In an attempt to change some specific and restrictive zoning policies in the Special Garment Center District, the city has called for a rezoning in this area.  This proposed rezoning will attempt to lift a 1987 restriction intended to protect garment manufacturers.

The current zoning law states that landlords looking to convert manufacturing space into offices must maintain a 1:1 ratio (garment to office space). However, the EDC has reported that a very low 2 percent of manufacturing space has been preserved via this restriction, with an overall decline of such space to 52 percent district-wide.

 

The attempt to lift this requirement comes at the cost of keeping the explosive hotel population at a minimum by requiring a special permit for construction. By doing this, the city hopes to promote the creation of more office and residential spaces in the area.

 

Attempts are being made to attract current tenants and those who would otherwise look to maintain a space in the Garment District outside of that space. Most specifically, they are being lured towards the Brooklyn Army Terminal and Bush Terminal, which offer companies a modern, comparatively inexpensive, and spacious resting ground. Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Made in New York initiative includes the dedication of $136 million to create manufacturing space at Bush Terminal in Sunset Park. Additionally, the city has already set aside $115 million to revamp the Brooklyn Army Terminal (The Real Deal).