Planning approves 57-story Fifth Ave. bldg.

Proposed 57-story hotel and condominium tower at 400 Fifth Avenue. Image: Gwathmey Siegel & Associates Architects.

Transfer of floor area from landmarked Tiffany Building facilitates construction. On September 19, 2007, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the special permits and text amendment needed for 400 Fifth Realty LLC to build a 57-story mixed-use building along Fifth Avenue, between West 36th and West 37th Streets. The proposed mixed-use building would rise to a height of … <Read More>


Proposal for Trader Joe’s on Atlantic Ave. approved

South Brooklyn Savings Bank building at 130 Court St. Photo: Sam Porter.

Opponents challenged 60-foot height. On September 17, 2007, the Planning Commission approved the special permit application of Two Trees Management Co. LLC, facilitating its controversial plan to build a six-story, 60-foot tall building adjacent to the South Brooklyn Savings Bank, a 1922 building located at Atlantic Avenue and Court Street within the Cobble Hill Historic District. Overall, the development would include 31,512 sq.ft. … <Read More>


BSA affirms DOB policy on roof cell phone antennas

Vallone and Astoria residents argued that DOB lacked authority to grant cell phone equipment permits. In 2005, Omnipoint Communications received a Department of Buildings permit to install cellular phone antennas and equipment cabinets on the roof of an Astoria, Queens building. Council Member Peter F. Vallone Jr. and Astoria residents appealed the permit to BSA, arguing that Buildings lacked the authority to approve the cell phone equipment. According to Vallone, approval required a special permit … <Read More>


City Planning proposes plan for Sunnyside Gardens

Under proposal, Landmarks would be solely responsible for all permits to alter Sunnyside Gardens’ buildings. On August 20, 2007, the Planning Commission sent a proposal to Queens Community Board 2 and Borough President Helen Marshall that would make Landmarks solely responsible for all permits to alter buildings in Sunnyside Gardens, a planned community of single-family homes and apartments built in the 1920s.

Landmarks had voted in June 2007 to designate a 600-building historic district covering … <Read More>


Solow’s Con Ed-site plan starts public review

Proposal covers one of the largest development sites in Manhattan. On August 20, 2007, the Planning Commission launched public consideration of the 17 linked applications of developer Solow Properties for sites along Manhattan’s East Side. Solow’s plan will now go to Manhattan Community Board 6 for a public hearing and vote.

Solow proposes to rezone the former Con Edison site, which runs along First Avenue from East 38th to East 41st Streets, to develop six … <Read More>


Luxury apts. near High Line get parking approval

Related Companies obtained Council okay for 210-space garage despite Comm. Bd. opposition. On August 22, 2007, the City Council approved Related Companies’ special permit application for a 210-space accessory parking garage to be located within a mixed-use development that Related is constructing at 450 West 17th Street, adjacent to the High Line.

The project received one of the first High Line Improvement floor area bonuses, allowing Related to increase the development’s size by 160,775 sq.ft. … <Read More>