Ladies’ Mile residents are up in arms over a city proposal to allow several parking lots in the neighborhood to be developed into apartment buildings without the previous requirement of special permits.
“We’re really outraged,” said Michele Golden, co-president of the Flatiron Alliance.
Residents had hoped that, in exchange for the zoning change that would clear the way for more residents and bring more congestion, they could at least win a concession from the city that would limit the number of new bars and restaurants in the neighborhood.
There are at least 34 clubs in the affected area, which stretches from 17th to 22nd Sts. between Fifth and Sixth Aves. But Golden said there are no plans to limit new bars and restaurants, such as the agreement that Soho and Noho residents secured last year in return for zoning changes allowing new residential construction on vacant lots.
The full City Council is scheduled to votes on the rezoning on Aug. 10.
