The city moved forward with rezoning an eight-square-block area near the Kensington Stables — a move that concerned locals hope will protect the area from large-scale development encroaching on their turf.
The news comes after community leaders, including Community Board 7 and Councilman Bill DeBlasio (D–Windsor Terrace), have spent the last 18 months fighting for a downzoning to limit the height of new buildings to 30–70 feet.
“We want to preserve what’s there,” said CB7 chairman Randy Peers, referring to the low-rise buildings that are rapidly giving way to taller, denser developments near the Kensington Stables. “It’s a huge victory for the neighborhood.”
The proposed area is bordered by Ocean Parkway and Coney Island Avenue, and between Caton Place and Caton Avenue.
The public review process takes about seven months, and includes public hearings at the community board and City Planning Commission levels, said Department of City Planning spokeswoman Jennifer Torres.
