From what we hear, there was a large turnout, including politicians like Assemblyman Brennan and Councilmember Avella, at the protest yesterday against the upcoming appeals by the developers of 182 15th Street and 614 7th Avenue (the Minerva building). On 15th Street, Isaac Katan wants to build 131 feet but recent zoning changes limit him to 50 feet; on 7th Avenue, developer Chaim Nussencweig is under fire for having violated a number of DOB regulations in his rush to try to get the building grandfathered under the previous zoning rules. “If the BSA grants these appeals … it sends a message to all developers that illegal and unsafe practices will be rewarded,” said advocate Aaron Brashear at the protest yesterday. The BSA is slated to make a decision on the 7th Ave. site July 18, though that could be pushed back to Aug. 22, Mulligan said. A decision on the 15th St. site is due July 25.
Condo Tower Plan Illegal, Charge Locals [NY Daily News]