PRESERVATION ALERT
from the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation
October 12, 2006
HEARING ON VARIANCE TO INCREASE SIZE AND HEIGHT OF 122 GREENWICH AVENUE SET FOR 10/17
Variance Hearing for 122 Greenwich Avenue Set for October 17th: The developers of 122 Greenwich Avenue, the undulating glass apartment building planned for the corner of Greenwich Avenue, 13th Street, and 8th Avenue, will appear before the Board of Standards and Appeals on October 17th to request a variance to allow them to make the planned development slightly larger and taller than the zoning for the site allows. GVSHP opposed the design for the building as woefully inappropriate for the Greenwich Village Historic District (CLICK HERE for testimony), and has opposed the variance as an inappropriate increase in the size and height of an unwanted design, lacking in any rationale or justification.
HOW TO HELP:
To join GVSHP or support our preservation efforts, CLICK HERE.
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PRESERVATION ALERT
from the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation
July 5, 2006
HEARING on 122 GREENWICH AVE. VARIANCE SCHEDULED FOR JULY 13
122 Greenwich Avenue Hearing Also on July 13: On July 13th Community Board #2’s Zoning Committee will also hold a hearing on the requested variance to allow the planned undulating glass tower at 122 Greenwich Avenue and 13th Street to be larger and taller than the zoning for the site allows. Though the Landmarks Preservation Commission approved the design for this structure in May, the proposed building is about 15 feet taller and slightly larger than allowed, and therefore requires a variance from the Board of Standards and Appeals. Following the hearing, the Community Board will send an advisory opinion to the Board of Standards and Appeals, which will then hold its own public hearings before issuing a final decision. GVSHP opposed the design for this project and has questioned the necessity of making the building even taller than the zoning allows, especially as approval is contingent upon proving an “economic hardship” that requires the increase in size.
HOW TO HELP:
To join GVSHP or support our preservation efforts, CLICK HERE.
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from the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation
May 2, 2006
City Approves Design for Undulating Glass Building at 122 Greenwich Avenue
Undulating Glass Tower in Greenwich Village Historic District Approved: A few hours after approving the historic extension of landmark protections to the Far West Village, the LPC also approved a controversial design for an undulating glass tower on a parking lot at 122 Greenwich Avenue (at 8th Avenue and 13th Street – for pictures, CLICK HERE. GVSHP had expressed deep concerns to the LPC about the proposed design and its inappropriateness for the Greenwich Village Historic District, and had urged the Commission to reject or alter the design to make it more in keeping with the character of the historic district. Council Speaker Quinn, Borough President Stringer, State Senator Duane, and Assemblymember Glick, as well as a broad array of local and citywide preservation organizations, had also urged the Commission to reject the design as is.
We are very concerned about this approval for several reasons, and wrote to the LPC Chair after the last hearing on this item when it seemed clear that the Commission was moving towards approval to express these concerns (CLICK HERE). Special thanks go to State Senator Duane and Assemblymember Glick, who also sent similar follow-up letters to the LPC. We feel very strongly that the purpose of historic districts, which cover only about 2% of New York City, is to preserve and reinforce the unique historic character of areas containing some special significance. It is hard to imagine how an undulating glass tower, even on what is now a parking lot, accomplishes that goal, and we believe there could have been many other more appropriate options for a design on this site. Also, the success of the landmarks system depends upon the willingness of owners to accept the burden of regulation and the requirement for maintaining the historic integrity of properties which comes with it. GVSHP is concerned that approval of a design such as this not only undermines the integrity and character of this historic district, but may reduce the willingness of owners to support and abide by the system if they do not feel that its provisions are being applied consistently and fairly.
The design for 122 Greenwich Avenue will still require a variance from the Board of Standards and Appeals to build about 15 feet higher and slightly larger than the underlying zoning for the site allows. That will require a public hearing at the Community Board and the Board of Standards and Appeals, though no date has yet been set. Should the BSA reject the variance, it would reduce the size of the building slightly, but not necessarily prevent the development or the approved design from getting built. GVSHP will keep you posted when the dates for these hearings are set.
