While in college at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Frank St. Jacques dreamed that one day he would live in New York City. He did not know then that it would ultimately lead him to becoming a land use attorney at a national law firm, Akerman LLP.
Search Results for: Astoria, Queens
Warehouse Owner Wins Access to Neighbor’s Land for Demolition Fence
Owner who was required to build a protective fence during demolition could not get adjoining property owners to give access to property needed to build the fence. North 7-8 Investors, LLC, the owner of a warehouse located at 2225 46th Street in Astoria, Queens, sought to demolish the warehouse and construct a new building. Under the City Administrative Code the warehouse owner must during demolition erect a perimeter fence to protect adjoining buildings. The fence … <Read More>
CityLand’s Top Ten Stories of 2014
Welcome to CityLand‘s third annual top ten stories of the year! We have selected a range of our most popular and prominent stories, guest commentaries and profiles concerning New York City land use in 2014. Our third year as an online publication was marked by a new Mayor, a new Council, and a massive push to address the City’s housing shortage. We at CityLand are excited to continue providing in-depth coverage of the latest … <Read More>
Residential building grandfathered despite opposition
Owner completed 99 percent of building’s foundation before City Council approved Astoria Rezoning plan. Plaza Group 36 LLC obtained excavation and foundation permits to begin work on a four-story residential building at 30-86 36th Street in Astoria, Queens. On May 18, 2010, Buildings issued a new building permit to Plaza Group for the project. One week later, the City Council approved the Astoria Rezoning, changing the site’s R6 zoning to R5B and rendering the 6,565 … <Read More>
BSA affirms DOB policy on roof cell phone antennas
Vallone and Astoria residents argued that DOB lacked authority to grant cell phone equipment permits. In 2005, Omnipoint Communications received a Department of Buildings permit to install cellular phone antennas and equipment cabinets on the roof of an Astoria, Queens building. Council Member Peter F. Vallone Jr. and Astoria residents appealed the permit to BSA, arguing that Buildings lacked the authority to approve the cell phone equipment. According to Vallone, approval required a special permit … <Read More>
DOT Announces Return of Summer Streets for Summer 2025
On July 1, 2025, Mayor Eric Adams and the Department of Transportation announced the return of Summer Streets, a program that temporarily creates car-free streets to create more outdoor safe spaces for pedestrians to enjoy. Each session of Summer Streets will run from 7 AM to 3 PM for five consecutive Saturdays between late July and August. This year’s program covers over 22 miles of streets citywide featuring live entertainment, fitness classes, cultural programs, giveaways … <Read More>