4.0 under the Quality Housing option), community facility FAR of 6.5, and commercial FAR of 3.4.

• R7A is proposed to replace existing R7-2 zoning along Pleasant Avenue between East 114th and East 120th streets and for most midblocks. R7A is equivalent to the maximum residential FAR currently allowed on Pleasant Avenue under R7-2 zoning.

The midblocks proposed for R7A are characterized by mid-rise rowhouse buildings interspersed with vacant or underdeveloped sites that are appropriate locations for future residential construction. R7A regulations encourage residential buildings consistent with the scale of neighboring buildings. Along the midblocks, existing zoning allows residential uses at 3.4 FAR and community facility uses at 6.5 FAR. The proposed R7A district would limit both residential and community facility uses to 4.0 FAR.

Prototypical R7A building on Pleasant Avenue

Prototypical R7A building within a midblock