Amendment requires wide range of developments to provide indoor bicycle parking space. On April 22, 2009, the City Council approved the Department of City Planning’s bicycle parking text amendment. The amendment requires developers to include secure indoor bicycle storage space in new buildings, conversions to residential use, and enlargements of 50 percent or more. The new requirements apply to multifamily residential, community facility, and commercial uses, as well as public parking garages. The number of … <Read More>
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Commission adopts modified bicycle parking text
Amount of bicycle parking spaces required for affordable housing developments could be waived or reduced. On March 4, 2009, the City Planning Commission approved, with several modifications, the Department of City Planning’s proposed bicycle parking text amendment. The amendment would require developers to provide secure, enclosed bicycle parking facilities in new buildings, enlargements of buildings of 50 percent or more, and conversions to residential use.
Although the Commission expressed support for the proposal, it believed … <Read More>
Council OKs air rights transfer from Seagram Building
Lord Norman Foster design approved. On August 14, 2008, the City Council approved the special permit and zoning text amendment proposed by Aby Rosen, developer of a 63-story hotel and residential building at 610 Lexington Avenue, adjacent to the Seagram Building. The special permit grants a transfer of development rights from the landmarked Seagram Building, and the text amendment allows, in part, height and setback modifications by way of special permit and an accessory … <Read More>
Architect charged with false and misleading filings
Architect Robert Scarano faces the possible loss of his ability to file DOB permits. On June 12, 2008, Buildings announced that it filed administrative charges with the Department of Investigation against licensed architect Robert Scarano, alleging that he knowingly or negligently filed false and misleading documents along with building permit applications for two Williamsburg, Brooklyn apartment buildings.
According to Buildings, Scarano improperly divided a zoning lot located at 158 Freeman Street and 1037 Manhattan Avenue … <Read More>
Council considers 12 construction site safety bills
Unions, contractors, and developers call for public benefit corporation to replace DOB. On May 6, 2008, the City Council’s Housing and Buildings Committee heard testimony from the acting Commissioner of the New York City Department of Buildings, Robert LiMandri, and the public on a dozen proposed local laws aimed at improving safety at construction sites in the City.
Council Member Jessica Lappin sponsored Intro 760 that would give Buildings the power to order a … <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>