BRONX SPECIAL NATURAL AREA DISTRICT UPDATE Bronx Open House Horace Mann School May 20, 2019 BRONX SPECIAL DISTRICTS UPDATE OPEN HOUSE | MAY 20, 2019
Presentation outline Project Summary, Process & Principles Background & Context Proposed Planning Framework and Zoning Rules Review Process Example and Questions BRONX SPECIAL DISTRICTS UPDATE OPEN HOUSE | MAY 20, 2019 2
Project Summary Issues with the Current Rules: Lack a clear, consistent and holistic approach to natural resource protection 1 One size fits all - small or large property treated the same 2 Lacks oversight on large natural resources 3 4 Based on outdated ecological science Burdensome for small property owners 5 6 Result in unpredictable outcomes BRONX SPECIAL DISTRICTS UPDATE OPEN HOUSE | MAY 20, 2019 3
Project Summary Why now? With over 40 years of experience working with the Special Districts rules, DCP has established best practices Technology improvements allow accurate mapping of natural features CURRENT SPECIAL DISTRICT GOALS PROPOSAL ENHANCED PROTECTION PREDICTABILITY EFFICIENCY CODIFY & ENHANCE CURRENT PRACTICES BRONX SPECIAL DISTRICTS UPDATE OPEN HOUSE | MAY 20, 2019 4
Planning Process To create the proposal, DCP worked with stakeholders and conducted significant research Bronx Working Group Members (9 meetings): • Riverdale Nature Preservancy • College of Mount Saint Vincent Ongoing interagency coordination: • Architect; LPC Commissioner DOB, DPR, DEP, NAC, NYSDEC, DOT, FDNY • Riverdale Sanitation Corporation • Fieldston Property Owners Association • Riverdale Country School Ongoing Community Board Outreach • Architect, FAIA; former LPC Commissioner • Land Use Attorney Open Houses and Civic Group Meetings • Bronx Department of Buildings • Bronx Borough President’s Office • Councilperson Cohen’s Office • Riverdale Community Coalition; Architect Community Board 8 Working Group (6 meetings) BRONX SPECIAL DISTRICTS UPDATE OPEN HOUSE | MAY 20, 2019 5
Project Principles DCP and Working Groups developed the following principles to guide the proposal: Strengthen and rationalize natural resource preservation Strengthen and clarify regulations so that review by the City Planning Commission (CPC) focuses on sites that have a greater impact on natural resources and the public realm Protect and enhance the natural resources and neighborhood character of the districts, with greater predictability of development outcomes Create a homeowner-friendly regulatory environment with robust as-of- right rules for the development of homes on small lots that protect significant natural features BRONX SPECIAL DISTRICTS UPDATE OPEN HOUSE | MAY 20, 2019 6
Presentation Outline Project Summary, Process & Principles Background & Context Proposed Planning Framework and Zoning Rules Review Process Example and Questions BRONX SPECIAL DISTRICTS UPDATE OPEN HOUSE | MAY 20, 2019 7
Bronx Special Natural Area District Boundaries SNAD Implemented in the BX in Special District | 1975 1975 - Guide development to preserve natural features Riverdale Historic District | 1990 (aquatic, botanic, topographic & geologic) Fieldston Historic District | 2006 • Updated in 2005 taking best practices from Hillsides Preservation District • CD 8’s 197a request SI Special Hillsides Preservation District | 1987 Staten Island Special Natural Area District (NA-1) | 1974 Special South Richmond Development District | 1975 BRONX SPECIAL DISTRICTS UPDATE OPEN HOUSE | MAY 20, 2019 8
Background and History Special District Boundary ZONING and DEVELOPMENT 83 percent of SNAD is single- and two-family homes Lots By Zoning District Henry Hudson Parkway Wave Hill VAN CORTLANDT Riverdale Park PARK Total Number Of Tax Lo Riverdale Park Raoul Wallenberg Forest Seton R1 zoned for single family Park 946 Lots i in S SNAD AD: B Build ildin ing g Type pe • 83% One/Two Family 5% Multifamily • • 12% Institutions Source: Pluto data 14 V2, Number does not include mapped parks BRONX SPECIAL DISTRICTS UPDATE OPEN HOUSE | MAY 20, 2019 9
