City Planning approves Midtown East rezoning

The City Planning Commission gave a big thumbs up today to Mayor Bloomberg’s 73-block Midtown East rezoning plan.

The commission voted 11-0, with one abstention and one recusal. The City Council is the next and last body to decide on the proposal’s fate; its vote is due by November.

“If we are to continue to have a world-class district with top-tier, state-of-the-art office space, we need to change the zoning — but carefully,” City Planning Commissioner Amanda Burden told DNAinfo. “This proposal…will allow East Midtown to usher in the next generation of state-of-the-art and competitive office space, and to ensure that the district maintains its vital role in support of the city’s economy.”

Residents and local leaders opposed to the controversial plan — which would allow for taller skyscrapers — have pointed to potential issues with overcrowded subways and streets, landmark preservation, ugly high-rises, affordability, and light and air density, as previously reported. [DNAinfo] — Mark Maurer