From The Tribeca Trust regarding the effect of tall buildings and their shadows on our public parks.
And Community Board 5 Sunshine Task Force report – on the effects of overbuilding on Central Park.
THE PETITION TO CITY GOVERNMENT ON SHADOWS AND TALL BUILDINGS
We urge the City Council to amend (and urge Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer to support amending) local zoning laws as they relate to as-of-right development given the significant environmental impact of tall buildings over 25 stories. The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) should take into consideration density and congestion, the effect of shadows on parks, and the vulnerability of an area to sea rise and storm surges. Zoning should allow for the following principles:
- Limit height
- Require an EIS on buildings over 25 stories (no as-of-right)
- Consider existing density and congestion on neighborhood streets
- Require operable windows
- Adhere to the Public Trust and Open Space Doctrine*
- Prohibit tall residential buildings in low lying areas subject to sea rise and storm surges
- Contain a Sunshine Clause that prohibits shadows in parks caused by new development
- Designate landmark-worthy sites and ensure contextual zoning in Historic Districts.