Background: Best Practices From Current Rules Protect and enhance important natural habitats and recreational assets by better guiding development in consideration of natural features Aquatic Geologic Buffers around Preservation of rock aquatic resources outcrops visible to the public realm Botanic Topographic Preservation of Preservation of old growth trees steep slopes Preserve recreational open space BRONX SPECIAL DISTRICTS UPDATE OPEN HOUSE | MAY 20, 2019 10
Background: Best Practices From Current Rules Enhance and protect the neighborhood character of the districts Fieldston R Road Fieldston R Road Preservation of Low retaining rock outcrops walls Indep epen enden ence A e Ave Sycamo Sy more A Ave Minimal hard Minimal hard surfaces surfaces Front yard plantings BRONX SPECIAL DISTRICTS UPDATE OPEN HOUSE | MAY 20, 2019 11
Background: Interconnected Components of Nature Updated understanding of ecological science focuses on three lenses: botanic, topographic and geologic, and aquatic features . Each component plays an important role on its own, while being inter-connected and inter-dependent for their health and wellbeing. Botanic Features: Topographic and Geologic Features: Aquatic Features: Canopy and Understory Serpentine, Rock Outcrops and Erratic Boulders Wetlands, Ponds and Streams NATURAL COMMUNITIES SOIL & TOPOGRAPHY WATERSHEDS & DRAINAGE BRONX SPECIAL DISTRICTS UPDATE OPEN HOUSE | MAY 20, 2019 12
Background: Natural Capital The Bronx has a rich diversity of protected natural areas, creating a connected habitat for local wildlife and migrating species BRONX Riverdale Van Cortlandt Inwood Hill BRONX SPECIAL DISTRICTS UPDATE OPEN HOUSE | MAY 20, 2019 13
Background: Mapping Ecological Assets Leverage current mapping technology for enhanced understanding of ecological connectivity, and prioritize preservation of important features NYS DEC Freshwater Wetlands National Wetland Inventory Other Tree Canopy Freshwater Aquatic Vegetation Forested Wetland Upland Forest Upland Grass/Shrubs Maintained Lawn/Shrubs Bare Soil Water Buildings Roads Other Paved Surfaces Data sources: Ecological Covertype from the Natural Area Conservancy (2010 LiDAR) Hudson Raritan Estuary Comprehensive restoration Plan New York State Heritage Program USFWS National Wetlands Inventory DEC Freshwater Wetlands NYC Parks Forever Wild Program Hydrography data from aerial imagery BRONX SPECIAL DISTRICTS UPDATE OPEN HOUSE | MAY 20, 2019 14
Proposed Planning Framework and Zoning Rules Project Summary, Process & Principles Background & Context Proposed Planning Framework and Zoning Rules Review Process Example and Questions BRONX SPECIAL DISTRICTS UPDATE OPEN HOUSE | MAY 20, 2019 15
Proposed Planning Framework and Zoning Rules EXIS ISTIN ING PROPOS OSED Site b by S Site Holis listic ic Each site is looked at independently of one Natural resources are analyzed by mapping natural another rather than considering the ecological features across the community whole of the area Compreh ehensive Feature b by F Feature All natural features are protected by emphasizing Each individual natural feature is protected the preservation of natural features that cannot be independently, with the option to modify the replaced and are in the public realm rules through CPC review Stric ict Modif Mo dific icatio ions The proposed rules will define limits to Most applicants seek to modify the rules, but modifications the regulations don’t specify limits to modifications. BRONX SPECIAL DISTRICTS UPDATE OPEN HOUSE | MAY 20, 2019 16
Zoning to Facilitate the Project – Zoning Map & Zoning Text Amendment ZONING MAP AND ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT EXISTING PROPOSED Special Natural Area District (NA-2) | 1975 Riverdale-Fieldston Subdistrict 1 Special Natural Resources District 4 SUBDISTRICTS Special Hillsides Preservation District (SHPD) | 1987 2 Shore Acres Subdistrict Special Natural Area District (NA-3) | 1977 Hillsides Subdistrict 3 Special Natural Area District (NA-1) | 1974 Special South Richmond Development District (SSRDD) | 1975 South Richmond Subdistrict 4 *The regulations currently applicable to Fort Totten, Queens (NA-4) are independent from the rest of the Special Natural Area District and will remain unchanged in the proposal. BRONX SPECIAL DISTRICTS UPDATE OPEN HOUSE | MAY 20, 2019 17
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