Council down-zones over strong opposition

Builders lobbied for no-votes saying down-zonings were aimed at impeding new minority residents. On July 27, 2005, the City Council approved Council Member Andrew J. Lanza’s proposed down-zoning plans for the Eltingville, Tottenville and Great Kills sections of Staten Island; actions which had faced significant opposition at the Planning Commission. See 2 CityLand 89 (July 15, 2005).

The Council down-zoned 12 blocks in Eltingville to allow only single-family homes as-of-right. The Tottenville rezoning covered 65 … <Read More>


Bedell House designated over owner’s objection

Landmarks designated nineteenth century home to prevent further destruction. On April 12, 2005, Landmarks held a public hearing and acted immediately to designate the James L. Bedell House, an 1874 single- family home located at 7484 Amboy Road in Tottenville and considered one of the best preserved Second Empire style houses on Staten Island’s South Shore. Landmarks scheduled a public hearing to consider the house for designation after the owner, John Grossi, Jr., spray painted … <Read More>


Hearing set for single-family home

Opposing owner spray painted home on eve of Landmarks’ vote. On March 29, 2005, Landmarks voted to hold a public hearing on April 12, 2005 on the possible designation of the James L. Bedell House in Staten Island, an 1874 single-family home and carriage house located on Amboy Road in Tottenville. A Landmarks survey of the architectural resources on Staten Island’s South Shore identified the Bedell House as one of the best preserved Second Empire-style … <Read More>