Can They Do That?
Last week U.F. received the following inquiry from a reader:
They are building a new luxury rental on my block. The address is 620 West 143rd Street. I spoke with the head contractor and he told me the building would be 12 floors with a parking garage. Additionally, the building will have a gym and a roof deck. I checked the DOB’s website and found little info. I can’t and don’t want to imagine what this is going to do to 143rd.
I then checked in with our in-house expert, Justin, and this what he had to say:
The zoning for that address is R8 – and it’s on Broadway which is a wide street, so they can use what is called ‘height factor’ zoning envelope. 12 stories is definitely possible with that zoning, it could go even higher if they had more development rights from other lots on the block.
Even if the city were to rezone this area to limit heights, they would more than likely do at least R8A (similar to Frederick Douglass rezoning in 2003) that would also allow up to 12 story buildings. Or since this is on Broadway, similar to the UWS rezoning that had R9A that goes up to 145′. This is NYC and it is the city’s job to responsibly direct growth. Existing major streets (that also have better infrastructure for utilities, sewer, water, etc.) close to subway stops is where growth is encouraged through the zoning envelopes and densities allowed.The 421-A tax abatements are being revised to require affordable housing to be provided in order to get the tax credits, but it looks like this project is in the ground to have vested under the old laws (required it only south of 96th St). This person should get in contact with the land use committee of their community board if they are concerned about zoning in their neighborhood…. and whether or not it makes sense for Inclusionary zoning (like was done in 125th street or upper west side rezonings) to be applied there.
Any additional thoughts to add? I know several of our readers are into real estate and urban planning. We’d love for your to jump in!
Stumble It!
“The 421-A tax abatements are being revised to require affordable housing to be provided in order to get the tax credits, but it looks like this project is in the ground to have vested under the old laws (required it only south of 96th St). ”
I am sorry, this was an interesting statement, but because I am not a real estate person I need clarification.
The one upside I saw to this buildings was the affordable housing aspect but now that feels like it to is gone.
a lot of property in that area is owned by Columbia University, so I suspect you will start to see construction occur as they start to build in relocate people being displaced by the campus.
affordable housing is being build on 144 btw Bway and Riveside.
the property on 143 is not owned by Columbia. it was going to be lux condos. now it is lux rentals.
i would like to see the drawing plans for this building. does anyone know how to get that type of info?
Does anyone know what the noise ordinance laws are re: construction in this zone? I live in the building behind 143rd and they start working just after 7am. Seems a little early to me for this kind of noise!! Please help.