For more information on 122 Greenwich Avenue, CLICK HERE.
To join GVSHP or support our preservation efforts, CLICK HERE.
Funding for the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation’s work to preserve the Far West Village comes from the Kaplen Foundation, the Flora Family Foundation, the New York State Council on the Arts, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, State Senator Tom Duane, Assemblymember Deborah Glick, and GVSHP’s members.
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PRESERVATION ALERT
from the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation
April 19, 2006
LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMISSION POISED TO APPROVE 11-STORY UNDULATING GLASS TOWER IN GREENWICH VILLAGE HISTORIC DISTRICT
Commission Prepares to Approve Undulating Glass Tower in Greenwich Village Historic District: In spite of overwhelming opposition from neighbors, community groups, local elected officials, and the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation (CLICK HERE for more information), the Landmarks Preservation Commission yesterday said it would approve a proposal for an 11-story undulating glass tower in the Greenwich Village Historic District. Following the March public hearing where dozens testified against the proposed design, yesterday the Commission held a public meeting on the item (which did not allow public testimony), in which the architect re-presented his designs for the site unchanged to the Commission. The Commission, all of whose members are appointed by the Mayor, unanimously told the applicant that with only the most minor of changes, they will grant approval of the design. CLICK HERE and HERE for coverage by NY 1 of the decision and reaction by GVSHP and neighbors.
GVSHP is gravely concerned about this impending decision and its implication for both the Greenwich Village Historic District and the integrity of the Landmarks Law in general. A letter was immediately sent from GVSHP to LPC Chair Robert Tierney outlining these very serious concerns, and urging the Commission NOT to go ahead with a decision to which it seems to have now committed itself (CLICK HERE for letter). In anticipation of yesterday’s meeting, State Senator Tom Duane sent a similar strongly-worded letter to the Landmarks Preservation Commission (CLICK HERE for letters of support), and GVSHP has asked our other elected officials who have previously spoken out against this proposal to do the same.
Once the Commission gives full approval to the design, it will also have to go to the Board of Standards and Appeals for permission to build approximately 15 feet higher, and slightly larger, than the zoning for the site allows. That process has not yet begun, however.
While the Commission seems to have fully committed itself to approving this design, we feel it is important that they know how grave a mistake we believe such an approval would be.
HOW TO HELP:
To join GVSHP or support our preservation efforts, CLICK HERE.
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PRESERVATION ALERT
from the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation
March 9, 2006
BIG TURNOUT AT CITY HEARING AGAINST PROPOSED 11-STORY UNDULATING GLASS TOWER, BUT NO DECISION YET
11-Story Undulating Glass Tower Proposal for 122 Greenwich Avenue: More than sixty people turned out for the Landmarks Preservation Commission hearing this Tuesday regarding Hines Development Co.'s proposal to build an 11-story, 128 ft. tall undulating glass-walled apartment building at 122 Greenwich Avenue, at 13th Street and 8th Avenue, in the Greenwich Village Historic District (CLICK HERE for pictures of the proposed design). Testimony presented to the Commission overwhelmingly called for the current design to be changed or rejected, with only four of several dozen people testifying in favor of the current design.
GVSHP testified strongly against the design, citing the original designation report of the Greenwich Village Historic District to show that the original landmark designation was intended to prevent this type of visually incompatible development and to preserve the character of the neighborhood. GVSHP also provided the Commissioners with a map of the West Village showing how the location and street pattern of the area would make this development uniquely visible for blocks around, therefore increasing the need to ensure that the design is compatible with the predominant character of the historic West Village (CLICK HERE). Additionally, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Borough President Scott Stringer, Assemblymember Deborah Glick, and several neighborhood and preservation organizations sent testimony opposing the current design. However, the New York Landmarks Conservancy and the NYC Chapter of the American Institute of Architects did testify in support of the current design.
