Owner converted garages into two residential units. Cyril Pereira, owner of two three-story buildings located at 85-14 and 85-16 63rd Drive in an R3-1 district of Rego Park, sought to legalize two residential units added within ground floor space that had previously been used for garage and recreational space. Each building already contained two residential units, the maximum allowed under the zoning text.

In the BSA applications, Pereira represented that additional units were needed to yield a reasonable return because the existing units could not be leased at market value. The units’ rental value had been greatly diminished, the owner argued, by the presence of a six-story building and several looming condominiums adjacent to the two buildings, and their proximity to Woodhaven Boulevard.

Several neighbors opposed the legalization, voicing concerns over the lack of parking and the area’s over-development. The neighbors argued that, by adding the units, Pereira’s hardship was self created.

On February 1, 2005, BSA held hearings on both applications. Community Board 6 and Borough President Helen Marshall opposed. Pereira withdrew the application on March 14, 2005.

BSA: 85-14 63rd Drive (349-03-BZ); BSA: 85-16 63rd Drive (350-03-BZ) (The Agusta Group, for Pereira). CITYADMIN