Meatpacking District Tower Zoning Variance Blocked
 We are thrilled to report that a zoning variance for a 34% increase in the size of a planned tower at 40-56 10th Avenue (13th Street) in the Meatpacking District which GVSHP fought has been defeated. In the face of strong opposition, the applicant, believing they would ultimately lose their case, withdrew their application at this Tuesday’s Board of Standards and Appeals hearing.
The developer had claimed that under the existing generous zoning, developing the site -- adjacent to the High Line and the Hudson River Park -- would be a “hardship,” and therefore they should be granted permission to build a 199 ft. tall tower, 1/3 larger than the zoning allows. GVSHP and many others strongly disputed this claim, and urged the Board of Standards and Appeals to reject the variance. This was a rare win against a zoning variance application at the NYC Board of Standards and Appeals, and one we felt particularly strongly about, given that other recent variances and land use decisions by the City were destroying the previously open views from the High Line in the Meatpacking District.
Thank you to everyone who wrote, e-mailed, or attended a public hearing regarding this proposal -- your support and participation did make a difference!
Find out more about preservation of the Meatpacking District here.
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