Thirty-two space garage had sought special permit to continue operation. Landowner El-Ad Skyview, LLC sought Planning Commission approval for the continued operation of a 32-space public parking garage on the ground floor and cellar of an existing 12-story residential building located at 151 West 17th Street in Chelsea. The building was constructed in 2001 with an as-of-right, 10-space accessory garage, but has since been operating without a permit as a 32-space public garage. Access to the garage is provided on West 17th Street, which is a one-way, westbound street.

Community Board 4 by letter recommended denial of the permit. The Board claimed that the overcrowded garage space required shifting of cars on West 17th Street and the sidewalk, creating congestion and blocking on-street parking and sidewalks for residents. Because Skyview was operating the garage illegally, the Board recommended that the application be evaluated based on its current problems rather than the Zoning Resolution standards for public parking garages. (read more…)