Silk Building Residents Oppose Broadway Development for Loss of Light and Air

Landmarks approved development project to be built on vacant lot in the NoHo Historic District: Project now before Planning Commission. On February 5, 2014, the City Planning Commission held a public hearing for an application by Downtown Re Holdings LLC for special permits for a proposed mixed-use development located on 688 Broadway, between West 4th and Great Jones Streets in the NoHo Historic District. The special permits would allow Use Group 2 residential uses … <Read More>


SoHo Owner Seeks Permission to Convert Vacant Manufacturing Space for Retail Use

Special Permit would allow owner to rent out space for conforming use after vacancy of over one year. On January 22, 2014, the City Planning Commission held a public meeting for an application for a special permit for 110 Greene Street in SoHo, between Spring and Prince Streets, Manhattan.  The permit would allow the owner to convert portions of the cellar and first floor into Use Group 6 occupancy for retail use. The through-block site … <Read More>


Land Use Committee Approved Commercial Development to replace SoHo BP Gas Station [UPDATE: Full City Council Voted Unanimously to Approve]

New Land Use Committee unanimously approved a pre-considered application in its first meeting of the year. On January 30, 2014, the City Council Land Use Committee swiftly voted 20-0 to approve the development of a new seven-story commercial building in a lot currently occupied by a BP gas station in SoHo, Manhattan. The applicants, Paco Lafayette LLC, applied for a zoning text amendment and special permits to construct a new seven-story commercial building at 300 … <Read More>


City Council End of Year Round Up; Kingsbridge Armory Approved; Midtown Zoning Disapproved

New York City: Largest Ice Sport Center Approved in the Bronx.

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On December 10, 2013, the City Council voted 48-1 to turn the Kingsbridge Armory, currently a vacant landmark, into an ice sports center. The $275 million development project by KNIC Partners, LLC will feature nine ice rinks and approximately 64,300 sq. ft. of related program space, including a wellness and off-ice training center, curling rinks, and locker and equipment storage. The … <Read More>


Parking Facilities Ruled Exempt from Property Tax

Parking Lots associated with Greater Jamaica Development corporation challenged Finance’s withdrawal of tax exemption. Greater Jamaica Development Corporation and Jamaica First Parking, LLC, brought an article 78 petition against the Department of Finance and the New York City Tax Commission, challenging the City’s revocation of a charitable tax exemption for the public parking facilities they owned and operated. On appeal to the Appellate Division, Second Department, the court restored the tax exemption.


Coney Island Amphitheater Approved by City Council

Former Childs Restaurant to be transformed into outdoor amphitheater, park, and restaurant. On December 19, 2013, the City Council approved the Seaside Park and Community Arts Center project in a vote of 50-1 with modifications, and referred the proposal back to the City Planning Commission for final action.  The New York City Economic Development Corporation and iStar Financial subsidiary Coney Island Holdings LLC will execute a $58 million plan to build an outdoor amphitheater and … <Read More>