ALJ declined to alter agreement that prevented Buildings from enforcing certain Zoning Resolution provisions relating to advertising signs. Buildings inspectors observed an advertising sign exceeding 200 sq.ft. on a building’s facade at 67 Greenwich Street in lower Manhattan. The building’s C5-5 zoning prohibited advertising signs and restricted non-illuminated signs to 200 sq.ft. Buildings charged the facade occupant OTR Media Group Inc. and building owner Syms Corp. with violating the Zoning Resolution and the construction code, … <Read More>
Search Results for: Buildings
Audit faults Buildings on enforcement procedures
Audit found inadequate follow-up on violations; DOB to implement most, if not all,of Comptroller’s recommendations. City Comptroller William C. Thompson issued an audit report on Buildings’ handling of Building Code and other violations. The audit determined that Buildings’ follow-up efforts on violations were insufficient, not only because of program deficiencies, but also because Buildings lacked the authority to re-inspect flagged sites without a warrant and to compel property owners to remedy violations. As a result, … <Read More>
Department of Buildings revamps crane regulations
Revised protocols for tower cranes intended to improve safety at work sites. On May 28, 2008, the New York City Department of Buildings announced new procedures for erecting and dismantling tower cranes. The new procedures require an engineer to submit written plans that detail the erection and dismantling procedure for each and every crane he or she intends to use for construction. Upon Buildings’ approval, the engineer must then certify that he or she has … <Read More>
BSA allows Buildings to revise permit
Buildings mistakenly issued a certificate allowing conversion of SROs. The owner of a four-story building located at 614 West 138th Street sought to convert single room occupancy units to Class A apartments, which requires a Certificate of No Harassment from the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development before Department of Buildings approval.
When the owner applied to HPD for a certificate, HPD denied the request because it found reasonable cause to suspect … <Read More>
Council considers Landmarks- Buildings coordination
Proposed law would prevent owners from undermining designation process. On October 23, 2007, the City Council’s Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Siting & Maritime Uses heard testimony regarding a law that would protect buildings throughout the landmark designation process.
The proposed law, introduced by Council Member Rosie Mendez, would prevent owners from altering or demolishing a potential landmark before it can be officially designated as such by Landmarks. Under the proposed law, Landmarks would inform the … <Read More>
New buildings for seminary approved
Seminary will demolish 1960s Sherrill Hall to make way for 7-story bldg. On September 18, 2007, Landmarks approved the General Theological Seminary’s plan to construct a seven-story mixed-use building and a five-story administrative building on its campus within the Chelsea Historic District.
The Seminary’s 17-building walled-in campus, located between Ninth and Tenth Avenues from West 20th to West 21st Streets, consists mostly of 19th century Gothic-style buildings. Under the plan, the Seminary will demolish Sherrill … <Read More>