Owner allowed to complete transient hotel

Board ruled that owner made substantial progress on foundation prior to rezoning. In May 2008, Buildings issued the owner of 219-05 North Conduit Boulevard a permit to construct a three-story, 65-room transient hotel in the Laurelton section of Queens. The proposed building complied with the zoning requirements at the time. On September 4, 2008, the City Council approved a rezoning in Laurelton, 5 CityLand 121 (Sept. 15, 2008), which rezoned the owner’s property from C2-2/R3-2 … <Read More>


Six-story condo allowed in rezoned area of Brooklyn

BSA’s decision to deny developer’s request to complete construction was irrational since it had previously granted similar requests. Menachem Realty Inc. submitted professionally certified plans to Buildings for a sixstory residential condominium at 1623 Avenue P in Midwood, Brooklyn. Buildings issued a building permit based on the plans, and Menachem began excavation and foundation work. Before the foundation was completed, Buildings performed an audit of the plans, raised eight objections, and issued a letter stating … <Read More>


CPC hears debate on project near Brooklyn Bridge

Two Trees’ proposed development near Brooklyn Bridge. Image: Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners LLP.

Opponents concerned that development would alter views of the bridge. On March 4, 2009, the City Planning Commission heard testimony on Two Trees Management Company’s plan to build a mixed-use development at 10 Dock Street in DUMBO, Brooklyn. Two Trees had previously submitted a proposal in 2004 to develop a portion of the site with a 16-story apartment building, but … <Read More>


Council OKs housing project along Gowanus Canal

Aerial view of Toll Brothers’ proposed development. Image:GreenbergFarrow.

Council approves waterfront project despite community’s concerns about affordable housing component. On March 11, 2009, the City Council approved Toll Brothers’ proposed development at 363-365 Bond Street in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. The 525,309-sq.ft. development will provide 447 residential units, including 130 affordable units. The project, located on two blocks along the Gowanus Canal, bounded by Carroll, Second, and Bond Streets, includes two five-story buildings, a series of … <Read More>


Council modifies Special Forest Hills District

Special Forest Hills District, Proposed Zoning used with permission of the New York City Department of City Planning. All rights reserved.

Maximum height limit reduced from 150 to 120 ft. in portions of proposed C4-5X district. On March 24, 2009, the City Council approved, with one modification, the Department of City Planning’s proposal to rezone and create the Special Forest Hills District within a 10-block area in Forest Hills, Queens. The rezoning area, roughly bounded … <Read More>


Two Trees development near Clinton Park questioned

Two Trees’ proposed development near Clinton Park. Image: Two Trees Management.

CB4 opposed to height and floor area of proposed “Z” shaped building. On February 4, 2009, the City Planning Commission heard testimony on Two Trees Management Co.’s plan to build a 1.3 million sq.ft. “Z” shaped tower at 770 Eleventh Avenue in Clinton/Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan. The Enrique Norten-designed tower would rise in steps from approximately seven stories at Eleventh Avenue and 54th Street to … <Read More>