BSA granted the variances over Community Board and resident opposition. On August 19, 2014 the Board of Standards and Appeals voted unanimously to grant variances to SoBro Development Corporation for the development of a twelve-story mixed-use facility at 1769 Fort George Hill. The development site, at the corner of Nagle Avenue in Washington Heights, Manhattan, is crescent-shaped, measuring 620 feet in length and 46 feet wide at the widest point. The facility will feature two … <Read More>
department of buildings
Operating a Health Club in New York City: A Weighted Issue
Over 72 million Americans are considered clinically obese. With the increased emphasis on diet and exercise, gyms are turning up everywhere throughout New York City. Owning and operating a gym is not a simple process. Gym owners face zoning restrictions, permit requirements, and potential tort liability.
Variances Approved For Residential Development on East Williamsburg’s Grattan Street
Applicant seeks to build multiple dwellings on M1-1-zoned 25-foot lots. On June 24, 2014, the Board of Standards and Appeals voted 4-0 to grant a use variance to 95 Grattan Street, LLC and to 97 Grattan Street, LLC allowing them to construct two separate four-story, seven-unit residential buildings. One building will be located at 95 Grattan Street, the other at 97 Grattan Street. Each 2,500-square foot lot is located on the north side of Grattan … <Read More>
Delay in Receiving LPC Permit No Defense to Failure to Acquire DOB Permit
Owner of individual landmark was ordered by Buildings to obtain a permit to correct illegal work. On September 10, 2013, Marilyn Levine, owner of an individually landmarked 1846 Greek Revival townhouse at 5 West 16th Street in Manhattan, was issued a notice of violation (NOV) by the Department Buildings for failing to comply with an order to obtain a Buildings permit to correct a violation for work done without a permit. The original violation was … <Read More>
Emergency Demolition May Be Necessary for City-Owned Individual Landmark
Landmarks urged DOB and DCAS to look at all possible alternatives before resorting to demolition. On December 17, 2013, the Landmarks Preservation Commission held a hearing for the application for an advisory report to demolish the individually landmarked Public School 31, located at 425 Grand Concourse in the Bronx. The Collegiate Gothic-style building was designed by C.B.J. Snyder and is currently owned by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, which assumed possession of the … <Read More>
Building’s Refusal to Permit Advertising Sign on Eagle Electric Building Upheld.
Eagle claimed huge sign visible from Queensboro Bridge was not an accessory sign. The Eagle Electric Manufacturing Company, in 1936, constructed a 1,950 square foot sign on the rooftop of its plant located at 23-10 Queens Plaza South, Queens. The plant is located in the M1-9/R9 Special Long Island City Mixed Use zoning district and within 200 feet of the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge. Eagle ceased operations in 2000; the plant where the sign is … <Read More>