Beth Hamedrash Hagodol Synagogue at the time of designation./Image Credit: LPC

The former landmarked synagogue was home to the country’s oldest Russian Orthodox Jewish congregation. On May 19, 2020, the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to calendar a decision to rescind the individual landmark designation of a vacant lot, located at 60 Norfolk Street, Manhattan. The lot was formerly the site of the Beth Hamedrash Hagodol Synagogue, which was fully demolished in 2019 after a fire destroyed most of the building.

Hamilton Grange at its current location./Image Credit: LPC

The Federal-style mansion is also a national historic landmark. On May 19, 2020, the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to calendar a decision to amend the individual landmark designation for the Hamilton Grange mansion located in Hamilton Heights, Manhattan. Hamilton Grange is a two-story frame mansion that belonged to Alexander Hamilton. The mansion was located at 287 Convent Avenue at the time of its designation but it was moved to 414 West 141st Street in 2008. The amendment would rescind the designation for the former site and designate the current site.

Mayor Bill de Blasio at New York City first ever virtual bill signing Image Credit: Mayor’s Office

Local Law addressing personal liability provisions in commercial leases raises constitutional law discussion. On May 26, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed seven COVID-19 relief bills into law during New York City’s first ever virtual bill signing. Among the laws, Local Law 55 of 2020, sponsored by Council Member Carlina Rivera, temporarily prevents the enforcement of personal liability provisions in commercial leases or rental agreements involving COVID-19 impacted tenants.  The law also makes it a form of harassment to attempt or threaten to enforce personal liability provisions on the COVID-19 impacted tenant. Several of the bills were heard by their respective committees on April 29, 2020 and all were approved by their committees and the full Council on May 13, 2020.  To read CityLand’s prior coverage of the other COVID-19 Relief Bills and Local Law 55 at public hearing, click here. For the coverage of the Third Party Delivery Service bills and the Stated Meeting click here.

Professor Andrew Scherer discussing housing law during the COVID-19 crisis. Image Credit: CityLand.

Watch CLE HERE, Password: 8O*9^24?

On June 1, 2020, the Center for New York City Law, the Center for Real Estate Studies and the Impact Center for Public Interest Law at New York Law School hosted a virtual CLE. The topic was “Housing Law and Policy in the Time of COVID-19.” The CLE was led by Professor Andrew Scherer. Anthony Crowell, Dean and President of New York Law School gave opening remarks.

Rendering of Kreischer House with the proposed buildings in the background. Under the modified plan, the Kreischer House is the prominent structure on the knoll./Image Credit: Victorio Associates Architect and LPC

The modified design increased the visibility of the Kreischer Mansion on the site. On May 8, 2020, the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for three actions to facilitate the development of a new senior housing complex, comprising of eleven buildings, surrounding the Kreischer House. The Kreischer House, a two and a half story Victorian-era mansion, and a portion of the land it sits on is a landmarked site in Charleston, Staten Island. The site of the new senior housing development includes the landmarked site. The approval followed a modification to the original proposed design.

Shake Shack, 409 Fulton Street, Brooklyn. Credit: Google Maps

Shake Shack sued landlord to keep popular sidewalk café after landlord failed to re-approve permit. Downtown Brooklyn’s Shake Shack opened in 2010 at 409 Fulton Street. Shake Shack leased the location for a 20-year term with two 5-year renewal options from landlord Allied Property Group. In February 2011, Allied executed the required landowners’ consent to allow Shake Shack to obtain a Department of Consumer Affairs permit to operate a sidewalk cafe adjacent to the restaurant. Shake Shack’s sidewalk cafe became a neighborhood favorite and helped Shake Shack differentiate itself from other restaurants in the area.