David West, AIA
The City Council has approved Zone Green. This comprehensive zoning text amendment will enable energy efficient cutting-edge design and construction of both new and existing buildings.
During public debate of the proposal, wind turbines, green houses, and solar panels received much attention. These elements are emblematic of the green building movement; however, it is the more mundane aspects that will have the most far reaching impact on reducing our carbon footprint.
New York City’s zoning resolution was enacted in 1961. The rules regarding permitted obstructions and rooftop mechanical allowances have remained largely unchanged. Zone Green provides meaningful relief for new exterior insulation on existing buildings, added wall thickness for super-insulated new construction, and rooftop equipment. Green roofs, water retention systems, and landscaping will also be permitted to encroach above height limits. These simple measures will go a great distance in encouraging energy efficient real estate.
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| Alan Bell |
Patrick W. Jones, Esq. |
Donald Capoccia |
| Bryan Cave LLP |
The Kibel Company |
Jerome Haims Realty, Inc. |
| Betty Chen |
Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP |
Sheldon Lobel |
| Cooper, Robertson & Partners |
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP |
Slater & Beckerman, LLP |
| Fordham University |
Platt Byard Dovell White Architects |
TLM Associates |
| Goldstein Hall PLLC |
Rampulla Associates Architects |
Paul Travis |
| Hazen and Sawyer, PC |
Jack Resnick & Sons, Inc. |
David C. West, AIA |
| Hustvedt Cutler Architects |
Howard Goldman |
Stanley Natkins |
| Edward J. Minskoff Equities, Inc. |
Real Estate Board of New York, Inc. |
Daniel H. Braff, Esq. |
| Sam Schwartz Engineering, P.C. |
Philip Habib + Associates |
YMCA of Greater New York |
| URBYN |
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The Plaza’s new owners testify in support, claiming $350 million to be spent on restoration. Landmarks held two public hearings in June on the proposed designation of interior spaces in the Plaza Hotel, including the Oak Room and Oak Bar, the Terrace and Edwardian Rooms, the Palm Court, the Grand Ballroom’s first floor, and the two entrance lobbies at West 59th Street and Grand Army Plaza. While the exterior of the Plaza was designated an individual landmark in 1969, no interior rooms were designated. Landmarks voted in March to consider the interior designations after the Plaza’s new owners, Elad Properties, filed a change of use application with the City seeking to permit permanent retail space in areas like the Terrace and Edwardian Rooms, historically used as hotel function rooms. See 2 CityLand 41 (Apr. 15, 2005).
The Landmarks Conservancy, the Historic Districts Council, AIA and the Municipal Arts Society testified with others in support of the designation at the first hearing on June 7, 2005, but Elad failed to testify. At the June 28th hearing, Landmarks heard testimony on three applications: the potential designation; the application to change the use, which needed Landmarks review of the preservation purpose relating to the change; and a permit for proposed alterations to the Plaza’s exterior, which included enlarging some window openings. (more…)
