Main reading room and catalog room of New York Public Library’s main branch lauded for both architecture and social significance. On July 18, 2017, Landmarks held a public hearing on the potential designation of the Main Reading Room and Catalog Room of the main branch of the New York Public Library as an interior landmark. The Carrere & Hasting designed library, whose exterior is designated an individual City landmark, stands at 476 Fifth … <Read More>
Author: Jonathon Sizemore
Planning Commission Approves Large Retail Establishment on Broadway Against Community Disapproval
The City Planning Commission approved an application for a large retail establishment, 28,634 square feet, in the lower floors of a building in SoHo neighborhood. On July 12, 2017, the City Planning Commission issued a favorable report on an application from 462BDWY LAND, L.P.—owner of 462 Broadway in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood. The application sought a special permit to modify use regulations of Section 42-14(D)(2)(b) of the Zoning Resolution to allow retail uses on portions of … <Read More>
Speed Up the Redesign and Modernization of Privately-Owned Public Spaces
Over half the existing plazas and other public spaces located on private property lack the benches, vegetation, artwork, lighting and other amenities required by the City’s zoning code or promised by the developers in return for permission to build taller and larger buildings, as reported by Comptroller Scott Stringer in an April 18, 2017 audit. Stringer recommended more inspections by the Department of Buildings to bring these privately-owned public spaces (so-called “POPS”) into compliance. But … <Read More>
Mayor Announces New $65 Million Medical Facility in Flushing
Mayor de Blasio announced the city’s contribution to new multi-million dollar healthcare facility as latest achievement of pledge to reduce health disparities in the City. On July 18, 2017, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced plans for a new 77,000 square-foot facility as part of the Mayor’s Caring Neighborhoods Initiative. The state-of-the-art facility, named Healthview, will serve as a primary care access point that provides medical, dental, mental health, and patient support services. It is projected … <Read More>
Downtown Far Rockaway Development Plan Clears City Planning
The City Planning Commission approved the 22-block development plan for the Far Rockaway neighborhood in Queens. On July 10, 2017, the City Planning Commission approved an application by the New York City Economic Development Corporation for the Downtown Far Rockaway Development Plan. The Development Plan includes the designation of the Downtown Far Rockaway Urban Renewal Area, the disposition of city-owned property, and zoning text and map amendments. The community planning process was led by Council … <Read More>
Commission Addresses Demolition of Fire-Damaged Individually Landmarked Synagogue
Commissioners allowed demolition to proceed, but mandated that any material that can be retained or salvaged must be preserved. On July 12, 2017, Landmarks decided on application filed by the owners of the Beth Hamerdash Hagodol Synagogue, an individual City landmark, at 60 Norfolk Street on the Lower East Side. The building was severely damaged by a fire in May of 2017, believed to have been set by a teenage arsonist who gained access … <Read More>