By Elizabeth O’Brien
The Department of City Planning decided last week that 17 vacant lots in the Soho and Noho historic districts could potentially be developed outside of their originally designated uses.
The City Council will vote on the measure next, and will have the ultimate say over whether developers can apply to the city planning department for a special permit to change the bulk and use of the 17 affected lots. Current zoning regulations allow developers to apply for changes in bulk; the amendment approved by city planning would allow them to apply to build outside the designated uses as well.
“We’re very disappointed,” said Sean Sweeney, director of the Soho Alliance, a civic group.
Many community members had opposed the change, thinking that it could bring the likes of dormitories or multiplex theaters to the area. In addition, developers could apply to construct new residential housing.
The community requested that city planning impose certain limits on the amendment, including that developers could not build residential units under 1,200 sq. ft., and that eating and drinking establishments and catering facilities would not be allowed in any new development.
The department agreed to the 1,200-sq.-ft. provision but not to the one that would prohibit eating and drinking establishments. In Soho, there is at least one liquor license for every 100 residents, Sweeney said.
Representatives from the Department of City Planning could not be reached for comment.
