Court intervenes to save landmark

Image: LPC.

State Supreme Court issues preliminary injunction against owner of 19th century landmark building. In 2005, Landmarks designated the Queen Anne-style Windermere Apartments, comprised of three buildings located on West 57th Street and Ninth Avenue. In September 2007, Landmarks noted that the historical and structural integrity of the buildings was at risk of being permanently compromised unless the owner, Toa Construction, took immediate action. In October 2007, Landmarks Chair Robert B. Tierney issued Toa … <Read More>

Environmental review challenge dismissed

State Supreme Court ruling allows City to continue the construction of ballfields on Randall’s Island. In July 2006, the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation concluded its environmental review and found that constructing 34 new ballfields and reconstructing 31 existing ballfields on Randall’s Island would not significantly impact the environment.

The next month, Parks sent a letter to Manhattan Community Board 11 stating that it would present a funding plan for the ballfield … <Read More>

MTA strikes deal with Related & Goldman Sachs

Proposed redevelopment of Hudson Yards. Image: dbox, courtesy of Related Companies.

$1.054 billion offer adds more affordable housing than Tishman’s plan. On March 26, 2008, the MTA selected Tishman Speyer to develop the John D. Caemmerer Rail Yards, also known as the Hudson Yards. 5 CityLand 46 (Apr. 15, 2008). But on May 13, 2008, Tishman withdrew its proposal, prompting the MTA to select a proposal submitted by a joint venture between the Related Companies … <Read More>

IDA approves financing for Hunts Point business

Gourmet Guru to invest $4.9 million. On May 13, 2008, the New York City Industrial Development Agency awarded public subsidies to Gourmet Guru, a ten-year-old food-related company located at 660 Casanova Street, between Spofford and Randall Avenues, in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx.

Gourmet Guru specializes in the wholesale distribution of organic and specialty foods, development and manufacturing of branded food products, and marketing and brokerage services. The company began its operations … <Read More>

Landmarks considers West Chelsea District

Proposed West Chelsea Historic District. Image: LPC.

New York Terminal Central Stores, Real Estate Board, and Cedar Lake Ballet testified against proposed designation. On May 13, 2008, Landmarks heard testimony on a proposal to designate a seven-block portion of West Chelsea as a historic district.

Located between West 25th and West 28th Streets, from the West Side Highway to Tenth Avenue, the proposed West Chelsea Historic District would protect brick industrial buildings dating as far … <Read More>

Courtyard garage questioned

Garage with landscaped roof garden proposed for courtyard of 19th century housing complex. On May 20, 2008, Landmarks heard testimony on a proposal by the Pinnacle Group to build a two-level garage in the courtyard of the Riverside Houses in the Brooklyn Heights Historic District. The complex was developed by philanthropist Alfred T. White in 1890 to provide attractive housing for the working classes, while giving residents maximum access to light and air. In the … <Read More>