An Ineffective Storefront Frontage Zoning Proposal is Not the Answer!

Zoning That Represents the Needs of the Upper West Side.

We need to fix many of the issues that have surfaced after fifty years of urban renewal projects on the Upper West Side.

Local issues that need to be addressed

• High rents
• Shortage of retail space
• Crowded streets and sidewalks
• No small business office space
• Signage and lighting issues
• Few local jobs

The residents of the community have waited for over fifty years for solutions to problems created by urban renewal. The newly constructed Columbus Square shopping district on Columbus Avenue between 97th-100th streets is one of the first neighborhood developments in years that has actually addressed community needs. No restrictive zoning was needed to address the needs of the community. With great resistence from the community, developers were able to address some of the problems. The new stores on Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues were welcomed enthusiastically by area residents in need of these amenities. It has increased the amount of retail square footage and office space available in the neighborhood. Residents of Frederick Douglass housing and Park West Village have new stores within walking distance of their homes which include major banks and large retail stores. Additional services, extended hours, in store eating areas and internet services are features which are greatly appreciated by residents. The larger stores in the new shopping center with the exception of the banks, closely fit the proposed zoning model further proving restrictions are not necessary. In addition, jobs for local residents were created by making a deal with Whole Foods.