Staten Island’s Sandy Ground area downzoned

Rezoning proposed to prevent attached homes in area settled by freed slaves in 1827. On February 3, 2010, the City Council approved State Senator Andrew J. Lanza’s rezoning proposal for the Sandy Ground neighborhood of Staten Island. Sandy Ground, also known as Rossville, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized as one of the country’s oldest communities established by freed slaves. The rezoning impacts 35 blocks generally bounded by the West … <Read More>


Hearings held for nine Staten Island buildings

 

Staten Island Armory in Westerleigh, Staten Island. Image: LPC.
Dutch Reformed Church in Port Richmond, Staten Island. Image: LPC.

Commissioners hear testimony on Armory building, two churches, and several residences within the borough. On August 11, 2009, Landmarks held hearings for nine potential City landmarks on Staten Island. Chair Robert B. Tierney said the hearings were part of Landmarks ongoing effort to preserve the borough’s 19th century heritage. Council Member Kenneth Mitchell, whose district … <Read More>


DOB’s denial of Staten Island permit overturned

Developer proposed unique design to exploit loophole in zoning text. Fred Corono applied for a building permit to add a second building in the rear of his oversized 6,938- square-foot lot in Staten Island. The Department of Buildings denied the application, believing that Corono specifically designed the new building to evade the requirements of the City’s Lower Density Growth Management zoning restrictions. The controls, enacted in 2004, set strict size and yard limits on proposals … <Read More>


Landmarks designates 1856 Staten Island home

Staten Island’s Wyeth House built in 1856. Photo: LPC.

Home of former Assemblyman and opera singer designated. Landmarks designated the brick and stone Italianate villa located at 190 Meisner Avenue in Lighthouse Hill, Staten Island as both architecturally and historically significant on May 15, 2007. Built in 1856 for Nathaniel J. Wyeth, a prominent lawyer and Assemblyman, the home retains its octagonal cupola, molded caps and two chimneys. In 1925, opera star Graham Marr purchased … <Read More>


Development of Staten Island Farm Colony offered

EDC seeks proposals for a post-secondary school to occupy 98-acre site containing designated buildings. On February 28, 2007, the New York City Economic Development Corporation issued a request for proposals for a site formerly used as the City’s Farm Colony.

Starting in the 1850s, the City provided housing to indigent New Yorkers in exchange for their labor on the Farm Colony. The facility expanded several times, but by the 1940s its use began to decline. … <Read More>


City Planning action affects 1,000 acres in Staten island

 

Prince’s Bay Rezoning locator map used with permission of the New York City Department of City Planning. All rights reserved.

Council Member Lanza and City Planning push forward Prince’s Bay down-zoning. On October 11, 2006, the Planning Commission approved a proposal to down-zone an 172-acre portion of Prince’s Bay, Staten Island and to adopt text amendments to restrict future development on an additional 830 acres. Council Member Andrew Lanza withdrew his original rezoning application … <Read More>