The Issues under review
We have commissioned an independent expert to evaluate zoning and land-use questions raised by the proposed construction and the block’s existing zoning arrangements. Preliminary observations suggest that the church block may not be in compliance with current zoning law. Documents filed with the Department of Buildings also indicate a second potential development site, in addition to the proposed Mission Building, that appears to be reserved for future construction. We believe this refers to the eventual replacement of the Social Hall, which was lost in the 1982 fire.
We will share expert findings in plain English as they become available on our updates page.
The ZD1 revelation:
A ZD1 is the Zoning Document required for any new project construction or modification of a building in NYC. The ZD1 diagrams existing buildings, proposed buildings, open space, and not open space. The interpretation of the ZD1 by the NYC Department of Buildings determine whether a project can proceed or not. The double crossed hash area of the ZD1 below designate open space. The second ZD1 shows open space as a single hash-shaded area.
Questions to be answered by the experts:
- Residential open space compliance: whether required open space is being provided and preserved as required by the Zoning Resolution.
- Control and exclusivity: whether open space intended for residential use remains under residential control and is not required for access to other uses.
- Allocation across a zoning lot: how open space and related obligations are allocated among multiple buildings and uses.
- Cumulative impact and precedent: what the project enables now and in the future.
- Document consistency: how filings, diagrams, and recorded documents align—what they reveal, and what they imply.
Historic Zoning document indicating (not open space) south of church subject to development
Current Zoning Document indicating space south of the church.