Council Members Critical of Proposed Amendment in Little Italy for Larger Retail Use

An amendment to expand ground floor retail use received harsh criticism from Council Members, tenants, and the community board. On May 30, 2017, the City Council’s Subcommittee heard testimony on an application to expand the Special Little Italy District to abolish rear yards to expand retail use. The applicant, JBAM TRG Spring LLC, proposed to build a one-story addition to the rear yards of 55-57 Spring Street—eliminating empty ground floor residential units—to create an expanded … <Read More>


False Filings Result in Permanent Ban

Licensed PE made multiple false and negligent filings with Buildings. The Department of Building brought an administrative proceeding against Scott Schnall, a licensed professional engineer, alleging that he knowingly or negligently made false statements in eleven alteration applications filed with Buildings between 2010 and 2014. Six of applications were in violation of the Zoning Resolution, the Multiple Dwelling Law, or the Administrative Code. The alteration applications filed related to six properties in Brooklyn.


Two-Story Addition Approved Over Community Opposition

As part of a zoning application, both facades of through-block cast-iron building will be restored and maintained. On May 9, 2017, the Landmarks Preservation Commission held a hearing on a proposal for the construction additions and facade restoration to 121 Chambers Street in the Tribeca South Historic District. The through-block building also faces 103 Reade Street. The Italianate-style structure dates to 1861, and is characteristic of the cast-iron and masonry store-and-loft buildings that … <Read More>


Council Members Appear Critical of Controversial Vinegar Hill Up-Zoning

Zoning Subcommittee received testimony on a controversial eight-story residential building in Brooklyn’s Vinegar Hill neighborhood. On May 16, 2017, the City Council’s Zoning Subcommittee heard testimony regarding an application from 251 Front Street Realty Inc. The Constellation Group is the developer. The project would result in a new eight-story residential building at 251 Front Street in Vinegar Hill.


Subcommittee Hears Testimony on Development Adjacent to Transmitter Park

Zoning Subcommittee heard testimony on proposed eleven-story tower to abut WNYC Transmitter Park in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint neighborhood. On May 16, 2017, the City Council’s Zoning Subcommittee heard testimony regarding an application submitted by Kent/Greenpoint, LLC, to develop an eleven-story mixed-use building in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint neighborhood. The applicant sought to amend bulk regulations related to the location of legal windows, landscaping requirements for off-street parking and minimum street wall heights in order to orientate the massing … <Read More>


Planning Commission Approves Controversial Vinegar Hill Development

The City Planning Commission approved the construction of a controversial eight-story residential building in Brooklyn’s Vinegar Hill neighborhood. On May 10, 2017, the City Planning Commission issued a favorable report on an application from 251 Front Street Realty Inc. The project would result in a new residential building at 251 Front Street in the Vinegar Hill neighborhood. The applicant revised the proposal from a nine-story building to an eight-story building weeks before approval.