Board found the tunnel approach qualified as an “arterial highway” under the Zoning Resolution. On July 21, 2015 the Board of Standards and Appeals voted to deny an appeal by 121 Varick St. Corp. of a previous Department of Buildings determination that their advertising sign was not established as a lawful non-conforming use. The sign is a 75′ by 75′ illuminated advertising sign placed fifty feet above curb level on 121 Varick Street, Manhattan, … <Read More>
Search Results for: Illegal Use
Community Group Renews Suit for Pierhouse Injunction in Brooklyn Bridge Park
Save The View community group argues new evidence shows rooftop bulkheads are not mechanical. On July 22, 2015, community group Save The View Now filed to renew their motion for a preliminary injunction against construction of the Pierhouse development in Brooklyn Bridge Park. The group’s initial challenge, arguing the development’s rooftop mechanicals violated an agreed-upon height cap, was dismissed on June 10.
City Council, Borough President Push Against Illegal Home Conversions
The new legislation was announced in the wake of fire fatalities. On March 8, 2015 Councilmember Jumaane D. Williams held a press conference to announce new legislation to stop illegal home conversions in New York City. The legislation is co-sponsored by Councilmember Vincent Gentile, who has previously introduced two other bills to halt illegal conversions, and is introduced at the request of Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. An illegal home conversion occurs when … <Read More>
Council Member Works to Combat Illegal Home Conversions
Pending legislation would make it easier to impose civil penalties for illegal conversions. In recent months, City Council Member Vincent Gentile has introduced two bills to address the issue of illegal home conversions in New York City. According to Ann Falutico, Zoning Committee Chair for Brooklyn Community Board 10, a study of 311 statistics show that since 2010, over 1,000 complaints for illegal home conversions came from communities within the Council Member’s district, Bay … <Read More>
ECB Held Premises Used as Adult Establishment Violated TCO
Respondents argued DOB-approved alteration plans sufficient to change occupancy of premises from cabaret to adult establishment. On October 13, 2011, the City’s Department of Buildings (DOB) issued notices of violations to 725 7th Avenue Realty Co. for illegal use of the premises as an adult establishment, as well as illegal use of the second floor and cellar. The premise is currently occupied by the Lace Gentlemen’s Club located at 725 7th Avenue in Manhattan.
The … <Read More>
ECB Upholds $40,000 in Fines for Illegal Signs on Bodega
Company argued that two promotional contest signs installed at bodega were accessory signs. On September 9, 2010, the City’s Department of Buildings issued four notices of violation to Contest Promotions NY LLC for two signs installed at the New Grocery and Deli located at 175 Grand Street in Brooklyn. Contest Promotions is a promotional company that works with businesses to promote contests and sweepstakes. The sign featured advertisements for the Nikita television program and … <Read More>