Existing: 80% maximum lot coverage
Proposed: 100% lot coverage on corner lots of 5,000 sq. ft. or less.
The current zoning for residential zones R6-R10 allow for a maximum lot coverage of 80% on corner lots. This proposal would allow full 100% on lots less than 5,000 square feet. While this could potentially reduce the height of some new structures, it would in return decrease open space at the street level. Part of the characteristic rhythm of New York City’s streetscape are their irregularity. While many rowhouse districts do have unbroken street walls, most city blocks tend to have irregular gaps somewhere on the street. Although a desire for consistency is admirable, the resultant ceaseless solidity of the street wall has the potential to become over-bearing, especially when it leads to an extended commercial presence turning the corner from the avenue onto residential side streets, a pattern which is typical in many high-density rowhouse areas. In addition, this proposal could also have the unintended consequence of blocking side windows in adjacent buildings not presently blocked because of the set back. While windows at the lot-line windows of buildings are not protected even by current zoning, in many instances, these windows are existed in place for over 70 years and under current zoning, would continue to exist.
