Midtown Gets 9,500+ New Homes, 34th Street Busway With City Council Vote

MIDTOWN, NY — Midtown South — the land of underutilized office buildings and garment industry suppliers — will become a residential, family-friendly neighborhood, thanks to a City Council vote Thursday.

On Thursday afternoon, City Council voted in favor of the massive rezoning plan, called the Midtown-South Mixed-Use Plan.

The proposal's mandatory public review process, which began in late January, wrapped up with a 44-0 vote in favor of the plan.

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

"We’re tackling New York’s housing crisis head-on by unlocking nearly 10,000 new homes in Midtown South — a vibrant, transit-rich neighborhood — helping drive down rents not just here, but across the city," Councilmember Erik Bottcher, who represents the district, said.

"This plan breathes new life into the community with major investments in parks, transportation, and local industries, while making it possible for more families to live, thrive, and put down roots in the heart of our city."

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.

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.

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