Zoning scuffles continue

Nearly six months after the City Council approved two high-profile changes to the zoning code, local organizations remain concerned over Upper West Side development pressures.

Some building plans were underway prior to the amendments called the Zoning for Quality and Affordability and Mandatory Inclusionary Housing. The ZQA allows for buildings under construction to increase height even more, which some argue disrupts a neighborhood aesthetic. Advocates argue that if current development plans remain unchecked, a number of historical icons in the neighborhood are at risk of destruction.

During a public forum on Sept. 13, Landmark West Advocacy Director Sean Khorsandi argued the ZQA amendment will not guarantee public housing.

“The Upper West Side has already had major transformations,” he said. “It’s already had its series of converts.”

Among the few transformations Khorsandi listed in the presentation: Lincoln Square Synagogue and the potential future building plans for iconic sites along Broadway.

Congregation Shaare Zedek was also one of the sites mentioned as a current and pressing zoning issue. Currently, the building faces the chance of becoming a 14-story residential building due to as-of-right development, meaning development can occur without the approval of the City Council.

Though a handful of locals are beginning to take action against the bill, Shaare Zedek representatives have voiced their favor with the amendments.

In a public letter to City Planning commissioners, Shaare Zedek and other religious institutions state their approval of the amendments, arguing the zoning changes will provide affordable apartments to their congregants.

“Many of our congregations have deep experience building and supporting affordable housing in our communities,” the letter states. “It is one of the issues that most deeply affects the families we serve.”