Report Identifies Flaws in DOB’s Auditing of Professionally Certified Applications

Comptroller’s audit found that Buildings generally implemented adequate controls over construction permit applications, but issued three recommendations to ensure public safety. On June 17, 2016, the Officer of the Comptroller Scott Stringer released a report of an audit conducted on the Department of Buildings’ processing of construction permits. The audit determined that Buildings’ controls for the processing of application were implemented consistently, that there were appropriate separation of duties, and an adequate application tracking system. … <Read More>


CPC Hears Special Permit Request for New Through-Block Building

Commissioners focused on the building’s sustainability and the proposed parking garage. On January 7, 2015 the City Planning Commission held a public hearing on applications for two special permits for a proposed building at 7 West 21st Street in the Ladies’ Mile Historic District of Manhattan. The proposed building is 185 feet tall, with ground-floor retail and residential units on the upper floors. The permits would allow a waiver of the 150-foot setback requirement and … <Read More>


Willets Point Special Permits Come Under Attack at City Council Hearing

Council Members voiced concern over the City’s applications to facilitate Phase 1 of the Willets’ Point Development Project. The City Council’s Land Use Zoning and Franchises subcommittee held a public hearing on September 3, 2013 on Phase 1A of the $3 billion Willets Point Development Project. The applicants, New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and Queens Development Group, a joint venture of Related Companies and Sterling Equities, testified. The application is a … <Read More>


Appellate Court Affirms Special Permit for Hospital for Special Surgery

Resident opponents failed to block City Planning’s approval of Hospital for Special Surgery expansion. The Hospital for Special Surgery (HHS), located at 535 East 70th Street, proposed a major renovation and expansion of its existing facility located between East 70th  Street and East 72nd Street, and between York Avenue and  the FDR Drive in Manhattan.

On December 26, 2006, the City Planning Commission (CPC) issued a positive declaration and Lead Agency Determination along with an … <Read More>


Solow files applications for former Con Edison site

Plan includes seven mixed-use buildings and public parking facilities. On June 12, 2007, Solow Properties filed 17 linked applications to permit major new developments on two large parcels along First Avenue roughly extending from East 35th to East 36th Streets, and East 38th to East 41st Streets. The applications propose to rezone the full city block along First Avenue between East 35th and East 36th Streets and the FDR Drive from manufacturing to a commercial … <Read More>


Council denies cafe a sidewalk renewal permit

Council rejection based on owner’s failure to pay $16,000 in City fees. Dominick DeSimone, owner of the Stonewall Bistro, the Stonewall Bar and the Stonewall Nightclub in Greenwich Village, applied to renew his sidewalk permit for the Bistro at 113 Seventh Avenue South. Community Board 2 and residents opposed the renewal.

At the Council hearing before the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises, DeSimone alleged that the community ‘s opposition to the renewal application was based … <Read More>