Mayor Adams launches public review for midtown south plan to add 10,000 homes

File Source: NYC.gov

Mayor Eric Adams, alongside Department of City Planning (DCP) Director and City Planning Commission (CPC) Chair Dan Garodnick, announced the launch of the public review process for the Midtown South Mixed-Use (MSMX) plan.

This transformative proposal aims to create nearly 10,000 new homes, including up to 2,900 affordable units, in Midtown South. The plan is part of the mayor’s broader “Manhattan Plan,” which seeks to add 100,000 new homes to Manhattan over the next decade.

The MSMX plan will update zoning across 42 blocks of Midtown South to allow a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial uses. The initiative leverages the newly passed “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” and the successful lifting of the floor-to-area ratio (FAR) cap in Albany. This marks the first use of high-density residential zoning districts in the city, enabling more housing in an area where it was previously limited.

“We are building the neighborhoods of tomorrow with vibrant, 24/7 spaces, affordable housing, and inclusive, dynamic public opportunities,” Mayor Adams said. “Together, we can transform neighborhoods for the better, make our entire city more affordable, and create the best place to raise a family on the globe.”

DCP Director Garodnick emphasized the importance of zoning updates: “We envision a vibrant, 24-7 neighborhood with a strong commercial core right alongside brand-new homes for New Yorkers. We hope the community will continue to make their voices heard as public review now gets underway.”

The plan also proposes investments in public spaces and safer streets, including enhancements to transit access and the creation of publicly accessible areas. Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine expressed his support, calling the proposal an important step in addressing the housing crisis while improving public spaces. “The public review process will be important for balancing our desperate housing need with public realm improvements and support for local businesses,” Levine said.

New York City Councilmember Keith Powers added, “This plan will unlock badly needed housing in an area that historically hasn’t allowed it, transforming Midtown into a vibrant live-work neighborhood.”

The MSMX plan will bring housing and commercial growth to Midtown South, which has faced challenges, including commercial vacancies and restrictive zoning rules. With the area’s proximity to major transit hubs, the plan is seen as a key step toward revitalization and growth.

After a year of community engagement, the plan now heads into the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP), which includes public input and reviews by community boards, Manhattan Borough President, CPC, and the City Council.

The Adams administration’s efforts also include a $26 billion investment in housing capital over the next decade. Additionally, policies such as the “Green Fast Track for Housing” and the “Office Conversion Accelerator” are designed to expedite housing development.

Local stakeholders have praised the plan’s potential to revitalize Midtown South. “The MSMX zoning changes are a lifeline for the Garment District,” said Barbara Blair, president of the Garment District Alliance. “It is imperative that we find new uses to occupy our available space, increase our restaurant and retail customer base, and create a safer, 24-hour mixed-use community.”

James Mettham, president of Flatiron NoMad Partnership, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of mixed-use communities. “This plan will address the urgent need for new homes while revitalizing the community for generations to come,” Mettham said.

Jessica Walker, president of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, called the rezoning an exciting opportunity to breathe new life into Midtown while providing much-needed affordable housing.