Commercial Development of Waterfront Sugar Refinery Approved

Landmarks endorsed project with modifications that better displayed factory’s industrial character, and  historic sign and chimney. On January 14, 2014, the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to issue Two Trees Management a Certificate of Appropriateness to convert the Domino Sugar Refinery for commercial and office use. The plan includes glass-and-steel additions on two roofs, demolition of non-historic accretions, and the creation of windows and balconies. The adaptive reuse of the former factory is part of a … <Read More>


Top Ten CityLand Stories of 2013

Welcome to CityLand‘s second annual top ten stories of the year! We have selected the most popular and interesting stories, guest commentaries and profiles concerning NYC land use in 2013. In only our second year transitioning to an online publication, readership has dramatically increased. We look forward to continuing to provide in-depth coverage of the latest land use projects, cases, and legislation in 2014.  We at CityLand thank you for your support and wish … <Read More>


Coney Island Amphitheater Approved by City Council

Former Childs Restaurant to be transformed into outdoor amphitheater, park, and restaurant. On December 19, 2013, the City Council approved the Seaside Park and Community Arts Center project in a vote of 50-1 with modifications, and referred the proposal back to the City Planning Commission for final action.  The New York City Economic Development Corporation and iStar Financial subsidiary Coney Island Holdings LLC will execute a $58 million plan to build an outdoor amphitheater and … <Read More>


New Plan Proposed for Redevelopment of Domino Sugar Factory

New owners intend to use building for office space instead of previously approved residential plan. On December 17, 2013, the Landmarks Preservation Commission held a hearing on an application by Two Trees Management for a certificate of appropriateness for the  2007 individually landmarked former Domino Sugar Refinery, located at 292 Kent Street in Brooklyn. In 2008, Landmarks approved a redevelopment plan for the factory that included a glass roof addition.  In 2010, the City <Read More>


HDC Defends NYC Landmark Preservation

Last week CityLand published a Guest Commentary from Steven Spinola, President of REBNY.  Simeon Bankoff, Executive Director of the Historic Districts Council submitted this commentary in response. 

In his recent editorial in CityLand, Steven Spinola, the longtime President of the Real Estate Board of New York, suggested a number of ways which the Landmarks Law needs to be reformed to adhere to its “spirit.”  This is a curious statement that warrants further examination.  … <Read More>


Council Approved Rheingold Development with a 30 Percent Affordable Housing Requirement

 

Controversial Bushwick development project questioned on affordable housing goals in public hearings. On December 10, 2013, the full City Council voted 48-1 to rezone six blocks in Bushwick, Brooklyn, in order to allow the development of ten mixed-use developments. The rezoning area is bounded by Bushwick Avenue, Flushing Avenue, Melrose Street, Stanwix Street, and Forrest Street.  Council’s Committee on Land Use voted 18-1 and Land Use Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises unanimously voted 10-0 … <Read More>