Community Board 2 asks Landmarks to scrutinize scale of 277 Canal Street after amendment and debate

Manhattan Community Board 2 on June 11 adopted an amended resolution asking the Landmarks Preservation Commission to examine closely whether the proposed 277 Canal Street project is “contextual” to the SoHo–Cast Iron Historic District and to consider its final height and facade detailing.

The board’s debate focused on two distinct incentives the developer is using: SoHo zoning bonuses tied to affordable units and a separate subway-accessibility bonus intended to fund an accessible elevator into the N/Q/R/W Canal Street station. Supporters of the amendment said the added bulk produced by the transit bonus — roughly 1.94 FAR in the application, as discussed at the meeting — substantially increases the building’s mass and could make the tower roughly 21 stories, the tallest in the district.

“Landmarks has the power to say if a building is out of context and out of scale with its historic district,” said a board member urging restraint; board members who backed the amendment framed it as asking the commission to exercise that discretion while preserving the project’s affordable units and the planned transit improvements.

Developer Albert Laboz told the board the subway-access elevator will cost “over $10,000,000” and that the transit bonus helps pay for that public benefit. Laboz said the design team is prepared to refine facades and lot-line treatments after further review.

The board approved the amended landmarks resolution by voice and counted votes: 20 in favor, 3 opposed and 5 abstentions. The amendment directs the Landmarks Preservation Commission to consider reducing or adjusting the building’s bulk if it finds the proposal incompatible with the district’s character and to encourage street-facing facade design that better relates to neighboring buildings.

Why it matters: The decision is an influential local advisory signal before the commission’s review. The project links transit-access improvements — a widely supported public objective — to developer bonuses that materially increase residential bulk and height in a protected historic district. The board’s amended resolution places the question of scale squarely with the Landmarks Preservation Commission while recording community concern about the incremental market-rate units the bonuses would add.

What’s next: The application will continue through the city’s review process; board members said the project will also reach city land-use reviews. The Landmarks Preservation Commission and relevant city agencies will likely receive the board’s recommendation as part of the record.