NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer. Image credit: Office of the New York City Comptroller

Comptroller found that Landmarks did not record issuance dates for Certificates of No Effect, did not send timely notices to applicants who submitted incomplete applications, and did not reconcile permit fees collected by Buildings with permits issued by Landmarks issued. On November 30, 2016, the New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer released an audit report on the Landmarks Preservation Commission procedures and controls surrounding the issuance of Certificates of No Effect. Certificates of No Effect must be obtained from Landmarks before a property owner or tenant can perform certain kinds of work on individual landmarks or property within a historic district. Certificates of No Effect are issued for proposed work that requires a Buildings permit but does not affect a building’s essential architectural features. Expedited Certificates of No Effect are available for certain interior alterations above the second floor or below grade level. Certificates of No Effect, as opposed to Certificates of Appropriateness, do not require a public hearing or review by commissioners. (more…)

Public Design Commission rejected Comptroller’s recommendation for more efficient design review process.  The New York City Public Design Commission (formerly known as the Art Commission) reviews permanent works of art, architecture, and landscape architecture proposed on or over City-owned property. The Commission is composed of 11 unpaid members, eight of whom are appointed by the mayor, and includes an architect, landscape architect, painter, and sculptor, as well as representatives of the Brooklyn Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the New York Public Library.

The City agency with jurisdiction over the property on which a proposed project is located must submit its design to the Commission. Prior to submitting a proposal to the Commission, applicants must ensure compliance with the regulations of (more…)