DOB Bringing Development Drawings Online
In its continuing quest for greater transparency, the Department of Buildings announced yesterday that it would begin requiring developers to post architectural drawings of new projects and significant additions online for a 30-day public review and challenge period. “This new process will give the public a chance to see what a building will look like…
In its continuing quest for greater transparency, the Department of Buildings announced yesterday that it would begin requiring developers to post architectural drawings of new projects and significant additions online for a 30-day public review and challenge period. “This new process will give the public a chance to see what a building will look like before the first shovel hits the ground and developers certainty that once the public has had an opportunity to comment and any compliance issues have been resolved, their project can move forward,” said DOB Commissioner Robert D. LiMandri. New York is the first city to implement a requirement like this. The new rules will go into effect as soon as March 9, 2009. This sounds like great news to us—now all we need are some new development projects!
its for zoning issues only. The color of the brick etc are not zoning issues. Height, Bulk, set backs and yards only……
Architects actually file plans? I thought the builders just make it up as they go along, at least that’s how it’s done in the South Slope.
what a dumb idea. I am all for transparency but for the “opportunity to comment” – what does that mean? Any old blogger can hold up a development ‘cuz they don’t like the color of brick? What happened to our free country? The opportunity to comment is for the BSA and City Planning hearings not for filing any random building. The drawings should be posted once they are approved by 2 zoning reviews as is currently prescribed. Any call for a variance should also be posted prior to approval by CPC or BSA.
WOW! What a development. THis will be “Hot or Not: Special DOB Edition.”
i can see the value of something like this when it’s a relatively large-scale project. smaller projects (such as a privately-owned residences), though – not so sure about that.
“maybe we will actually be witness to the end of non-contextural infill. Praise the Lord!”
You said it. Ditto. It will be interesting to see how the process is vetted publicly. Will each district have an ad hoc “review board” or will it be open to the public?
Could be good for the residents, but a nightmare for DOB.
Skeptical until I see how it works.
Does this apply only for larger buildings, or any new building? If it’s any new building, maybe we will actually be witness to the end of non-contextural infill. Praise the Lord!
I’ve read of many communities, here in the US, as well as abroad, that have commissions that have guidelines for design. I don’t think we need to have stifling draconian standards that are not cost conscious or halt creative architecture. It is possible to have guidelines that work. It may be Big Brother on the back of developers, especially in the beginning, but in the long run, we will get a more beautiful and lasting city.
This will be great. Brownstoner can post the link to these fugly developments. But just what will happen even if everyone chimes in that it’s an ugly eyesore to the neighborhood? Who will be the arbiter of taste?
The horse has already bolted.