A New Skyscraper Over Bushwick Inlet Park? Could Happen Under Current Zoning Regs

WILLIAMSBURG, NY — We have until Monday to get the governor to keep the MTA from swallowing NYC whole, city planning advocates say.

If Gov. Andrew Cuomo doesn't sign a bill limiting the MTA's use of its properties by Monday, Nov. 28, the MTA will have the power to build skyscrapers that tower over otherwise quaint NYC neighborhoods. The Municipal Art Society of New York is urging New Yorkers to write to the governor's office pleading for him to sign the Senate Bill 8037 and Assembly Bill 10421 that would make it illegal for the MTA to develop its land for "any purpose without adherence to local zoning regulations."

The New York State Legislature passed a budget in June 2016 that changed the definition of "transportation purposes," making it so the MTA didn't have to abide by zoning regulations that constrained the use of its properties for transportation only, according to the MASNYC.

The MASNYC is insisting the governor sign the bill that repeals this language, allowing the MTA to do whatever it wants with its hundreds of properties in New York City.

"Without this bill, the MTA would have no requirement to adhere to the New York City zoning resolution," the MASNYC said. "Quite literally, the sky is the limit for development of these sites. This legislation will block the MTA from embarking upon virtually unrestricted development in your neighborhood."

Take the example of 40 Quay St, a valuable property along Williamsburg's waterfront. Here's what it looks like now:

Here's what it could look like under current zoning regulations:

And here's what it could look like if the MTA has no zoning regulations whatsoever:

Pretty terrifying.

Read the full memo by the MASNYC here.

Photo credit: MASNYC