By Nicole Breskin
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
GREENWICH VILLAGE — The city launched a public review process this week of plans to rezone a small six-block area of the far West Village that preservationists fear could be the next target of real estate developers.
The launch of the review process marks the Department of City Planning's first step forward with the rezoning plan following months of delays.
The city's plan will limit the height of buildings to 40 to 65 feet in the area between Greenwich and Washington streets and West 10th and West 12th streets. Developers will also have to request approval to build from the Landmarks Preservation Commission because the area is within a historic district.
The previous zoning, which has existed for more than 50 years — back to when the area was a manufacturing hub — did not impose a height limit on buildings.
“Although this is a small rezoning, covering just six blocks, the Far West Village has a very special neighborhood character and feel,” City Planning commissioner Amanda Burden said.
“This rezoning proposal would ensure the historic building stock on Washington and Greenwich Streets is protected and that the residential community is no longer threatened by out-of-character development.”
Andrew Berman, the executive director of Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation, said: “This is a great victory for a community- driven effort.
“The rezoning we have been working towards will help preserve the character of the Far West Village and end the current zoning incentive for hotel and dorm over development.”
Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, Rep. Jerrold Nadler, state Sen. Thomas Duane and Assemblywoman Deborah Glick have all rallied to promote the cause.
The community board now has 60 days to review the rezoning plan, which then will go to the Borough President’s office, the City Planning Commission and the City Council.and West 12th and West 10th streets.