
Williamsburgh Trust Bank in Brooklyn. Image Credit: LPC.
Designation was opposed by Church that is the building’s current owner, while supported by local Council Member. On August 9, 2016, the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to designate the Williamsburgh Trust Company Building, at 177 South 5th Street in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, as an individual City landmark. The Neo-classical building was originally constructed as a bank for the Williamsburgh Trust Company in 1906. It features two classical porticos and a sculptural relief over the main entrance. Intended to be free-standing, the building possesses four developed facades, clad in white terra cotta. Brooklyn-based architecture firm Helmle, Huberty and Hudswell, prominent for its work on institutional structures, designed the bank building. (more…)
Stahl York Avenue Company is unable to demolish and redevelop two Lenox Hill apartment buildings due to Landmark designation. On January 8, 2016, New York County Supreme Court Justice Michael D. Stallman denied an article 78 petition filed by Stahl York Avenue to allow redevelopment a portion of the site known as the City and Suburban Homes Company, First Avenue Estate. The Landmarks Preservation Commission designated this location in 1990 and amended the designation in 2006 which prohibits Stahl’s redevelopment plan.
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Welcome to CityLand‘s fourth annual top ten stories of the year! We have selected a range of our most popular and prominent stories, guest commentaries concerning New York City land use in 2015. Our fourth year as an online publication was marked by rezoning in East Midtown, the fight to renew rent stabilization protections in the City, proposed reform of the landmarking process, and capped by the first stage of review for Mayor de Blasio’s citywide zoning proposals. We at CityLand are excited to continue providing in-depth coverage of the latest land use projects, cases, and legislation in 2016 and look forward to seeing what the year will bring. Thank you for all of your support and have a happy new year! (more…)

Landmarks Preservation Commission. Credit: LPC.
The proposed designation of the former Yuengling Brewery Site in East Harlem proved contentious, dividing preservationists and those who wished to see site developed. On November 12, 2015 the Landmarks Preservation Commission held the final of four special hearings organized to address the backlog of items added to the Commission’s calendar before 2001, but never brought to a vote on designation. The final hearing consisted of items in Manhattan, occupying Community Boards six through twelve. Landmarks is expected to make determinations on the items in early 2016.
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The Interborough Rapid Transit Powerhouse. Image credit: LPC
Wide support voiced for designation of monumental Stanford White-designed powerhouse and iconic Classicist department store, despite owner opposition. On November 5, 2015, Landmarks held the third of four special hearings to address the backlog of items calendared prior to 2010, but never brought to a vote on designation. Previous hearings were held on October 8 and 22, 2015. The November hearing was the first devoted to items in Manhattan.
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