Eric Palatnik testifies before the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises on the Sollazzo Plaza rezoning. Image credit: NYC.gov

Approval permits demolition of old farmhouse to make way for a shopping center.  On December 15, 2014 the City Council Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises voted unanimously to approve rezoning for portions of a block to permit the construction of a retail shopping center. The rezoned portion is bounded by Forest Avenue to the north, Monsey Place to the south, Richmond Avenue to the east, and P.S. 22 to the west.

Eric Palatnik testified at the hearing on behalf of the applicant, the Estate of Letizia Sollazzo. Mr. Palatnik stated that the proposed lot contains the remnants of an old farmhouse, which would be replaced by a one-story, 7,064 square-foot retail structure with twenty-four parking spaces in the front.  Mr. Palatnik testified that the proposal was unanimously supported by Staten Island Community Board 1, and that the proposal had been modified to push the rear of the shopping center flush against the eastern boundary of P.S. 22, addressing a request from the Board that no space should exist between the center and the school.  Mr. Palatnik finished by pointing out the character of the area is well-suited for the zoning change as it is surrounded by other commercial districts and developments.

Zoning Chair Council Member Mark Weprin stated that the project had the support of both CB 1 and Staten Island Borough President James Oddo.  Chair Weprin then read into the record a letter of support from Council Member Debi Rose, who represents the district where the proposal is located.  Council Member Rose welcomed the shopping center, stating “The opening of new business developments in the district means increased employment opportunities for our local residents and provide additional options for consumers.”

The full Land Use Committee is expected to vote on the application during their next meeting on December 16th.

(CIT) City Council: Public Hearing, LU 0151-2014 (Dec. 15, 2014).

By: Michael Twomey (Michael is the CityLaw fellow and a New York Law School Graduate, Class of 2014.)