Provider of transitional housing appealed denial of variance. Homes for the Homeless, Inc. operated the Saratoga, a transitional housing facility for the homeless on Rockaway Boulevard in Queens. After receiving a request for proposals for added units, Homes applied to BSA for two variances: to legalize the use of its homeless facility, which was located in an M-1 district zoned for light manufacturing, and to expand its homeless units by constructing a new building.

BSA granted the legalization variance, finding that the property’s unique physical conditions created practical difficulties and unnecessary hardship. The Board denied the expansion variance, however, finding that Homes had not presented substantial evidence to show unnecessary hardship or practical difficulties requiring an expansion. (read more…)