HPD project approved after sponsor redesigned building. The City Council approved an application by the Department of Housing and Preservation for disposition of three Cityowned lots at 1510 Jesup Avenue in Morris Heights in the Bronx, for construction by Highbridge Community Development Corporation of a six-story, residential building for low-income seniors and the physically disabled.

The project required modification to obtain the Planning Commission’s approval. At the Commission hearing, Chair Amanda M. Burden and Commissioner Angela Cavaluzzi expressed disappointment in the building’s small windows and institutional configuration. Commissioner Irwin Cantor called the design “banal” and stated that the project’s budget should have allowed for a more attractive facade. Chair Burden suggested that HPD submit a revised design that would be visually modern and indistinguishable from private development. Highbridge responded that the site’s uneven grade required a $2-$3 million retaining wall, tightening the project budget.

HPD submitted a revised design, which also increased the units from 67 to 75. The Commission approved the revised project, noting it fit into the aesthetic context of the neighborhood and addressed the need for affordable housing. The full Council voted 49- 2-1 to approve.

ULURP Process
Lead Agency: HPD,Neg.Dec.
Comm.Bd.: BX 4, App’d, 14-5-1
Boro.President: App’d
CPC: App’d, 12-0-0

Council: Jesup Heights II (May 24, 2006); CPC: Jesup Heights II (C 060250 HAX – UDAPP/disposition of Cityowned property) (April 26, 2006). CITYADMIN