BSA finds hardship for new synagogue

BSA allows three-story synagogue in Midwood. Merkaz, a nonprofit religious institution, sought a variance from yard, FAR, lot coverage, height and setback zoning regulations in order to construct a three-story synagogue with an accessory pre-school at 1739 Ocean Avenue in the Midwood neighborhood of Brooklyn. The synagogue would serve a 20- family congregation, while the school would offer religious education for children and adults.

Citing concerns over the impact the development would have on neighborhood … <Read More>

Board 7 and Avella convince owner to adjust variance

Owner agrees to demolish a portion of a garage in order to build a two-story expansion. The owner of a two-story single-family home with a detached garage at 7-12 126th Street sought a variance from rear yard requirements to facilitate construction of a two-story addition. The 1935 home is located in a portion of College Point that the City rezoned from R3-2 to R2A in 2005. 2 CityLand 135 (Oct. 15, 2005).

The owner claimed … <Read More>

BSA grandfathers Dyker Heights development

Council Member Gentile sent letter in support of developer’s appeal. On July 12, 2007, the Department of Buildings issued the owner of 1270 Bay Ridge Parkway, located between 12th and 13th Avenues, a permit to construct a three-story building that would include space for residential, commercial and community facility use. Less than two weeks later, on July 25, 2007, the City Council voted to rezone the Dyker Heights neighborhood, putting the proposed development out … <Read More>

Special Hunts Point District plan starts public review

Plan strives to encourage growth in food service industry. On January 7, 2008, the Planning Commission launched public consideration for the Department of City Planning’s proposal to rezone portions of the Hunts Point peninsula. The proposal is now with Bronx Community Board 2 for its review.

City Planning seeks to downzone 70 blocks of industrial land to M1-2 for light manufacturing. The area surrounds a 22-acre residential district and is roughly bounded by Bruckner Boulevard, … <Read More>

Park Slope may get BID

Plan encompasses over 900 businesses. On January 9, 2008, the Planning Commission approved an application by the Department of Small Business Services to create the Park Slope Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District. The BID would represent 605 properties and 515 property owners, including 106 residential properties.

The BID would allow an annual assessment on businesses and residents to enhance sanitation, security and marketing. The $300,000 firstyear budget would come from assessments on commercial properties, with … <Read More>

Phillips Club’s conversion to hotel units approved

 

The Phillips Club, located across the street from Lincoln Center. Photo: Jonathan Reingold.

Fractional-ownership of transient units will minimize influx of tourists. On January 9, 2008, the Planning Commission approved Millennium Partners’ application for a special permit to facilitate the conversion of six floors of extended-stay hotel units into transient hotel units. The Phillips Club consists of two buildings on the same zoning lot: the 10- story Phillips Club Building, formerly the Chinese Mission … <Read More>