Open process for public review of plans announced

Developers required to submit online diagrams for new building and alteration enlargement applications; public has 30 days to challenge Buildings’ zoning decisions. On February 2, 2009, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Deputy Mayor for Operations Edward Skyler, and Buildings’ Commissioner Robert D. LiMandri announced changes to the City’s real estate development process. The changes, which will go into effect starting March 9, 2009, mandate that online diagrams for new building and alteration enlargement applications be submitted … <Read More>


EDC Purchases a One-Acre Site in Coney Island

Announcement comes about three months after Thor Equities failed to close on the same parcel. On October 15, 2008, the NYC Economic Development Corporation announced that it entered into a property acquisition agreement with Ward Realty Corp. for the purchase of a one-acre site in the amusement core of Coney Island, Brooklyn. The site, located within the nine-acre area that the City has designated to be parkland, is the current home of the Wonder Wheel … <Read More>


Fred Bland approved as Landmarks commissioner

Architect will occupy Jan Pokorny’s seat. On September 4, 2008, the City Council Committee on Rules, Privileges & Elections approved Fred Bland as the newest member of Landmarks, filling a vacancy open since Jan Pokorny passed away on May 20th after serving on Landmarks for over a decade. Bland is an architect, currently a managing partner at Beyer Blinder Belle. Prominent projects by Bland include China’s Shanghai Cultural Plaza, the Mark Morris Dance Group … <Read More>


Architect charged with false and misleading filings

Architect Robert Scarano faces the possible loss of his ability to file DOB permits. On June 12, 2008, Buildings announced that it filed administrative charges with the Department of Investigation against licensed architect Robert Scarano, alleging that he knowingly or negligently filed false and misleading documents along with building permit applications for two Williamsburg, Brooklyn apartment buildings.

According to Buildings, Scarano improperly divided a zoning lot located at 158 Freeman Street and 1037 Manhattan Avenue … <Read More>


MTA strikes deal with Related & Goldman Sachs

Proposed redevelopment of Hudson Yards. Image: dbox, courtesy of Related Companies.

$1.054 billion offer adds more affordable housing than Tishman’s plan. On March 26, 2008, the MTA selected Tishman Speyer to develop the John D. Caemmerer Rail Yards, also known as the Hudson Yards. 5 CityLand 46 (Apr. 15, 2008). But on May 13, 2008, Tishman withdrew its proposal, prompting the MTA to select a proposal submitted by a joint venture between the Related Companies … <Read More>


IDA approves financing for Hunts Point business

Gourmet Guru to invest $4.9 million. On May 13, 2008, the New York City Industrial Development Agency awarded public subsidies to Gourmet Guru, a ten-year-old food-related company located at 660 Casanova Street, between Spofford and Randall Avenues, in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx.

Gourmet Guru specializes in the wholesale distribution of organic and specialty foods, development and manufacturing of branded food products, and marketing and brokerage services. The company began its operations … <Read More>