The Commission did not to vote on the application at the hearing, and with the exception of one Commissioner who expressed a favorable inclination towards the design, none commented upon it. Instead, after two hours of public testimony, the hearing was closed, and the Commission agreed to discuss the item at a future public meeting, the date of which has not yet been announced. GVSHP will continue to closely monitor the review process for this proposal and inform the public about any developments, decisions, or changes. In spite of the strong public turnout against the current design at the hearing, the Commission's ultimate decision remains far from clear, though it is very clear that the current proposal, by a prominent architect and developer, is being taken very seriously by the Commission.
HOW TO HELP:
To join GVSHP or support our preservation efforts, CLICK HERE.
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PRESERVATION ALERT
from the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation
March 3 , 2006
*CITY HEARING/VOTE on PROPOSED 11-STORY UNDULATING GLASS TOWER on TUES., March 7th;
Community Board Rejects New Design for 13th St. and Greenwich Ave., but Turnout at Tues. Hearing Will Be Key
122 Greenwich Avenue (13th Street and 8th Avenue): The NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission will hold a hearing this coming Tuesday, March 7th at approx. 10 am on the proposal by the Hines Development Co. to build an 11-story, 128 ft. tall undulating glass-walled apartment building at 122 Greenwich Avenue (at 13th Street and 8th Avenue), in the Greenwich Village Historic District.
GVSHP opposes the design in its current form because we do not believe it is appropriate for the Greenwich Village Historic District, or that the additional height the developer is asking for is necessary. We are especially concerned about the precedent approval of such a design could set, and the visual impact of the building given its very prominent siting within the Greenwich Village Historic District. The Commission may vote as early as next Tuesday on whether or not to approve, reject, or ask for changes to the design. Earlier this week, Community Board #2's Landmarks Committee voted to disapprove the application, building momentum for our case. At the packed public hearing, images of the proposed design were displayed (CLICK HERE for pictures).
However, we expect this to be a very hard-fought battle, with those supporting the proposed design mustering considerable support. THEREFORE IT IS CRITICAL THAT THOSE WITH CONCERNS ABOUT THE DESIGN LET THE COMMISSION KNOW BEFORE AND AT THE HEARING ON TUESDAY WHY WE DO NOT THINK IT SHOULD BE APPROVED AS IS.
HOW TO HELP:
To join GVSHP or support our preservation efforts, CLICK HERE.
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PRESERVATION ALERT
from the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation
February 17, 2006
* UPCOMING HEARINGS on PROPOSAL for 11-STORY UNDULATING GLASS TOWER at 13th STREET and GREENWICH AVE.
HEARINGS TO BEGIN ON PROPOSAL FOR 11-STORY GLASS TOWER AT 13th STREET AND GREENWICH AVENUE: The Hines Development Co. has filed plans to build an 11-story, 128 ft. tall undulating glass-walled apartment building at 122 Greenwich Avenue (at 13th Street and 8th Avenue). The proposed building would be about 6 stories on the eastern end of the site, rising to 11 stories near 8th Avenue. The facade would consist almost entirely of separate undulating horizontal bands of glass for each floor of the building. The architect is William Pedersen, of the firm Kohn Pedersen Fox.
Because the site (currently a parking lot) is in the Greenwich Village Historic District, the proposal must get approval from the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Both the Commission and Community Board #2 will hold public hearings on the proposal, which, if approved, would also require small variances for increases in the allowable height and size of the building as compared to what the zoning for the site allows.
The site, at the intersection of Greenwich Avenue, 8th Avenue, and 13th Street, overlooking Jackson Square, is exceptionally visible and sensitive, and GVSHP believes that any design for new development here should be held to the highest standards of appropriateness for the Greenwich Village Historic District. GVSHP has already conveyed to the development team our concerns about the amount of glass and the undulating horizontal bands in the proposed design, and raised questions about their appropriateness for this historic district.
HOW TO HELP:
To join GVSHP or support our preservation efforts, CLICK HERE.