>> Inter-bridge Zone

Along the waterfront, we see a wonderful asset awaiting its reincorporating into the neighborhood and into the rest of the city.

The goal of the Inter-Bridge Area Development Zone is to reuse and revitalize the waterfront area of the Special Chinatown District. This would include improving the open space around the Mitchell-Lama and New York City Housing Authority properties. Currently, these areas are underutilized, which means that a great community asset is being wasted. Reintegrating these open space areas into the larger Chinatown community improves the quality of life for all residents.

In addition to these improvements, this subdistrict would promote the development of the waterfront for recreational activities for the Chinatown community and its visitors. To facilitate this transformation, we propose changing the zoning in the area from M1-6 to C6-1. This will allow for a greater variety of land uses and a greater FAR.

Develop: Waterfront Area

The Catherine Street Waterfront would be linked to Lower Manhattan with improved connections along South Street and in the Al Smith Houses.

Restored pedestrian connections through the Al Smith Houses will help revitalize Chinatown's waterfront. (Click for larger image.)

A pier would be developed on the waterfront beyond at the end of Catherine Slip. This pier would be a neighborhood attraction: a restaurant with a viewing deck and a large Chinese garden. It could also serve as a ferry terminal linking Chinatown with Brooklyn, Queens, New Jersey and other areas in the region.

A public market would be developed at the end of Catherine Street. This market would replace a mini-storage facility and would provide spaces for small vendors and jewelry makers. Apartments or a hotel would be built on top of the jewelry market. Retail infill along Catherine Street would improve the connection between the waterfront development and Chatham Square.

Develop: Pathmark Site

A 94,000 square feet large lot is presently occupied by a single-story supermarket. We propose a residential redevelopment of this site, with incentives included for affordable housing development. The Pathmark supermarket, which currently serves the neighborhood, could be retained in the new development.

Map: Pathmark site location and residential uses (in yellow)

[top of page]