Office of Borough President James P. Molinaro
Staten Island, New York
BP Molinaro and Councilman Ignizio express opposition to new 4-story building on Great Kills waterfront
STATEN ISLAND, NY--Borough President James P. Molinaro and Council Member Vincent Ignizio expressed their opposition today to a proposed four story multiple dwelling in Great Kills that will not comply with the new zoning requirements adopted in 2005. The development is being planned along the Great Kills waterfront at the intersection of Nelson Avenue and Tennyson Drive. The proposal includes the construction of 100 residential dwelling units and off-street parking for 89 vehicles in a C3A zoning district.
“I will not support any development in this neighborhood that increases density beyond that already permitted by the zoning regulations”, Molinaro stated. “This proposal is out of character with the existing neighborhood, violates the current zoning, will add 150 cars to the local streets and will effectively block off community views of Seaside Park.” “Property owners in this area had the right to vest building types that would become illegal before the zoning was changed. A low-rise residential development across the street chose that avenue of opportunity”, Molinaro said.
Councilman Ignizio said, "In 2005, this portion of Great Kills was downzoned specifically to avoid construction projects like this. I supported that downzowning then, and I am pleased to stand by its merits now. No one is stopping the developer from building, we are simply asking for an accurate reflection of the zoning code. Moreover, this is not an ordinary BSA case where a developer is seeking to build a few extra square feet. This is a totally out of character project that is not conducive with the surrounding property."
The subject property was part of a rezoning effort approved by the Department of City Planning in 2005. That rezoning changed the existing C3 zoning district, which permitted the development of residences like townhomes and apartment buildings. The new C3A designation restricted new residential structures to one and two family detached building types. C3 zones also permit community facilities and waterfront recreational services and facilities required for boating and related activities.
“The reason the elected officials insisted on the downzoning and text changes was to protect neighborhoods from this kind of out of character development.” “We didn’t come this far and complete this much work to have the developers go around us and wind up at the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA)”, Molinaro said.
“I am deeply concerned that the BSA would even accept this application. This development will clearly create adverse effects on the privacy, quiet, light and air in the neighborhood.” Molinaro said. “The developer knew what could be built on the property when he bought it. The community should be able to rely on the zoning regulations and a consistent interpretation from City Agencies to protect their quality of life in the neighborhood of their choosing” Molinaro concluded.
December 8, 2010