Sunday, February 15, 2009

Who does this new building process really benefit?


(This is audio only - listen carefully to what the mayor says about lawsuits.)

View 1010WINS site

New Formal Public Challenge Process

* Initial Public Challenge Period: When DOB approves plans for any new building or major enlargement, the building diagrams, called ZD1 forms, and other associated documents will be uploaded to the DOB website. In addition, once a permit is issued builders will be required to post the permit at the location within three days so the public is aware of the proposed development. New Yorkers will have 30 calendar days to review and challenge the development approval.

And what if they fail to post it at the site? Then what happens? Who is making sure they do?

* Initial Zoning Challenge Review: After the initial public challenge period ends, the DOB Borough Commissioner will address every challenge by conducting a full review of the construction plans and rendering decisions that will be posted online. If a challenge is determined to be valid, appropriate enforcement action will be taken, including issuing Stop Work Orders, revoking of permits, and requiring redesigns of the proposed construction.

Why are permits being issued before the initial review period is over and a determination is issued?

* Community Appeals Period: If the Borough Commissioner determines that a challenge is invalid, the public will be given an additional 15 calendar days to appeal to the First Deputy Commissioner.

A nice big waste of time.

* Final Zoning Challenge Review: Once the First Deputy Commissioner issues a determination, the decision may be appealed to the Board of Standards and Appeals for a final determination.

Why are we bringing them into it? They issue zoning variances 90% of the time when there is no hardship proved.

How will this stop the insidious problem of developers lying to get permits and then building whatever the hell they want anyway?

Are we going to be replacing the ULURP process with this?

Tony Avella thinks its a farce. And he's right.

Let's not neglect to mention the "secret list".

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Who would have ever thought that the Commissar would have a "secret list" of protected-from-public-inquiry locations?

And you skeptics who think that he would actually include his wealthy developer crony locations on this list need a psychiatrist to examine your paranoia.

As for: "Initial Public Challenge Period: When DOB approves plans for any new building or major enlargement, the building diagrams, called ZD1 forms, and other associated documents will be uploaded to the DOB website."

Why not upload the plans when submitted to this PUBLIC, TAXPAID, city agency? Afraid that experts among the public might just catch on too early?

Anonymous said...

Whats the big deal?

Our own presevation community has a 'secret list' of buildings they will support and others they will not.

How can we expect the city to clean up its act when we do the same thing?

Anonymous said...

Looking foward to s study by Hunter or Pratt outlining this outrage.

Better yet, how about the Landmarks Conservency or Historic Districts Council?

Anonymous said...

Better yet, how about the Landmarks Conservency or Historic Districts Council?
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No can do until it happens in Brooklyn Heights.

Anonymous said...

What is needed is the city to post impending construction 90 days before anything is done.

As soon as the plans are filed all the other home owners impacted by this in a two block area should be mailed a notice.

They have property rights too!

Anonymous said...

Tony Avella for Mayor because he is good and because it would stick it to Speaker Christine Quinn, the wicked witch.

Anonymous said...

Do be very aware that the community members who see a problem with the plans will have to file a form with their names and addresses ... something that certainly does not make ME feel comfortable having already been threatened by at least one developer to "go away if you know what's good for you."

Anonymous said...

S-C-R-E-W-E-D AGAIN!

NO THIRD TERM for The Commissar!

Anonymous said...

Tommy Huang
was on that "secret list" for years!

Now his sons are too!

NYC's Taiwanese connection!

Anonymous said...

Wait a minute...
let me see that list.

Do I spot Wellington Chen's
name there too?

He's on the board
of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

That boy do get around!

Anonymous said...

The Secret List? Hey, wanna take bets the Bloomberg HQ is on it? FOLLOW the MONEY....