NEW YORK CITY-The withdrawal of the controversial Midtown East rezoning proposal by the Bloomberg administration earlier this week leaves open the possibility that Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio will make changes to the plan that could lead to its eventual approval.

In a statement released Wednesday, de Blasio stated he would address the Midtown East rezoning issue upon taking office. "For the sake of New York City's long-term economic vitality, midtown east should be rezoned to allow the creation of a world-class 21st-century commercial district but it needs to be done right,” he stated. “We need to address the many unanswered questions about this plan, including how to build the infrastructure needed to accommodate the additional density created by the rezoning, and how to ensure that new development rights are appropriately priced to create the best possible value for the city."

The plan's withdrawal was a major setback for some city officials who pushed for the plan's passage, as well as many building owners in the area that would have benefitted.

"The most important office district in the world cannot stay on top without a dramatic change to the zoning to encourage growth," Steve Spinola, president of the Real Estate Board of New York, said. See story in Crain's New York Business.