Landmarks designated two new individual landmarks. The 1886 Estey Piano Factory, at 112 Lincoln Avenue in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx, is the oldest piano factory in New York, and the centerpiece of the once thriving industrial area. With its prominent clock tower, brick facade, and historical significance, the piano factory was roundly endorsed at the April 11 hearing. 3 CityLand 4 (May 15, 2006).
Landmarks also designated the Theodore F. and Elizabeth … <Read More>
Church to be converted into residences in Cobble Hill Historic District. Landmarks approved an application by the owner of 58-70 Strong Place for alterations that will facilitate the conversion of an abandoned church and rectory into 23 residential units in the Cobble Hill Historic District, Brooklyn. (See photo on back cover.) Alterations to the 1852 Gothic Revival church and rectory will include removal of a modern two-story addition in the rear portion of the rectory … <Read More>
Landmarks approved designation for 1929 Art Deco “wonder theater.” The interior of Loew’s Paradise Theater, at 2405-2419 Grand Concourse in the Fordham area of the Bronx, was designated by Landmarks on May 16, 2006. The 1929 theater was designed by architect John Eberson, the inventor of what were called “wonder theaters” that featured artificial trees and birds and a machine that simulated clouds shifting on the ceiling. One of five such theaters built by Loew’s, … <Read More>
Owner claimed that structure was enlargement and not new construction. Michael Reznikov received permits from Buildings in 2002 to make interior improvements and apply a masonry veneer to the exterior of his two-story home at 229 Coleridge Street in Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn. A 2004 Buildings’ inspection revealed that Reznikov had instead increased the height of his home and significantly extended it into the rear yard thereby violating limits on bulk. Buildings issued a stop-work order.… <Read More>
BSA applies more stringent standard when project qualifies as both “minor” and “major” development. Yong Il Pak obtained permits in April 2005 to construct two, two-family homes on adjacent lots along Poplar Avenue at Parsons Boulevard in Kissena Park, Queens. In May 2005, the City Council down-zoned Pak’s site and rendered the construction unlawful. Under the new zoning, only single-family homes would be permitted on Pak’s site.
After Buildings issued a stop work order, Pak … <Read More>
Post-9/11 changes required amendment to 1996 BSA resolution. Compass Forwarding operates a freight transfer facility near JFK Airport at 159-15 Rockaway Blvd. in Springfield, Queens. In 1996, Compass obtained a variance to permit enlargement of its transfer station on condition that operations would be suspended Sundays. In July 2005, Compass applied to BSA to amend the terms of the variance to allow Sunday operation so that it could comply with post-9/11 regulations for air freight … <Read More>