Court compels DEC to accept brownfield application

DEC overstepped its authority by judging application against eligibility regulations not found in Brownfield statute. HLP Properties LLC owned a 1.75 acre surface parking lot bounded by West 17th and 18th Streets between 10th and 11th Avenues in Manhattan. The lot was part of the former West 18th Street manufactured gas plant, a 19th century facility that converted coal to combustible gas for all of Manhattan north of Canal Street. The plant operated for more … <Read More>


Two landmarks added in East Village

Wheatsworth Factory. Image:LPC.

Wheatsworth Factory and Public National Bank of NY designated for unique 1920s architecture. On September 16, 2008, Landmarks voted unanimously to designate the Wheatsworth Factory and the Public National Bank of New York Building as individual City landmarks. Built in the 1920s, both represent strains of 20th century European architecture rarely found in New York.

The Wheatsworth factory, at 444 East 10th Street, was built in 1927-28 by J. Edwin Hopkins as … <Read More>


2-story building demo approved

Landmarks found extensive alterations rendered the building noncontributing to district. On September 16, 2008, Landmarks voted to approve the demolition of a two-story building at 501-501A Hudson Street in the Greenwich Village Historic District, along with the proposed replacement, a six-story commercial and residential building designed by Morris Adjmi. At the July 15 public hearing, residents, preservationists, and elected officials expressed opposition to both the demolition of the existing building and the scale and design … <Read More>


Variance granted for Northern Boulevard site

Applicant claimed that slope, location, and soil contamination necessitated variance. Northern LLC applied to BSA for a variance to build a five-story 40-unit residential building with 63 parking spaces at 241-15 Northern Boulevard, an irregularly-shaped vacant gasoline station in Douglaston, Queens. During the hearing process, Northern modified and reduced its proposal. Northern’s fourth version called for a three-story 24-unit residential building and partial subsurface parking lot with 34 accessory parking spaces and three reservoir spaces. … <Read More>


Fulton Street BID for Brooklyn approved

Plan encompasses 195 businesses. On August 27, 2008, the City Planning Commission approved an application by the Department of Small Business Services to create a new Fulton Street Business Improvement District for 371 properties and 195 businesses in the Fort Greene and Clinton Hill neighborhoods of Brooklyn. Within the boundaries of the BID are the BAM Harvey Theater and several triangular parks.

The proposed BID allows for an annual assessment on businesses and residents to … <Read More>


Commission modifies rezoning plan for LIC’s Dutch Kills

Proposed Dutch Kills Rezoning. Rezoning Map used with permission of the New York City Department of City Planning. All rights reserved.

FAR increased for certain uses after Community Board and Borough President raised concern over proposed limits on commercial and industrial growth. On September 8, 2008, the City Planning Commission approved, with one modification, the Department of City Planning’s proposed rezoning and text amendment for the Dutch Kills area of Long Island City, Queens.

The … <Read More>