Buildings cited 1974 building plan but could not produce it. Buildings issued a notice of violation to the owner of a building for engaging in work that did not conform to an approved building plan. Buildings stated that the owner extended the building beyond the size specified in a 1974 plan. At a hearing, Buildings stated that it could not locate the 1974 plan and relied instead on a copy of a 1959 plan and … <Read More>
Hearings held for nine Staten Island buildings
- Staten Island Armory in Westerleigh, Staten Island. Image: LPC.
- Dutch Reformed Church in Port Richmond, Staten Island. Image: LPC.
Commissioners hear testimony on Armory building, two churches, and several residences within the borough. On August 11, 2009, Landmarks held hearings for nine potential City landmarks on Staten Island. Chair Robert B. Tierney said the hearings were part of Landmarks ongoing effort to preserve the borough’s 19th century heritage. Council Member Kenneth Mitchell, whose district … <Read More>
LPC seeks fee increase
Current fee structure created in 2004. On August 4, 2009, Landmarks held a hearing on a proposed fee increase for new building and alteration applications. The rule was published in the City Record on July 2, 2009.
The proposed rule would increase Landmarks’ fee for new one-, two-, and three-family dwellings from six to ten cents per square foot. For all other buildings, the proposed rule would increase the fee from thirteen to twenty cents … <Read More>
1909 “Automobile Row” complex considered
- 1780 Broadway in Midtown, Manhattan. Image: LPC.
Owner of B.F. Goodrich Company buildings argued that only one building deserved designation. On August 11, 2009, Landmarks held a public hearing on the potential designation of the B.F. Goodrich Company buildings as an individual landmark at 1780 Broadway and 225 West 57th Street in Manhattan. Conceived as a single project and built in 1909, the two structures are located on the same tax lot and once shared … <Read More>
Single-family home wins waiver of rear yard rule
Owner during construction was caught by Citywide text change affecting rear yard. In July 2007, the owner of 1291 Carroll Street obtained a permit from Buildings allowing renovations to an existing single-family home located in an R2 zoning district. The plan included a rear enlargement built within 30 feet of the rear lot line. On April 30, 2008, the City Council approved a Citywide zoning text amendment that eliminated from R2 zoning districts the provision … <Read More>
Residence allowed on small lot in M district
Applicant claimed that lot’s small size would not allow a viable industrial use. The owner of a site located in an M1-2 zoning district sought a use variance to construct a two-story residential building. The 20 x 80 foot vacant lot, located at 328 Jackson Avenue, was formerly occupied by a residential building and has never been occupied by an industrial or manufacturing use.
The owner argued that it would suffer unnecessary hardship in developing … <Read More>