Resident raises alarm over proposed vertical enlargement at 294–298 Bowery; committee advises preservation outreach

Deborah Thomas, a resident of 300 Bowery, told the Community Board 2 Land Use & Housing Committee on Oct. 15 that she and neighbors are concerned about plans to vertically enlarge neighboring low-rise buildings at 294–298 Bowery to a new 12‑story mixed‑use structure.

Thomas said she lives in a four‑story building at 300 Bowery and described the building’s residential units and the ground‑floor commercial uses next door. "My name is Deborah Thomas. I live at 300 Bowery," she said, identifying her address and describing ownership and tenants in the adjacent properties. Thomas said she had found press coverage and building plans that suggest the developers intend a vertical enlargement over the existing commercial structures.

Committee members reviewed public records and DOB filings during the meeting and reported finding an active application describing a proposed vertical enlargement of a four‑story building into a new 12‑story mixed‑use building with existing elements to remain. Committee members and staff cautioned that records and diagrams in press reports are sometimes ambiguous and that tax‑lot numbering or ownership structures can create confusion; they recommended that Thomas and neighbors pursue follow-up with the Department of Buildings and the Landmarks/ preservation community.

Preservation and agency follow-up: Committee members suggested contacting the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation (Village Preservation) and local elected offices for guidance and advocacy. Members also said they would try to locate ACRIS (city property registry) and DOB filings to clarify ownership, lot numbers and whether the enlargement includes 300 Bowery or only neighboring lots. One staff member suggested the filings appear to name 298 Bowery and adjacent chef‑supply properties as the development site.

Construction risks and tenant concerns: Residents raised structural and tenant‑safety concerns given the proposed scale change and the proximity to historic four‑story masonry buildings. The committee recommended continuing monitoring of DOB filings and encouraged the resident to report findings back to the committee and to meet with the local councilmember’s office; Thomas said she has a meeting scheduled with the councilmember’s staff.

Ending: Committee members offered to share contacts at local preservation organizations and to review any additional filings the resident provides; they asked the resident to return with updates after meeting the councilmember and after the committee locates any outstanding DOB or ACRIS records.