Trump SoHo Wins Appeal

Court finds that BSA’s decision to uphold DOB permits was supported by substantial evidence. The New York City Department of Buildings issued permits for a transient hotel at 246 Spring Street in Manhattan. Believing that the design amounted to an unpermitted residential building in an M1-6 zoning district, SoHo Alliance appealed DOB’s decision to BSA. BSA denied the appeal, 5 CityLand 74 (June 15, 2008), and SoHo Alliance filed an article 78 petition challenging … <Read More>


SoHo Alliance loses appeal to stop Trump SoHo

BSA allows construction of the controversial hotel to go forward. In September 2007, the New York City Department of Buildings approved plans for the 42-story Trump SoHo condominium hotel, to be located at 246 Spring Street between Varick Street and Sixth Avenue. Because there is a general prohibition against residential developments in the area with the exception of transient hotels, Buildings’ approval required the developers to file a restriction against the property that would prohibit … <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>


Council seeks to halt spread of illegal hotels

The Bronx County Courthouse’s green roof, funded by the Bronx Initiative for Energy and the Environment. Photo: The Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation.

Proposal would increase fines for illegal conversions of residences into hotels. On December 3, 2007, the City Council’s Committee on Housing and Buildings held a public hearing on a proposal to increase fines on building owners who illegally convert residential units, especially rent-regulated ones, into hotel units.

Council Member Gail Brewer sponsored … <Read More>


BSA hears appeal challenging NYU dorm

Challenge to construction of this 26-story, East 12th Street NYU dorm heard by BSA. Photo:Morgan Kunz.

East Village residents opposed lot merger needed for construction of 26-story dormitory. On April 17, 2007, BSA held a contentious hearing on New York University’s 26- story dormitory, currently under construction on East 12th Street in the East Village. In September 2006, a court refused to halt construction while residents appealed the building permit to BSA. 3 CityLand 144 … <Read More>


Three Far West Village buildings landmarked

Landmarks unanimous in designating all three buildings. On March 6, 2007, Landmarks voted to designate three nineteenth century buildings in the Far West Village as individual landmarks. The 159 Charles Street House, the 354 West 11th Street House, and the Keller Hotel all received wide community support at the November 2006 hearing. 3 CityLand 170 (Dec. 2006).

Built between 1841 and 1842 for a carver and manufacturer, the Greek Revival style row house at 354 … <Read More>