Landmark Owner Sues Architect Over Renovation

Architect failed to submit plans to Commission for renovation of landmarked building; owner had to remove alterations. In 2008, Lorraine and Edward Gerrity, the owners of a landmarked building located at 143 Bergen St. in Brooklyn, contracted with architects Herbert Ruderman and George Restivo to renovate their home. The architects submitted plans to Buildings and to the Landmarks Preservation Commission, which approved the alteration to the landmarked building. The Gerritys then made changes in … <Read More>


Clock Tower LPC Certificate Annulled By Court

Justice found Landmarks had authority mandate public access to interior landmark, and require that historic clock’s operation remain mechanical. The Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the interior of the former New York Life Insurance Company Building, at 346 Broadway as an interior landmark in 1987.  The designated space includes the “Clocktower Suite” inside a tower at the top of the building. A spiral staircase and machinery room for the four clock faces on the tower, … <Read More>


Court Rejects Developer’s Attempt to Appeal Denial of Hardship Application

Stahl York Avenue Company is unable to demolish and redevelop two Lenox Hill apartment buildings due to Landmark designation. On January 8, 2016, New York County Supreme Court Justice Michael D. Stallman denied an article 78 petition filed by Stahl York Avenue to allow redevelopment a portion of the site known as the City and Suburban Homes Company, First Avenue Estate. The Landmarks Preservation Commission designated this location in 1990 and amended the … <Read More>


Appellate Court Upholds BSA Decision on Illegal Penthouse

Board was not acting arbitrarily by requiring LPC approval of construction permit for addition to a historic district building.  On February 12, 2013, the Board of Standards and Appeals found they could not reinstate a Department of Buildings construction permit for Petitioner, 339 West 29th Street LLC without prior approval from the Landmarks Preservation Commission.  The Board found the permit was revoked in July 2009, and in October 2009 the area containing the work … <Read More>


Sign Company and SoHo Building Owner Agree to Pay Record Fine for Illegal Signs

Owner of 598 Broadway and Colossal Media Group repeatedly installed advertising signs without Landmarks’ approval. On May 4, 2012, the New York City Law Department and the Landmarks Preservation Commission announced that 598 Broadway Realty Associates and Colossal had reached a settlement agreement with the City to remove the existing illegal signs on the building facade facing Houston Street and to pay $225,000 in civil fines. According to the Law Department, this was the … <Read More>


Subpoena upheld over public hearing statement

Landmark West! representative altered public official’s statement when she read it during public hearing. Virginia Parkhouse, a Landmark West! representative, allegedly misread a letter from Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer into the record at a Landmarks Preservation Commission public hearing. Stringer subsequently informed Landmarks of the misstatement, Landmarks complained to the Department of Investigation, and DOI issued a subpoena to Parkhouse. Parkhouse moved to quash the subpoena, claiming that it interfered with her right to … <Read More>