Major Rezoning Plan Approved by City Planning Commission

The City Planning Commission has recently approved a comprehensive rezoning plan for Atlantic Avenue that creates significant new development opportunities in central Brooklyn. The Atlantic Avenue Mixed-Use Plan will rezone approximately 21 blocks along Atlantic Avenue, stretching from Vanderbilt Avenue in Prospect Heights to Nostrand Avenue in Crown Heights and Bed Stuy.

What Developers Need to Know

New Zoning Designations

The plan will transform the existing M1-1 and M1-2 industrial zoning to C6-3A mixed-use districts, enabling higher-density development with mandatory affordable housing components. Additional rezoning includes:

• North-south corridors (Bedford, Grand, and Classon avenues) rezoned from M1-1 and M1-2 to R7D and R6B districts for mixed-use buildings
• Mid-block areas on Dean, Bergen, and Pacific streets rezoned to R6B with height incentives
• Bedford Atlantic Armory site rezoned from M1-1 to C4-4L to allow future community-oriented uses

Development Potential

According to Department of City Planning estimates, the rezoning could create:

• Nearly 4,600 new apartments, including more than 1,400 permanently affordable units
• Over 921,000 square feet of new space for offices, retail, community services, and light industrial businesses
• Approximately 2,800 new jobs

Incentives for Developers

Developers can receive a 20 percent floor area bonus for creating publicly accessible open spaces, while height incentives will encourage projects that combine residential and non-residential uses. New design requirements will mandate setbacks and streetscape improvements.

Investment Opportunities

City-Owned Sites

Several city-owned sites will be redeveloped into 100 percent affordable housing, including:

• Dean Park Edge and Bergen Green (262 combined affordable units)
• Former Department of Education site on Nostrand Avenue (200 apartments)
• Additional sites on Pacific Street and Atlantic Avenue (286 affordable units)

Market Considerations

CPC Chair Dan Garodnick noted that the area’s current manufacturing zoning had left the neighborhood “unequipped to deal with the high demand to live there,” resulting in “rising housing costs, tenant harassment and displacement over the last 10 to 15 years.” This rezoning aims to address these issues by increasing housing supply while maintaining a mix of uses.

Next Steps and Timeline

The rezoning plan has completed an important milestone with CPC approval but still requires City Council approval. The City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposal before sending it to a vote in the coming months. Developers interested in these areas should begin planning now, as the final approval is expected soon.

Our Perspective

This rezoning represents a significant opportunity for developers and investors looking to capitalize on Brooklyn’s continued growth. The mixed-use approach aligns with current market demands for live-work-play environments, while the affordable housing components address critical community needs. Our team is ready to advise on acquisition, development strategies, and navigating the approval process for projects in this rapidly evolving corridor.

Contact our development advisory team to discuss how the Atlantic Avenue rezoning might impact your investment strategy.