Extell to add below-market rate housing at Riverside Center

Extell Development intends to increase the level of below-market rate housing — to 20 percent, from 12 percent — in its planned 2,500-unit project at Riverside Center on the Upper West Side, the Observer reported. Based on filings submitted to the Department of City Planning, Extell plans to rezone the area by the West Side Highway and 59th Street to qualify for the city’s inclusionary zoning program, which gives an extra density bonus in exchange for low- or moderate-income housing. During the seven-month review process, Community Board 7 has criticized Extell over the density, and they also want one of the towers to be removed, a move which is supported by City Planning Commissioner Amanda Burden. [NYO]