On Tuesday, the Landmarks Preservation Commission approved plans for a new four-story Greek Revival townhouse at the northwest corner of State and Hicks Streets in Brooklyn Heights; the developers plan to submit plans soon for a second stage of the project on a contiguous plot on State Street that involves conversion of existing ground-floor commercial and parking space to residential usage. Judy Stanton from the Brooklyn Heights Association spoke in favor of the project and the LPC commissioners were generally positively disposed, although there was some concern about an old tree (see photo) being cut down as part of the work. The developers promised to plant three trees in its place—the commissioners suggested that they be 10-inch cavalry pear trees. One question we have is whether the cornice should look more like the one next door. Another is whether the ceiling heights are too small—but we gather that’s because they’re trying to jam four stories into the height limit imposed by the zoning regulations. Given the height of the building next door, it could have been worth it to ask BSA for another few feet, no?
On LPC’s Plate Tomorrow… [Brownstoner] GMAP DOB