Fines mitigated when violation cured

Homeowner parked construction vehicles, unlicensed cars and construction material in residential district. Rachel Masica parked in the driveway of her residence at 316 Bement Avenue, Staten Island, a commercial dump truck, two Volkswagens without license plates, and, on the front lawn, a trailer. Masica stored a backhoe in her backyard under a tent, along with construction material, combustible wood, ladders, plywood, heavy-duty construction equipment, ladders, and wood planks. The Department of Buildings charged Masica with … <Read More>


Simeon Bankoff: Taking the Context out of Contextual Zoning

In March 2015, the City Planning Commission announced a proposal called Zoning for Affordability and Quality, which broadly calls for three principal changes in the current citywide zoning resolution. The plan proposes to change and enlarge definitions of senior housing to include more types of housing providers than currently permitted. It also proposes to increase buildable space for senior housing in some instances. The proposal also seeks to lessen or some instances no longer mandate … <Read More>


Zoning text altered for Staten Island and the Bronx

Special rules seek to protect residential neighborhoods and encourage development of day care and medical facilities in commercial districts. On January 18, 2011, the City Council approved the Department of City Planning’s amendment to the Lower Density Growth Management Area (LDGMA) regulations that apply to Staten Island and Bronx Community District 10. The amendment limits the development of out-of-context medical facilities and day care centers in low-density residential areas and encourages their construction in commercial … <Read More>


Massive Domino Sugar project debated

Council Member Levin concerned that project would burden existing infrastructure. On April 28, 2010, the City Planning Commission heard testimony on CPC Resources Inc.’s proposed 2.75 million sq.ft. mixed used development at the landmarked Domino Sugar plant site in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The 11.2- acre project site encompasses the former Domino plant along the East River between Grand and South 5th Streets and an upland parcel bounded by Kent and Wythe Avenues, and South 3rd and … <Read More>


Massive Domino Sugar project debated

Council Member Levin concerned that project would burden existing infrastructure. On April 28, 2010, the City Planning Commission heard testimony on CPC Resources Inc.’s proposed 2.75 million sq.ft. mixed-used development at the landmarked Domino Sugar plant site in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The 11.2- acre project site encompasses the former Domino plant along the East River between Grand and South 5th Streets and an upland parcel bounded by Kent and Wythe Avenues, and South 3rd and 4th … <Read More>


Developer wins Eastern Rail Yard text amendment

Modification allows residential building to be sited at the corner of West 30th Street and Eleventh Avenue. On March 4, 2009, the City Planning Commission approved RG ERY LLC’s proposal to amend the site planning and parking regulations within Hudson Yards’ Eastern Rail Yard, also known as Subarea A1. The affected area, located within the Special Hudson Yards District, is bounded by West 33rd Street to the north, West 30th Street to the south, Tenth … <Read More>