CB6 Tells Architect To Shove It
“We fought to get this area contextually zoned,” said CB6’s Landmarks Committee Chair Robert Levine. “I don’t see a need for a sixth floor.” And so the design for that architect Shell Shapiro wanted to build for his two sons was rejected by the community board. The Shapiros tried to sell the committee a sob…
“We fought to get this area contextually zoned,” said CB6’s Landmarks Committee Chair Robert Levine. “I don’t see a need for a sixth floor.” And so the design for that architect Shell Shapiro wanted to build for his two sons was rejected by the community board. The Shapiros tried to sell the committee a sob story about how the irregular shape of the 213-square-foot lot at 638 President Street between 4th and 5th Avenues created unusually difficult conditions that only addition height and bulk on the building could compensate for. Sounds to us like someone overpaid for a property and now wants the community board to bail him out. Of course, in the end, the community board vote is merely advisory and the way the BSA has been handing out gifts to developers recently, there’s no reason to think it’ll carry much weight.
CB6 Jeers 6-Story Conversion on President [Park Slope Courier] GMAP
These are my favorite parts:
“Angelino argued that the irregularly shaped, 213-square foot lot is to blame for the building’s additional height; the project would be difficult to realize if compelled to fit within the five-story height restriction of the block, he said.
…..
Shapiro said he reconciled the problem of the lot size by adding an additional story to the building. Otherwise, the building would have to be set back 15 feet, and would be exceedingly deep, he explained. As proposed, the building would contain five apartments, he added.”
As if it was necessary for his project to be completed. Noone else is benefiting from it. The city didn’t ask him to do it. He just wants it that way.
And everyone wants a variance. I’m sure if he built his unit the way he wanted it he’d then fight tooth and nail against someone else requesting an 8-story variance that destroyed his light. Bah. And fooey on him.
If it’s really being built for his two sons (Noah and Daniel Shapiro) and their families, they why is it a 5 apartment plan?
If building design has 6 floors, then wouldn’t it just be 2 triplex units? Sounds like it’s not just for the two son’s families.
And if the block has a five-story height restriction then why not build a 5 story with a finished basement?
Why not work creatively within the zoning laws, instead of trying to break them?
This property is in the rezoned Park Slope area that was done in 2003. One of the first zoning variances we know of (and are watching since similar ones may come up in the South Slope/Greenwood Hts. area). The height limit under R6B is 40′ at the street wall, 50′ after a set back. No bonuses for parking or anything else. I see no reason this developer can’t build under the current zoning and make a profit (if it is actually for his family, my gut says B.S.)…even if he overpaid for property…tisk, tisk.
If the BSA allows him the variance, this sets a bad tone for rezoned areas…we should all keep an eye on this one. CB6 is merely advisory.
Hmmm…. 5 apartments for his 2 sons and their families? Sounds like a little more than a pull on the heartstrings.
Obviously lot is not 213sq ft as paper printed.
Guy paid $1.5 for property. And wants to build 10,000sq ft including parking for 3 cars and 5 apts.