More condos...
Up to Neighborhood Discussion
Posted by
New Condos On Tap For Corrieri Building by Jennifer Manley, Assistant Editor
The six story, 14 unit building will be in the shadow of the Citylights building and catty cornered from the East Coast Development along the East River. It will, however, have a few features in addition to its small stature that set it apart from the pack.
The building is owned by a neighborhood resident, the people who presently lease space in the building will be invited to stay, and the renovation will incorporate several environmentally friendly elements.
At a public hearing last Thursday, Eric Palatnik, attorney for the building’s owner/developer and Gita Nandan, architect, presented the plans and sought the community board’s approval for two variances needed.
The developer has asked to exceed the 70 foot height restriction by 10 feet and also to build out to 31,000 plus square feet of floor areas, which exceeds the 22,500 square foot limit. The top two floor, which will be added atop the existing structure will be set back from the front facade by 15 feet.
The existing building dates from the early 20th century. A waste hauling business operates out of the first floor and the upper floors are leased to cabinet makers, woodworkers and other artisans.
Several residents expressed concerns at the public hearing about displacement of the current tenants.
While none of the units are designated as affordable housing, Palatnik assured that the owner intends to give the occupants the option to buy live work space once the renovations are completed. The owner also intends to reside there.
“Nobody is being forced out,” Palatnik said.
Additionally, there will be first floor commercial space in the building. Palatnik said the owner will have tough competition with the many square feet of brand new commercial space being offered in the Queens West development, but hopes his space, in a historic neighborhood building, will have a unique community appeal.
“It will give the opportunity for local people who have local businesses to be there,” Palatnik explained.
According to the architectural plans, the building will also boast several green features, including solar panels and a vegetative layer planted on the roof to catch rainwater and insulate the building.
Now that the zoning variances have been recommended by the community board, the developer will go before the borough president and then the Board of Standards and Appeals for final approval. The project is estimated to be at least 2 1/2 years from completion.
The six story, 14 unit building will be in the shadow of the Citylights building and catty cornered from the East Coast Development along the East River. It will, however, have a few features in addition to its small stature that set it apart from the pack.
The building is owned by a neighborhood resident, the people who presently lease space in the building will be invited to stay, and the renovation will incorporate several environmentally friendly elements.
At a public hearing last Thursday, Eric Palatnik, attorney for the building’s owner/developer and Gita Nandan, architect, presented the plans and sought the community board’s approval for two variances needed.
The developer has asked to exceed the 70 foot height restriction by 10 feet and also to build out to 31,000 plus square feet of floor areas, which exceeds the 22,500 square foot limit. The top two floor, which will be added atop the existing structure will be set back from the front facade by 15 feet.
The existing building dates from the early 20th century. A waste hauling business operates out of the first floor and the upper floors are leased to cabinet makers, woodworkers and other artisans.
Several residents expressed concerns at the public hearing about displacement of the current tenants.
While none of the units are designated as affordable housing, Palatnik assured that the owner intends to give the occupants the option to buy live work space once the renovations are completed. The owner also intends to reside there.
“Nobody is being forced out,” Palatnik said.
Additionally, there will be first floor commercial space in the building. Palatnik said the owner will have tough competition with the many square feet of brand new commercial space being offered in the Queens West development, but hopes his space, in a historic neighborhood building, will have a unique community appeal.
“It will give the opportunity for local people who have local businesses to be there,” Palatnik explained.
According to the architectural plans, the building will also boast several green features, including solar panels and a vegetative layer planted on the roof to catch rainwater and insulate the building.
Now that the zoning variances have been recommended by the community board, the developer will go before the borough president and then the Board of Standards and Appeals for final approval. The project is estimated to be at least 2 1/2 years from completion.
Interesting fact is that the architect is Gita Nandan, one of the co-hosts of the HGTV show, Small Space, Big Style.
is this implying that Corrieri will stay in the building? or some other tentant
I love their slogan (We never refuse refuse) but can't picture 'waste management' and yuppies co-existing
I love their slogan (We never refuse refuse) but can't picture 'waste management' and yuppies co-existing