CB2 debates scope of Landmarks resolutions and prepares letter opposing variance at 51 Little West 12th
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Summary
Community Board 2’s executive committee debated whether Landmarks resolutions should include broader 'use' concerns for as‑of‑right projects and heard public testimony criticizing changes proposed for 51 Little West 12th; land use chairs said a letter will be sent to the BSA acknowledging FAR changes while reiterating opposition to the variance.
The executive committee spent substantial time on land‑use and landmarks procedure, debating whether broader comments about building use and neighborhood impacts should be included in Landmarks Committee resolutions for as‑of‑right projects. Committee leaders said whereas clauses can record broader community concerns for elected officials but that the formal recommendations to the Landmarks Preservation Commission should remain confined to issues the commission can consider.
Eugene and Landmarks chair Chenault described recent, complex applications on Great Jones and Lafayette Streets that raised questions about bulk, density and neighborhood character. Chenault urged clear language in resolutions so the Landmarks Preservation Commission can act on technical matters while the board’s voice on broader policy questions remains on the record.
The committee also heard public testimony on 51 Little West 12th Street. Public commenter Zach said the applicant reduced FAR from about 7.02 to roughly 4.7 but that the revised proposal still results in "a grossly out of context" 10‑story tower and that the applicant’s claims of vacancy and hardship were not supported in submitted materials. "It is still a grossly out of context building that's now, 10 stories," Zach testified, and he urged the Board to ask the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) for evidence that any claimed vacancy was not self‑imposed.
Land use chair Eugene said the land use committee’s position remains that the applicant has not met the zoning resolution’s five findings for a variance (citing Section 72‑21), and the executive committee agreed to submit a letter to BSA acknowledging the FAR change while reiterating the board’s substantive objections.
Eugene said the BSA hearing is scheduled for the March 23–24 meeting cycle and that the board will make its letter and supporting testimony part of the public record; no new vote on the application was taken at the executive meeting as the matter remains before BSA.
