Special regulations are set forth in this Section to protect and strengthen the economic vitality and competitiveness of East Midtown by facilitating the development of exceptional modern and sustainable office towers; creating successful pedestrian-friendly public spaces; enabling improvements to the above- and below-grade pedestrian circulation network; protecting and strengthening the role of landmark buildings as important features of East Midtown; protecting and enhancing the role of Grand Central Terminal as a major transportation hub within East Midtown and the city; expanding and enhancing the pedestrian circulation network connecting Grand Central Terminal to surrounding development and minimizing pedestrian congestion; and protecting the iconic character of the surrounding area. Such regulations establish special provisions governing maximum floor area, sustainability, urban design and streetscape enhancements, the transfer of development rights from landmarks, and the improvement of the surface and subsurface pedestrian circulation network in the East Midtown Subdistrict.

The regulations of Section 81-60 (SPECIAL REGULATIONS FOR THE EAST MIDTOWN SUBDISTRICT), inclusive, are applicable only in the East Midtown Subdistrict, the boundaries of which are shown on Map 1 (Special Midtown District and Subdistricts) and Map 2 (East Midtown Subdistrict and Subareas) in Appendix A of this Chapter. These regulations supplement or modify the provisions of this Chapter applying generally to the Special Midtown District, of which this Subdistrict is a part.

Where the lot line of a zoning lot coincides with the boundary of the public place located at the southerly prolongation of Vanderbilt Avenue between East 42nd Street and East 43rd Street, such lot line shall be considered to be a street line for the purposes of applying the use, bulk and urban design regulations of this Chapter.