Former Heights Precinct Will Not Go Condo

Brooklyn Heights = anti-developement

Posted by: guest at November 29, 2007 9:57 AM

9:57, have you seen the plans? Before making that blanket statement, did you even read the Eagle article? It's pretty clear the owner is not savvy about how to get this kind of project approved in a landmark district. From the Eagle: "...Laboz purchased the long-empty, circa-1913 building for $9.6 million at a city auction in 2004. Then, because he had not realized it was in the Brooklyn Heights Historic District and had a 50-foot height limit, put it on the market. Eventually, he decided he would develop it himself." Didn't realize it was in the historic district? The owner needs to get a clue.

FYI, College Place Mews is doing a similar re-development in the Heights with relatively smooth sailing through LPC and BHA.

Posted by: guest at November 29, 2007 10:05 AM

The ownwer hired and fired about six different architects. There were several preliminary schemes, each of which could have probably ended up as approvals if they had stuck with it. This new change in direction is just the latest in about fifteen changes of direction. The community wants, really wants, to see this building come back to life. It should be an easy project given the location and the attractiveness of the old building. The owners have no one but themselves to blame for screwing this up so royally.

Posted by: guest at November 29, 2007 10:38 AM

Q: "Can anyone tell us what was so objectionable about the plan?"
A: I have been told that the conversion cannot be done as of right because it will not conform to rear yard requirements. If this isn't a text-book example of a (Zoning Resolution section) "74-711 application," then I do not know what is.

I agree with 10:38's opinion that, "It should be an easy project given the location and the attractiveness of the old building."

Posted by: guest at November 29, 2007 11:01 AM

I live in Brooklyn Heights and the neighborhood is a bore. Not the good kind of bore. Northern BH is a culturual wasteland. Can't wait to move to Downtown Brooklyn.

Posted by: guest at November 29, 2007 11:08 AM

This would make a perfect annex for PS8. The space is desperately needed!

Posted by: guest at November 29, 2007 11:26 AM

Word is that the BHA wanted community center type of use and that the building was leased to a group for developmentally challenged people (not sure if it's children or adults).

Posted by: guest at November 29, 2007 11:28 AM

This building would be perfect for many uses including educational, residential, or institutional. It is on a wonderful street in Brooklyn Heights. You really have to work at making this not work but Mr. Laboz was up to the task.

Posted by: guest at November 29, 2007 11:32 AM

"Word is that the BHA wanted community center type of use and that the building was leased to a group for developmentally challenged people (not sure if it's children or adults)."

I forgot that the BHA has total control over all the real estate in the community and can dictate their exact requirements to private property owners.

Whoever thinks this is without the first clue.

Posted by: guest at November 29, 2007 11:38 AM

The post at 11:28 does not say "the BHA has total control over all the real estate in the community and can dictate their exact requirements to private property owners." But anyone who doesn't think the organization wields a lot of influence is, as 11:38 puts it, "without the first clue." Oh, wait, I was responding to 11:38....

Any-who, I am waiting for this to blow up in the BHA's face. Watch as their meddling doesn't get additional space for PS8 and the opportunity for a residential conversion is lost to a less desirable community facility use.

Posted by: guest at November 29, 2007 11:58 AM

11:58
I repeat, you do not have the first clue.
Why don't you join the BHA and talk to the folks who volunteer their time in order to educate yourself about their role in the community?
The BHA is a well-established neighborhood organization. It is not a government agency and runs soley on charitable contributions and funds raised at the annual house tour.

Posted by: guest at November 29, 2007 12:07 PM

Oh, 11:38/12:07, trust me, I have the first, second and then some clues about the Brooklyn Heights Association, both in general and specifically with regard to this issue. Talk with the group all the time. BHA does not win its every battle, but it does make-or-break projects on a regular basis. Their fingerprints are all over this issue. It's okay; you don't have to believe me.

Posted by: guest at November 29, 2007 12:28 PM

I think this would make an excellent police station!

Posted by: guest at November 29, 2007 2:30 PM

I think it would be way too big for a police station in sleepy Brooklyn Heights. Where do you think this is? Fort Greene?
This would make nice condos, only a totally brain dead developer would blow this golden opportunity.

Posted by: guest at November 29, 2007 7:29 PM

the city should never have sold this -- should have been a middle school

Posted by: guest at November 29, 2007 8:18 PM

Boy, nobody is reading this blog any more. Even my dig at Fort Greene (7:29) has illicited no outrage or even semi-incensed response. How boring!

Posted by: guest at November 29, 2007 9:45 PM

The BHA is killing the livability of BH. Because of them, the neighborhood has no decent restaurants and bars. It has no nightlife.

Posted by: guest at November 30, 2007 11:59 AM

11:59, the fact that there are no "decent" restaurants or bars in BH has everything to do with the landlords and their exporbitant rents and nothing to do with the BHA. Do you really think that Judy Stanton is running around telling businesses to not cater to 20-somethings who crave nightlife? Trust me, if you were willing or capable of paying $25 for a whatever-tini-is-hot-these-days, there'd be someone there who would gladly open a business. Cause until the rents come down, that's probably what someone would have to charge to make it in BH.

Posted by: guest at November 30, 2007 2:51 PM

Getting a liquor licence in Brooklyn Heights is practically impossible, unless that's the way they barter and want their wheels greased. But, I don't do that and I don't play the key money. I have passed on BH because of this very reason.

Posted by: guest at November 30, 2007 3:02 PM

One - Landmarks resticts t additions to the main building and the carriage house even though the FAR requirements call for additional space. Two - Dept of Bldgs wants five feet remove from the rear of the building so that it conforms with the 15' rule from the neighboring property on Midagh Street. Three - Laboz & Punch have done restorations (condo conversions & rentals) in historical districts, such as Soho and the Hayes Building on Maiden Lane. Nobody siad they are abandoning the plan, it was siad that it is no longer economically feasible to build with LPC and DoB restictions.

Posted by: guest at January 7, 2008 7:42 PM