MANHATTAN — Let the building begin.
Ending a seven-month-long public review process with multiple concessions by developer Trinity Real Estate, City Council issued its final approval Wednesday afternoon of Trinity's requested zoning changes, which will allow residential and commercial development in Hudson Square.
Buildings as tall as 290 feet can now be raised on avenues in the 18-block area roughly bound by West Houston Street, Sixth Avenue, Canal Street and Greenwich Street.
Trinity president Jason Pizer said the final rezoning plan reached with elected officials, Community Board 2 and the City Planning Commission would "strengthen this vital and dynamic area while preserving its special character."
"Trinity has a long history in Hudson Square and, especially recently, has seen it evolve and grow as a home for many creative companies so important to the city’s economy," he said in a statement. "Today’s important action … will enhance the area’s course of development for decades to come."
Following community uproar about the need for additional recreation spaces for residents of as many as 3,200 new homes, Trinity agreed to donate $5.6 million to the city Parks Department and the Hudson River Park Trust to repair Pier 40's crumbling roof, upgrade the aging Tony Dapolito Recreation Center and create new rec space at Sixth Avenue and Canal Street.
As part of the negotiations, Landmarks Preservation Commission agreed to hear and vote on landmarking a portion of the proposed South Village Historic District by the end of the year, as the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation has requested.
The LPC will evaluate for potential landmarking the area roughly bound by West Fourth Street, LaGuardia Place, West Houston Street and Sixth Avenue.
