Tomorrow, the LPC is expected to review plans for a 9-story, 105-foot-tall building at 27 E. Fourth St., adjacent to the landmarked 19th-century house museum between Lafayette Street and the Bowery, according to Village Preservation.
The proposal previously came before the Commission in March, when it drew extensive public testimony in opposition. Commissioners did not discuss or vote on the application at that meeting.
Tuesday's session is expected to include discussion of the proposal, though no additional public testimony will be taken. The LPC may receive written comments in advance.
The Merchant's House, built in 1832 and designated a New York City landmark in 1965, has long raised concerns about construction on the neighboring property. The museum's exterior and interior are both landmarked, including its original ornamental plasterwork.
Village Preservation, which opposes the proposal, said the museum's experts believe construction next door could cause "extensive and irreversible damage" to the building despite safeguards proposed for the project.
For the past 15-plus years, Kalodop II Park Corp. has been trying to build a new development on the site of a one-level garage that stores food carts.
The developers need approval of a zoning text amendment and special permits to proceed with the project. In February, Community Board 2's Landmarks Committee disapproved the plan.
Preservationists and museum officials have argued that excavation, vibrations and other construction activity could threaten the historic structure.
I don't understand why the developers insist on this particular lot. They've been fighting for it for 15 years knowing the damage it will do to the Merchants House. Why not move on to a different lot?
ReplyDeleteOne has to wonder why the developers even bothered to consider such a project knowing full well that the building next it was landmarked and very fragile to such invasive construction. And yes, 15 years later they still haven't wizened up.
ReplyDeletejust donate the property to the city already and get a big fat tax write off. could be used for more green space!
ReplyDeleteGenuine question, can ANYTHING be built in the vacant lot/ garage space?
ReplyDeleteIt's a sad comment about the arrogance of the real estate industry. They will not be denied. And it's a sad comment on the city officials who allow this joke of a proposal to continue. Besides if that's the building... it's ugly.
ReplyDeleteUgly building proposed
ReplyDeleteGreat looking building and actually it's a perfect weird fit for the EV. The undulating design mimicking sails and waves is obviously a nod to the Merchant House. My fantasy would be a Jim Powers mosaic hallway up the facade.
ReplyDeleteProgress? Or Destruction? Same old story.
ReplyDelete