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What is NYC ZR § 104-425?

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This section mandates the creation of a Small Square as a passive open space within Block C, requiring specific landscaping, seating, and transparency standards for adjacent buildings. The Department of City Planning enforces these regulations. Applies to developers and property owners involved in the development of Block C.

General informational summary. Not legal advice for your situation. Consult an attorney before acting on any specific matter.

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§ 104-425 The Small Square

ZR § 104-425

If Block C is developed as a single zoning lot, an open area known as the “Small Square,” with a minimum area of 10,000 square feet, shall be provided as a passive open space, connecting West 129th and West 130th Streets. It shall be improved with paved surfaces of a non-skid material, whether wet or dry. No fences or walls shall be permitted in the Small Square.

The bounding building walls on all buildings abutting the Small Square shall be transparent for 50 percent of the area of the portion of each such wall measured from the finished level of the adjacent pavement to the height of the ceiling of the second story.

The Small Square shall be landscaped with a minimum of eight trees. Such trees shall measure at least four inches in caliper at the time of planting, except that trees which are multi-stem varieties shall have a minimum height of eight feet, and shall be planted in soil with a minimum depth of four feet. All trees shall be planted flush to grade.

A minimum of 30 moveable seats shall be provided at all times; additional moveable or fixed seating may be provided.

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