Landmarks Commission approves six storefront, sidewalk, porch and window items; requires staff follow-up on several details

The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission on Jan. 7 approved six applications ranging from legalization of an untinted concrete sidewalk in Park Slope to a revised awning and mechanical arrangement on Madison Avenue, while asking applicants to work with staff on details including tinting, vent screening and window finish warranties.

The most immediate outcomes: the commission legalized a sidewalk replacement on Sterling Place in the Park Slope Historic District Extension (LPC 25-00512) on the condition the applicant explore darker gray tinting; approved reconstruction of a covered porch and the legalization of several through‑wall vents in Sunnyside Gardens (LPC 25-02613) while directing the applicant to work with staff on making the vents less visually intrusive; cleared a request to replace windows at 38 Bedford Street in Greenwich Village (LPC 24-11530) with fiberglass-clad sash but required staff verification of finish/warranty and that exposed track be factory‑applied in the approved color; approved restoration of a stoop and door surround at 271 West 11th Street (LPC 25-01736) with a staff review of railing and surround materials; approved replacement windows at the individual landmark 21 West 16th Street (LPC 25-02050) with staff review of parlor‑floor door/window details; and approved a revised awning and the removal of one of two storefront HVAC condensers at 1306–1312 Madison Avenue (LPC 25-03677), conditioning that the awning remain in place as screening while the unit remains and that staff work on mesh side/bottom screening.

Why it matters: these approvals affect building exteriors in several high‑traffic historic districts and clarify how the commission will treat emergent technical issues—insurance‑driven sidewalk repairs, through‑wall vents for multifamily houses, alternative window materials, and strategies to conceal mechanical equipment on primary facades—while balancing safety, building codes and the preservation of historic materials.

Key discussion and staff directions - Park Slope sidewalk (LPC 25-00512): Preservation staff (Dana Lodowitz) described a May 2024 DOT permit and subsequent installation of gray‑tinted concrete to replace bluestone pavers. The homeowner (an 85‑year‑old resident…