Andrew Dolkart: Teacher, Author, Advocate

When Andrew Dolkart, Director of Historic Preservation at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, was asked to characterize what it means to be a historic preservationist, he found the question difficult to answer. Upon further reflection, Dolkart described it as “a varied field” based on a value system that “honors the physical fabric of our communities.” Originally intending to pursue a PhD in art history, Dolkart turned to historic preservation, spurred by … <Read More>


Commission modifies rezoning plan for LIC’s Dutch Kills

Proposed Dutch Kills Rezoning. Rezoning Map used with permission of the New York City Department of City Planning. All rights reserved.

FAR increased for certain uses after Community Board and Borough President raised concern over proposed limits on commercial and industrial growth. On September 8, 2008, the City Planning Commission approved, with one modification, the Department of City Planning’s proposed rezoning and text amendment for the Dutch Kills area of Long Island City, Queens.

The … <Read More>


Courthouse, 660-space garage approved

New courthouse and parking garage proposed for Staten Island. Image: Polshek Partnership Architects LLP.

Existing surface parking lot makes way for consolidation of civil and criminal courts. On August 11, 2008, the City Planning Commission approved three applications needed to facilitate construction of the new Staten Island Supreme Courthouse and parking garage. The site, owned by the Department of Transportation, occupies most of the St. George Municipal Parking Field, roughly bounded by Central Avenue, Hyatt … <Read More>


DOT wins dismissal

Cypress Hills sought at-grade crossing of Jackie Robinson Parkway. In 2006, an appellate court ruled that Cypress Hills Cemetery had an easement to cross the Jackie Robinson Parkway at the point where two bridges, built by the City in 1928, had united the Cemetery parcels when construction of the Parkway divided the Cemetery. The court also ruled that the burden of maintaining or replacing the bridges fell on the Cemetery, not on the City. 4 … <Read More>


New Mixed-Use Bldg. in SoHo-Cast Iron HD Approved

Arpad Baksa-designed, six-story building to be located within corridor between historic Broome and Wooster Streets. On May 7, 2008, the City Planning Commission approved Rocksprings Management Company’s proposal to build a six-story, 12,498-square-foot residential building, with ground-floor retail, at 52 Wooster Street.

Currently, a ten-space parking lot occupies the site, which is located in the SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District on the corner of Broome and Wooster Streets. Surrounding the site are five- and six-story … <Read More>


Stillwell Avenue waterfront lots for sale

EDC seeks a commercial building, parking and shuttle service to amusement area. The New York City Economic Development Corporation is seeking proposals for a developer to purchase and develop commercial space, with accessory public parking, on a 48,600-square-foot site on Stillwell Avenue in Coney Island.

The site is located three blocks north of the Stillwell Avenue subway station and immediately south of the Belt Parkway, within the Coney Island Creek Urban Renewal Area. It is … <Read More>