Brooklyn Spared Another 20 Feet of Scarano
In a decision that will have everyone (except maybe Iceberg) cheering, CB7 has denied developer Chaim Nussencweig and architect Robert Scarano the right to build up to 70 feet at 614 7th Avenue, rejecting their claim that the building foundation had been laid–and the project should therefore be vested–before the neighborhood’s downzoning. As a result,…
In a decision that will have everyone (except maybe Iceberg) cheering, CB7 has denied developer Chaim Nussencweig and architect Robert Scarano the right to build up to 70 feet at 614 7th Avenue, rejecting their claim that the building foundation had been laid–and the project should therefore be vested–before the neighborhood’s downzoning. As a result, the dynamic duo will be restricted to a mere 50 feet; what’s more, because of a recent agreement with the Green-wood Cemetery, the building will also have to be set back in places to preserve Minerva’s view of the Statue of Liberty. Of course, whether the development team keeps their word is a whole ‘nuther matter.
Cemetery Shuffle [The Real Estate]
Pyrrhic Victory for Minerva [Brownstoner]
I don’t think the community board vetoes anything, they merely advise the BSA. It is the BSA that rules on this matter.
Lostinbrooklyn, can you tell us which buildings (the address) are going to the BSA?
Lostibbrooklyn, can you tell us which buildings (the address) are going to the BSA?
Minerva, you make me laugh! You waited 100 years to say anything, but it was a doozy! As for two statues staring at one another–walk around Greenwood Cemetery. Visit Minerva. It’s a true Brooklyn experience and has been for a very long time. It’s this space, these vistas, this constant discoverability that has always made Brooklyn a place apart.
Crawford said the most important words. The drama of the anti-development crowd never ceases to entertain. Two statues staring at one another? Yeeesh.
Something is missing here. The Community Board does not decide if a foundation has been set in a timely fashion. That is a Department of Buildings issue. And if it was built in time, then the building is grandfathered-in under the old zoning.
If the foundation was not built in time (per DoB) and there is an applicaiton for a variance, the CB can advise the Borough President and the Department of City Planning on whether to grant a variance and allow a taller building than the new zoning would allow. The City Council would make the final determination.
Does anyone know what the status of the foundation or any application is here?
looks like some won’t be happy until Minerva’s at the bottom of the east river!
Um, guys, the Community Board vote is strictly advisory. They do not make the final decision. Community boards almost always vote against any new development (whether 2 or 20 floors) so this is hardly newsworthy or unexpected.
Can’t Scarano still appeal to the Board of Appeals and Standards, who then have the final call?