Rezoning plan in the works for Hell’s Kitchen

Community Board 4 is partnering with the Department of City Planning to rezone 18 blocks of the Hell’s Kitchen-Clinton areas between 10th and 12th avenues and from 43rd to 55th streets, according to the Wall Street Journal. Residents are seeking to make the district less of a manufacturing zone and more of a mixed-use community, with a range of residential, retail and community space, while still preserving its affordability. City planners and residents believe they can better handle the area’s anticipated growth — stemming from the Hudson Yards’ new condos and skyscrapers — if they begin planning for it now. The community board intends to hold a public hearing March 2 to present the plan, which could create 1,600 residential units and reduce the amount of commercial space in the area. The plan would also limit the height of new buildings, intended to preserve historic buildings, create affordable housing and prohibit new hotels and entertainment establishments. [WSJ]