On June 23, 2005, the City Council approved the Department of City Planning’s proposals for zoning text and map amendments affecting the West Chelsea area in Community District 4 Manhattan. The area is bounded generally by Tenth and Eleventh Avenues from West 30th Street south to West 16th Street. The proposal would create the Special West Chelsea District to provide opportunities for new residential and commercial development, facilitate the reuse of the High Line elevated rail line as a unique linear open space, and enhance the neighborhood’s thriving art gallery district. Modifications by the City Council are described here.

Facilitated in large measure by the West Chelsea rezoning, the City Parks and Planning Departments, are working closely with the Friends of the High Line on the $85 million restoration and conversion of Manhattans High Line into a lush green linear park located on the West Side. Section I will be open to the public in Spring 2009.