New York Construction Report staff writer
The New York City Council has approved the Midtown South Mixed-Use (MSMX) Plan, rezoning 42 blocks of Midtown South to allow for the construction of nearly 10,000 new homes, including up to 2,800 permanently affordable units.
The plan replaces outdated industrial zoning and introduces mixed-use districts that permit housing, commercial businesses, and light manufacturing in the same area. It also marks the first use of high-density R11 and R12 zoning districts in the neighborhood, allowing taller residential buildings and enabling conversions of office space to housing.
Alongside new housing, the plan includes $470 million in investments in public infrastructure and neighborhood amenities. Projects include upgrades to Broadway with pedestrian plazas and bike lanes, a 34th Street busway, renovations to McCaffrey Playground, and improvements to St. Vartan Park. Investments in public facilities include upgrades to multiple schools, a new enclosed EMS station, and improvements to Bellevue Hospital’s ambulance bay.
The MSMX plan also allocates $121.9 million to support local small businesses and the garment and fashion industries. This includes funding to secure permanent space for nonprofits, tax abatements to preserve industrial space, and programs to encourage renovations and innovation in commercial buildings.
The rezoning area spans roughly from West 23rd to West 40th streets and from Fifth to Eighth avenues. Prior to the approval, the area was largely restricted by industrial zoning, limiting housing development despite its concentration of more than 7,000 businesses and 135,000 jobs.
Community engagement informed the plan, with public meetings, workshops, and online surveys conducted over more than a year. Manhattan Community Board 5, the Manhattan Borough Board, and the City Planning Commission had recommended approval.
The MSMX plan is expected to significantly expand housing supply in Midtown South and provide additional infrastructure and public space improvements to accommodate new residents and businesses. It also supports ongoing citywide housing initiatives aimed at increasing the number of homes throughout Manhattan and other boroughs.
