Buildings made initial error in not issuing building permit. In 2003, Hamida Realty sought plan approval from the Department of Buildings for two, three-family homes on two adjacent lots that would share a foundation and a common wall. Buildings approved the plans, but Hamida waited over a year to apply for permits. When it applied, Buildings granted the permit for one building, but held the second permit, erroneously requiring Hamida to submit a site safety plan for the second building. Despite holding only one permit, Hamida started work on both buildings. Three weeks later, Hamida pointed out Buildings’ error and Buildings waived the requirement. Hamida, however, never finalized the second permit, and work continued illegally.

A month later, City Council down-zoned Hamida’s lots as part of a larger rezoning of Jamaica Hills, Queens, making both buildings non-conforming. Despite the downzoning, construction continued. Buildings then issued a permit for the second building despite the down-zoning. Four months after the down-zoning, Buildings issued a stop-work order on both buildings. (more…)

Jamaica Savings Bank had been denied landmark status in 1974 and 1992. On May 15, 2007, Landmarks held a public hearing on the Jamaica Savings Bank, an 1898 Beaux-Arts style building prominently located on Jamaica Avenue near 161st Street in Queens. Landmarks designated the building twice in the past, but the Board of Estimate overturned the 1974 vote and the City Council denied Landmarks’ second attempt in 1992. The owner of the building opposed designation both times and the community split over its merits, with some calling the abandoned building an eyesore.

Designed by Hough & Deuell, the four-story limestone facade features a carved stone beehive, a traditional symbol of industry, thrift and prosperity found on many bank buildings.

Support for the designation came from Queens Community Board 12 Chair Gloria Black, who explained that the area suffered from urban decay and now, with City Planning’s proposal to rezone 368 blocks of the district, she finally Volume 4 CITYLAND June 15, 2007 envisions new possibilities for her neighborhood. A representative of the Jamaica Center BID testified, saying that the BID traditionally remains neutral on land use applications, but, with this proposed designation, its members believed it should speak out in support of the building’s preservation. Several Queens preservation groups also testified in support. Ed Kirkland of the Historic Districts Council remained “cautiously happy” about a third attempt, adding that he feared this could be a “third strike and out.”

Landmarks closed the public hearing without a full discussion of its commissioners.

LPC: Jamaica Savings Bank, 161-02 Jamaica Avenue (LP-2109) (May 15, 2007).

CITYLAND Comment: Landmarks has not yet contacted the current owner of the Jamaica Savings Bank.

The Planning Commission held its public hearing on the Jamaica rezoning plan on May 23, 2007. A vote is expected in June.

Residential and commercial development will incorporate Jamaica Courthouse facade. On March 14, 2007, the City Council unanimously approved four linked applications for the redevelopment of the Queens Family Courthouse located on Parsons Boulevard and 89th Avenue in Jamaica, Queens and vacant since 2002. The application included the sale of City-owned property, a zoning map amendment to increase the permitted floor area and allow residential uses, and special permits for base height, setback and a 500-space garage. The New York City Economic Development Corporation selected the project, to be developed by Dermot QFC LLC, after a summer 2004 request for proposals. The City will transfer the site to EDC for its transfer to Dermot.

The development, designed by FXFowle Architects, will incorporate the existing courthouse facade into a new 12-story, 355,000- square-foot, mixed-use building. The majority of the building, 295,465 sq.ft., will contain 360 co-op and rental units. The remainder will include 41,510 sq.ft. of commercial space and 18,820 sq.ft. of community facility space. The design calls for a nine-story wing running the length of Parsons Boulevard and a 12-story wing fronting 89th Avenue, both with commercial and community facility space on the ground floor and residential space above. The building also includes two new one-level commercial sections. (more…)

Objections by building owner and lack of positive support by council member sank designation. On October 27, 2005, the City Council overturned the Landmarks Preservation Commission’s designation of the 1966-built, former Jamaica Savings Bank on Queens Boulevard in Elmhurst. Landmarks designated the bank in June 2005, calling it a striking example of 1960s popular modernist architecture. 2 CityLand 92 (July 15, 2005). The bank, designed by William F. Cann, features a 116-foot long curved copper clad roof that rises from a low floor-to- ceiling height to a 43-foot height along the Queens Boulevard facade. Landmarks found the roof reminiscent of Saarinen’s TWA Terminal at JFK International Airport.

The owner, BA Property LLC, argued against the designation at the Council’s hearing before the Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Siting and Maritime Uses. BA claimed that Landmarks, under pressure from preservationists to designate more modern architecture and buildings outside of Manhattan, arbitrarily chose the bank, offering it as a “consolation prize.” BA claimed the bank’s high ceiling and unique design made heating, cooling and repair costs exorbitant, and flooding issues required “six double gallon pumps going 24 hours a day.” BA complained that designation would deprive it of its right to add over 25,000 sq. ft. of as-of-right commercial space. (more…)

Building is bold expression of mid-twentieth century engineering. On June 28, 2005, Landmarks designated the former Jamaica Savings Bank located on a diamond-shaped parcel at the intersection of Queens Boulevard and 56th Avenue in Elmhurst, Queens. The unique building, constructed in 1966-68, features a 116-foot long curved copper-clad roof that rises from a low floor-to-ceiling height to a 43-foot height at the Queens Boulevard facade. At the public hearings, North Fork Bank, the owner, strongly opposed the designation and provided expert testimony relating to its flooding and structural problems. 2 CityLand 43 (Apr. 15, 2005). In approving, Landmarks noted the building was a standout in terms of shape and unique design and a striking example of 1960’s popular modernist architecture. (more…)