Landmarks designated two new individual landmarks. The 1886 Estey Piano Factory, at 112 Lincoln Avenue in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx, is the oldest piano factory in New York, and the centerpiece of the once thriving industrial area. With its prominent clock tower, brick facade, and historical significance, the piano factory was roundly endorsed at the April 11 hearing. 3 CityLand 4 (May 15, 2006).

Landmarks also designated the Theodore F. and Elizabeth J. DeHart House, at 134 Main Street in Tottenville, on Staten Island’s southwest shore. The 1850-era clapboard cottage is called a “rare survivor of early Tottenville” in Landmarks’ designation report. Built originally by a member of the Totten family, the house was named for long-time resident Theodore F. DeHart, who was involved in the oyster trade. Supporters of designation included Council Member Andrew J. Lanza, the Historic Districts Council, the Tottenville Historical Society, and the Preservation League of Staten Island. The designation was supported unanimously by the Commissioners present. (more…)

Rezonings extend protection of contextual zoning and low-density regulations. The Planning Commission approved amendments to the zoning maps in three Bronx neighborhoods to ensure that residential buildings are not out-of-character with low-density development in the neighborhoods.

In Baychester, five of the five and a half blocks located immediately south of Co-op City are currently zoned R3-2 and permit detached, semi-detached and attached homes with a maximum building height of 35 feet. The remaining half block, currently zoned R6, permits residential and community facilities, and has apartment buildings between three and twelve stories high. Under the proposed rezoning, both areas would be zoned R3A, permitting only detached single- and two-family homes with a maximum height of 35 feet. (more…)

Mall-type retail center to be developed on site of Bronx Terminal Market. The NYC Economic Development Corporation and BTM Development Partners obtained Council’s approval for six actions related to development of a one-million square-foot, multi-level retail center at the site of the Bronx Terminal Market in West Concourse, Bronx. Two approved map amendments eliminated streets between River and Cromwell Avenues and rezoned the project site from M2-1 to C4-4 to permit large scale retail development. The Council also approved three special permits to allow a six-building retail center and 250-room hotel, a connected 6-level public parking garage with 2,610 spaces, and signage exceeding the allowable square footage. The sixth action approved disposition of the 19-acre project site from the City to the EDC for subsequent disposition to the real estate management firm Related Companies, Inc.

At the Council’s January 23, 2006 Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises hearing, a representative for Assemblywoman Aurelia Greene, along with local residents and merchants supported the project and emphasized the need to revitalize the neighborhood and create jobs. Friends of Brook Park also spoke in favor of development, but urged the Council to support the creation of a park with waterfront access next to the site. Opponents criticized the EDC’s failure to disclose names of potential tenants, expressed concern over the lack of commitment to minority and union jobs, and argued that retailers such as Wal-Mart and BJ’s would be detrimental to the community. Opponents also urged the Council not to approve an aesthetically out-of-context, suburban-type mall that would fail to serve the lower income community and create excess traffic. (more…)

Settlement came after gardeners filed Article 78 petition. As reported in the November issue of CityLand, the City Council’s October 13, 2004 approval of the Courtlandt Avenue Apartments, a 167-unit, affordable housing development slated for Melrose Commons, would result in the demolition of several Bronx community gardens. The development site, comprising 16 lots, occupies most of the block between East 158th and East 159th Streets, and Park and Courtlandt Avenues.

On November 23, 2004, gardeners active in three Bronx Green Thumb Gardens filed a petition to stop the City’s demolition of the gardens and to declare the Planning Commission’s approval of the development unlawful. On November 24th, a temporary restraining order was granted and negotiations followed. (more…)

New 12-million gallon sewage storage facility to be built. The Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Citywide Administrative Services sought approval of a 3.6-acre site selection for a combined sewage overflow storage facility to reduce stormwater sewage discharge emitted into Westchester Creek. The development required Commission approval for the site selection, acquisition of 155,900 sq.ft. of land and a special permit allowing the sewage facility in a residentially-zoned area of the Bronx.

The site is located along an unmapped street in the southwestern portion of the Bronx Psychiatric Center, roughly bounded on the north by Waters Place, east by Eastchester Road and west by Industrial Place. The sewage facility would include a two-story operation building, with air treatment and mechanical facilities, and a 25- foot deep underground storage tank, 348 ft. by 170 ft. in dimension. (more…)