625-space garage had been operating over capacity since approximately 2003. On July 1, 2009, the City Planning Commission approved 111 Eighth Avenue Parking LLC’s application for a special permit allowing it to continue to operate a 625-space garage on the ground floor and cellar of an office building located between West 15th and 16th Streets, and Eighth and Ninth Avenues in Chelsea. The applicant began operating the 126,677 sq.ft. garage in 1999. It reached its current 625-space capacity a few years later, exceeding the 276 spaces permitted by the building’s Certificate of Occupancy.
At the Commission’s hearing, a representative for the garage apologized for its delay in rectifying the overcapacity, claiming that it had been unfamiliar with the application process for a special permit. Another representative stated that the garage had been consulting with the community and, based on community input, agreed to provide bicycle parking and storage at the garage.
A representative of Manhattan Community Board 4 stated that CB4 conditionally approved the application, but expressed concern over the “appallingly low” level of enforcement by City agencies with jurisdiction over issues such as illegal garages, pointing out that this garage had been operating over capacity since at least 2003.
The Commission approved the special permit, noting that the garage provided needed parking in an area characterized by commercial offices, retail, nightlife, and residential uses. Sharing the community’s concern regarding the operating history of the garage, the Commission asked the Department of City Planning to consult with Buildings and the Department of Consumer Affairs about enforcement procedures for overcapacity violations.
ULURP Review
Lead Agency: CPC,Neg.Dec.
Comm.Bd.: MN4,App’d, 28-12-0
Boro.Pres.: App’d
CPC: App’d, 10-0-1
Council: Pending
CPC: 111 8th Avenue Garage (C 080088 ZSM – spec. perm.) (July 1, 2009). CITYADMIN