BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
LANDMARKS/LAND USE COMMITTEE
AUGUST 26, 2010
ATTENDANCE:
PRESENT:
J. ARMER W. BLUM P. FLEMING
G. KELLY R. LEVINE T. MISKEL
M. MURPHY R. OBERLENDER M. SHAMES
R. SLOANE L. SONES B. STOLTZ
P. THOMAS
EXCUSED:
B. ATKINS P. BLAKE K. FREEMAN
D. KUMMER A. PUGLIESE D. SCOTTO
E. SPICER
GUESTS:
J. FISHER A. TRACEY
*** MINUTES ***
The meeting was called to order at 6:10pm following a public hearing on the following matter:
1. Application for variance to construct two family residence at 107 Union Street between Columbia and Van Brunt Streets in an M1-1 district.
Q. of applicant – Where is other building with similar height? A. Two lots away.
Q. – Altering essential character factor for variance. Is it harmonious in terms of appearance? A. It’s energy efficient “passive” house. Terra-cotta façade which resembles brick. Porch windows – not floor to ceiling.
Q. – Any other people living on the block? A. Yes – predominantly residential.
Q. – Set back? A. Yes, with terrace at 4th floor.
Q. – Layout? A. 1st floor – garage and rental apartment. Balance – 2 ½ floor residence. Q. – Curb cut?
A. Yes – existing – 15 feet.
Q. – Public notice? A. Yes, as required.
Q. – Consistent with R6A or R6B? A. R6B – which is more restrictive in terms of FAR.
Q. – If complied with lot coverage, what would happen? A. No rental unit which hurts finahnces.
Q. – Variance does not require a passive house? A. Correct.
Q. – How big is the yard? A. 33 feet at ground floor.
Q. – Finajncial return? A. 7% annual as designed.
Q. – Number of owners. A. One.
Q. – What attempts to sell/rent with existing use? A. Listed for sale/rent. No takers and no offers. Brokers letters supplied.
Q. – Per square foot - cost for as of right use? A. 2300 square feet - $700,000 asking price.
Q. – Sounds high for residential? A. Whole area should be mixed use.
Q. – Is façade dictated by “Passive House”? A. No – could change façade.
Comment: I am a neighbor. I like the idea that it’s going to be residential.
Comment: The waterfront is heterogeneous - so no need to change the façade. Lots of modern building.
Comment: Whole side of the block has no character – all a brick wall.
Comment: Should we not have a curb cut? A. Far from the subway and it’s an existing curb cut.
Q. – Curb cut length?
A. Being reduced from 23 to 15 feet.
A motion was made by Jerry Armer and seconded by Mark Shames. Recommending conditional approval with the following conditions.
1. Reduce curb cut to minimum – approximately 12 feet.
2. Applicant should explore different façade but one that is modern and harmonious with the neighborhood.
3. Window louvers should be made more harmonious.
VOTE: 12….. YEAS 0….NAES 1…..ABSTENTION
MOTION APPROVED
Presentation and discussion of a Certificate of Appropriateness application
submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commision for legalization of an existing fence at 102 Park Place (between 6th/7th Aves), Park Slope Historic District.
This is a landmarked lot. Old photo shows substantial cast iron fence. Later – no fence. When owner bought it – it had a different fence – not a traditional cast iron fence – more elaborate. The fence was installed between 1969 and 1975. This is a strip of identical limestones.
A motion was made to approve conditionally to legalize with condition that the fence be painted black. The motion was made by Madelaine Murphy and seconded by Bette Stoltz.
MOTION APPROVED: UNANIMOUSLY
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was