Early in his adult life, Leonard Wasserman thought he would pursue a career in urban planning. His perspective changed, however, when he realized he was “better with words than colored pencils.” After college, Wasserman spent a little over a year at the Housing and Development Administration (the agency that later split into Buildings and HPD), but decided to take a leave from the ranks of the employed to attend Brooklyn Law School to focus on … <Read More>
Six-story condo allowed in rezoned area of Brooklyn
BSA’s decision to deny developer’s request to complete construction was irrational since it had previously granted similar requests. Menachem Realty Inc. submitted professionally certified plans to Buildings for a sixstory residential condominium at 1623 Avenue P in Midwood, Brooklyn. Buildings issued a building permit based on the plans, and Menachem began excavation and foundation work. Before the foundation was completed, Buildings performed an audit of the plans, raised eight objections, and issued a letter stating … <Read More>
Court affirms dismissal of Atlantic Yards challenge
ESDC’s determination upheld that three blocks outside urban renewal area were blighted. In 2003, Forest City Ratner proposed to redevelop a 22-acre site in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. The site included portions of the Atlantic Terminal Urban Renewal Area and portions of three privately-owned blocks outside the renewal area. After Ratner’s proposal was accepted, the Empire State Development Corporation designated itself as lead agency for the project under state environmental law. ESDC prepared an environmental impact … <Read More>
More controversy over Washington Sq.Park
Parks Department proposes performance stage and seating areas in Washington Square Park. On March 17, 2009, Landmarks heard testimony on the Parks Department’s proposed modifications to the master plan governing the renovation of Washington Square Park.
The modifications, both on the eastern side of the park, allow for the construction of a permanent performance stage and the retention and alteration of two seating alcoves. The performance stage would be built next to the park’s Garibaldi … <Read More>
South Street pier approved
- Pier 15, as envisioned by EDC. Image: SHoP Architects PC.
Part of EDC’s East River waterfront plan fell within historic district. The NYC Economic Development Corp. and SHoP Architects PC presented a plan before Landmarks on March 17, 2009, to reconstruct Pier 15 in the South Street Seaport Historic District. The reconstruction is part of the City’s East River Waterfront Esplanade and Piers project, which is planned to stretch for two miles from the Battery … <Read More>
Revised hospital plan approved for St.Vincent’s
St.Vincent’s still faces fight over associated residential development. In a March 10, 2009 public meeting, Landmarks voted to grant approval for a new hospital on Seventh Avenue between 12th and 13th Streets in the Greenwich Village Historic District. The site is currently occupied by the 1963 O’Toole Building, for which Landmarks approved demolition in October of 2008. 5 CityLand 158 (Nov. 15, 2008).
Representatives of St. Vincent’s presented an amended design that considered the criticisms … <Read More>