Midtown Could Change Forever If 9,500+ New Homes Are Approved

MIDTOWN, NY — Midtown South — the land of underutilized office buildings and garment industry suppliers — could one day become a residential, family-friendly neighborhood.

That is, if the City Council votes in favor of the massive rezoning plan, called the Midtown-South Mixed-Use Plan, next Thursday.

The proposal's mandatory public review process, which began in late January, wraps up on Aug. 14. with a City Council vote at 1:30 p.m.

A decision by the City Council is final unless the mayor vetoes it, but the Adams administration has been supportive of the plan.

The plan

City officials in support of the plan — including Councilmembers Keith Powers and Erik Bottcher, who represent the area — say that by tweaking the residential and commercial zoning in the area between 23rd Street and 40th Street, they would be able to create more than 9,500 new homes in an area where housing is largely not allowed today.

Of these homes, 30 percent would be permanently affordable, city planners said.

"We’re tackling New York’s housing crisis head-on by unlocking over 9,500 new homes in one of the most transit-rich, high-opportunity areas of the city — helping to bring down rents not just in Midtown, but citywide," Bottcher said.

As part of the latest agreement, city planners are ensuring protections for the Garment District, like zoning that preserves the manufacturing core of the district. The plan also sets aside $121.9 millionin funding for programs that support the businesses grow and adapt.

The plan, abbreviated as MSMX, also includes public street changes, including turning 34th Street a dedicated busway, and making Broadway fully car-free.

The plan would also add a "Kid-First Play District" on Broadway between 22nd Street and 25th Street, city officials said.

"MSMX is the first major housing-focused rezoning in New York City that takes advantage of the changes that City of Yes put into place, and it makes a big step forward in tackling the affordable housing crisis," Powers said, referencing the package of affordable housing rezoning laws Mayor Eric Adams passed in December 2024.

"We are transforming Midtown South into a vibrant live-work neighborhood, alongside historic community investments in schools, transit, parks, and more," Powers said.

To learn more about the Midtown-South Mixed-Use Plan ahead of Thursday's vote, click here for the project's website. Here's a map of the rezoning plan.

For questions and tips, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.

See related coverage:

• City Officials Want To Change Midtown's Vibe
• Massive Midtown Rezoning Plan Hearing Wednesday
• City Announces Study To Make Midtown South Livable