Domino Sugar Factory condos spark controversy

Landmarks heard testimony regarding a mixed-use development plan for the former Domino Sugar Factory site. Image: Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners LLP.

Preservation and housing advocates squared off over development plan. On February 5, 2008, Landmarks held a public hearing regarding alterations and additions to the Domino Sugar Refinery complex, located in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn.

In 2007, the City designated three buildings at the complex. 4 CityLand 141 (Oct. 15, 2007). During … <Read More>

BSA denies variance for retail development

Developer sought to convert site formerly occupied by a gas station. The owner of a site located in an R3-2 zoning district sought a use variance to construct a one-story retail building. The site, located at 146-93 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard, is currently occupied by a former gas station/auto repair facility that was subject to a use variance that expired in 1997.

The owner argued that it could not develop the site for residential use … <Read More>

SoHo building to get restaurant space

Council Speaker Christine Quinn recommended variance’s approval. The owner of 521 Broome Street, located between Thompson Street and the intersection of Sixth Avenue and Sullivan Street, sought a variance to allow an eating and drinking establishment on the building’s first floor and cellar, both of which are now vacant. The area’s manufacturing zoning prohibits such uses below the second floor. The building’s upper six floors, occupied by Joint Living Work Quarters for Artists and one … <Read More>

Dispute over synagogue’s condo development

Congregation Shearith Israel seeks a variance from BSA to construct a nine-story, mixed-use building in the Central Park West Historic District. Image: Platt Byard Dovell White Architects LLP.

Neighbors claim congregation’s program needs could be accommodated by an as-of-right building. The Congregation Shearith Israel Synagogue, a City landmark located at 8 West 70th Street within the Central Park West Historic District, sought a variance from lot coverage, yard, height and setback zoning regulations in order … <Read More>

BSA hears appeal on Trump SoHo project

Community group’s appeal seeks to halt construction of the 42story condo-hotel. On February 27, 2008, BSA heard testimony regarding the Department of Buildings’ approval for the Trump SoHo condominium hotel under construction at 246 Spring Street. The SoHo Alliance Community Group appealed, arguing that the condominium hotel contravenes the manufacturing zoning district’s prohibition against residential development.

Buildings approved the plans for the Trump Soho on September 28, 2007 with the condition that the developers file … <Read More>

Planning Comm. OKs $63M affordable housing dev.

BFC Partners’ proposal calls for 160 co-op units. On February 13, 2008, the Planning Commission approved an application to construct a housing project in the Stapleton neighborhood of Staten Island. The Department of Housing Preservation and Development submitted the application on behalf of developer BFC Partners. The application calls for two, five-story, mixed-use buildings with 160 residential units to be located just west of the area that the New York City Economic Development Corporation plans … <Read More>