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Contributions from transfers of development rights by theaters in the district would be increased four fold—from $17.60 per square foot to 20 percent of the sales price. On September 7, 2016, the City Planning Commission held a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the City’s Zoning Resolution that would solidify the contribution rate to the Theater Subdistrict Fund related to the transfer of development rights from 46 listed theaters in Manhattan’s Theater Subdistrict. Currently, a transfer of development rights from an enumerated theater requires a contribution to the Theater Subdistrict Fund of $17.60 per square foot transferred. City Planning’s proposed amendment would change the contribution rate to a set 20 percent of the sales price and would establish a floor price for transfers as a basis for a minimum contribution. Additionally, the amendment would change the certification requirement of the special permit from approval by the City Planning Commission to only the Chairperson. For CityLand’s previous coverage of the Theater Subdistrict Fund click here. (read more…)

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The proposal would allow for a two-wing through block building with two floors of retail in the Ladies Mile Historic District. On September 7, 2016, the City Council’s Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises heard testimony on an application for a special permit to facilitate the development in Chelsea neighborhood. The developer would restore and maintain two landmark buildings on site—one of which contains the Adorama camera store. The remainder of the lot—currently a parking lot abutting both West 18th Street and 17th Street—is where the proposed building would be constructed. Despite strong support for applying Mandatory Inclusionary Housing from both Manhattan Community Board 5 and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, the City Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the special permit without applying affordable housing. For CityLand’s previous coverage on the development, click here. (read more…)

Existing parking lot where new development is to be built. Image credit: Philip Habib & Associates

City Planning Commission declined to apply Mandatory Inclusionary Housing to proposed West Side development, despite strong support from community. On August 15, 2016, the City Planning Commission approved a special permit to construct a new mixed-use development located at 38–42 West 18th Street in Midtown Manhattan on the West Side. This proposal is the third development project approved by the City for the site. The first approval was in 2001 and the second in 2008; neither project proceeded.

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Pershing Square in Manhattan. Image Credit: LPC

Designations opposed by developers and hoteliers; transit advocates expressed concern that landmarking would prevent improved subway infrastructure and access. On July 19 2016, the Landmarks Preservation Commission held hearings on the potential designations of five possible individual landmarks in the East Midtown area of Manhattan. Twelve items in total were identified by Landmarks as significant historic and architectural resources, as part of the mayoral administration’s Greater East Midtown plan. The plan to revitalize the area is intended to strengthen its position as a commercial district. The plan is expected to entail rezoning for greater density, improvements to transit and public spaces, and funding commitments for improvements and economic growth projects, in addition to the preservation of landmark-worthy fabric. Various stakeholders, including elected officials, business and real estate interests, and labor organizations are informing the plan, and a steering committee released a final report in 2015. (read more…)

Architect rendering of the St. Patrick’s Cathedral modification. Image credit: Murphy, Bunham and Buttrick

Approved work would allow Cardinal Dolan to exit and enter his residence without exposing himself to public thoroughfares. On December 15, 2015, the Landmarks Preservation Commission approved a proposal from the Archdiocese of New York to make alterations to the St. Patrick’s Cathedral Complex at 625 Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. The planned work entails the creation of a curb cut and an opening in the retaining wall. The Gothic Revival Cathedral Complex is an individual City landmark, with the cathedral completed in 1888 to designs by James Renwick. The complex was designated in 1966. The new work would take place on 50th Street, near Madison Avenue. (read more…)

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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