Errata to latest HDC E-Blast
In the story below, we imply that the proposed rezoning action in Sunnyside Gardens would allow curb cuts as-of-right. Curb cuts are, in fact, the only alteration which could not happen as-of-right under the zoning, they are still disallowed and would require a special permit. Also, as regular readers should be aware, LPC regulates all exterior changes to designated properties for appropriateness. Our apologies for the error.
Zoning Change Threatens Preservation of the Sunnyside Gardens Historic District
Part of the reason that Sunnyside Gardens residents worked so hard to become a designated historic district was because the strong protections granted by the Planned Community (PC) zoning law were not being enforced by the Department of Buildings. The LPC seemed the perfect agency to enforce the PC zoning, which was intended to protect the scale and historic open spaces of the neighborhood. However, now the Department of City Planning has proposed a revised zoning that emasculates the PC zoning and the LPC has not begun to address district-specific regulations that might continue the protections City Planning proposes to remove. Really. The current PC zoning disallows driveways, curb cuts, paving front yards, fences and barriers in common gardens or across common walkways, building enlargements or additions, garages or carports, sheds, porches, decks and tree removal. See http://www.sunnysidegardens.us/pdf/DCPlan_FactSheet.pdf for details. The current rezoning proposal allows all these things as-of-right (see http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/html/sunnyside_gardens/index.shtml for details), relying on the LPC’s existing rules, regulations and standard practices to guide development within the planned community.
At this point, the City Planning Commission has passed the proposal and it is up to the City Council to deny it. Unfortunately, the local Council member Eric Gioia, who was in favor of the landmark designation, has not pledged his full support in defeating this damaging zoning change. Especially since CM Gioia has announced he is running for citywide office as a candidate for Public Advocate, this is an instance where every voice counts and every voice will be heard. The City Council will be deliberating on this plan at City Hall on Tuesday.
Please take a moment to contact CM Gioia and say “Vote No to zoning change for Sunnyside Gardens.”[email protected], Zoning Chair CM Tony Avella [email protected], Speaker Christine Quinn (enter a message into the form: http://council.nyc.gov/d3/html/members/home.shtml) with a CC to [email protected] and [email protected].
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