Massive Domino Sugar project debated

Council Member Levin concerned that project would burden existing infrastructure. On April 28, 2010, the City Planning Commission heard testimony on CPC Resources Inc.’s proposed 2.75 million sq.ft. mixed-used development at the landmarked Domino Sugar plant site in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The 11.2- acre project site encompasses the former Domino plant along the East River between Grand and South 5th Streets and an upland parcel bounded by Kent and Wythe Avenues, and South 3rd and 4th … <Read More>


Demolition contractor fined $3,400

Contractor left job but work continued under its expired permit. An officer from Buildings issued B & A Demolition & Removal notices of violation for engaging in demolition work with an expired permit, failing to safeguard the public and property affected by demolition operations, failing to post a required Department of Transportation permit, and failing to provide adequate housekeeping during demolition operations. At a hearing, B & A claimed that it had been fired from … <Read More>


Joshua Benson on DOT’s Bicycle Program

Joshua Benson, the 33-year-old Acting Director of Bicycle & Pedestrian Programs for the New York City Department of Transportation, admits to being particularly fond of the basket sitting at the front of his simple single-speed bike, noting how it allows him to carry anything from groceries to his laptop and projector on the bike. Benson started riding a bike as a student at NYU and now commutes to Downtown Manhattan every weekday from his home … <Read More>


Redesigned Broadway “bus bulbs” approved

Bus bulb in SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District. Photo: CityLand.

Existing bus bulbs, installed in 2007, impeded pedestrian and handicapped access. On September 8, 2009, Landmarks heard testimony on the Department of Transportation’s proposal to redesign two bus stop curb extensions, referred to as “bus bulbs,” along Broadway in the SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District. DOT installed the bus bulbs in 2007 to facilitate the movement of transit buses by eliminating the need for buses to pull … <Read More>


A Fresh, but not Inexperienced, Face at the Helm of MAS

Vin Cipolla, who took the reins at the Municipal Art Society as Executive Director early this year, brings a varied background in nonprofit and for-profit settings to his new endeavor. Prior to joining MAS, he was President and CEO of the National Park Foundation in Washington D.C. Bringing a national perspective and entrepreneurial experience to the venerable 116-year-old institution, Cipolla intends to maintain MAS’s relevancy and authority into the 21st century.

An eclectic resume. Cipolla … <Read More>


Robin Stout on the Future of the Moynihan Station Project

I n 2005, Robin Stout was appointed President of the Moynihan Station Development Corporation, the Empire State Development Corporation’s subsidiary charged with transforming the James A. Farley Post Office Building into a new train hall named for the late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan. Stout, a Columbia Law School graduate, spent nine years at Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP before joining the ESDC as Senior Counsel to the 42nd Street Development Project in 1990. Transforming … <Read More>