As New York rezones east midtown, new towers may be long way off

New York

A FIVE-year effort to spur development of new skyscrapers in midtown Manhattan is set to clear its final hurdle. But don't expect a building boom anytime soon.

The New York City Council's zoning subcommittee on Thursday approved an ordinance that would rezone 78 blocks between East 39th and East 57th streets to allow for bigger and taller buildings. Its land-use committee is scheduled to vote on it later in the day. The full council, which usually adheres to the committees' decision and the local councilman's wishes, is scheduled to take up the final vote on Aug 9.