A New Skyscraper on the Upper East Side? Could Happen, Under Current Zoning Regs

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — The MTA is putting the finishing touches on the first phase of the 2nd Ave Subway, but it soon may be able to build giant skyscrapers on the Upper East Side due to a new provision in this year's New York State budget.

The New York State Legislature passed a budget in June that changed the definition of "transportation purposes," making it so the MTA didn't have to abide by zoning regulations that constrained the use of its properties for transportation only, according to the The Municipal Art Society of New York (MASNYC.).

If Gov. Andrew Cuomo doesn't sign a bill limiting the MTA's use of its properties by Monday, Nov. 28, the MTA will have the power to build skyscrapers that tower over otherwise quaint NYC neighborhoods. The MASNYC is urging New Yorkers to write to the governor's office pleading for him to sign the Senate Bill 8037 and Assembly Bill 10421 that would make it illegal for the MTA to develop its land for "any purpose without adherence to local zoning regulations."

The MASNYC is insisting the governor sign the bill that repeals this language, allowing the MTA to do whatever it wants with its hundreds of properties in New York City.

"Without this bill, the MTA would have no requirement to adhere to the New York City zoning resolution," the MASNYC said. "Quite literally, the sky is the limit for development of these sites. This legislation will block the MTA from embarking upon virtually unrestricted development in your neighborhood."

In an MASNYC memo the advocacy cites MTA-owned land on the Upper East Side as a target for possible construction. The MTA currently owns a lot on the corner of 2nd Avenue and East 63rd Street, which under current zoning regulations (R8B) would support a maximum building height of 75 feet.

Here's what a building could look like if it pushed current zoning regulations to the max:

Not too bad right? The lot is currently zoned under R8B regulations which reflect typical high-density areas of the Upper East Side.

But here's what the MTA could build on the same lot if it doesn't have to follow any zoning rules.

Read the full memo by the MASNYC here.

Photos: MASNYC