A note just landed in our inbox that the fight against Scarano’s “finger” building, the 16-story, 220-foot skyscraper (seems to be stalled out at 10 stories and 100 feet right now) at 144 North 8th in Williamsburg, is getting the thumb’s up, despite vehement neighborhood opposition. It seems the air rights have been secured, thanks to the purchasing of an adjoining lot; both properties are now under the auspices of HSBC bank. Since the permit was issued for the property, zoning has changed, now capping development at 50-feet. “This loss will set a dangerous precedent to undermine downzonings all over the city,” they write. Opponents now have 30 days to decide if they want to pursue further action, in the form of an article 78, a lawsuit that challenges government actions. The building has been mired in trouble since developers illegally knocked down a one-story warehouse in the building’s footprint in 2005, and it’s made opponents grumpy ever since, who later charged that the building didn’t fit with the rezoning nor did it have proper air rights to reach so high. All is not quite lost, though. There’s a protest — er, we mean meeting — at the Board of Standards and Appeals tomorrow at 10AM: 40 Rector St., 6th Floor: Hearing Room E.
BSA Gives Williamsburg the Finger [Brownstoner]
Burg’s Finger Fight Goes On and On and On [Curbed]