Thursday, January 22, 2009

13th Story Would Impact Environment on Historic Marx Brothers Place !

Please cut & paste & send the message below to BSA prior to the January 27, 2009 Public Hearing by Regular Mail or Email: http://www.nyc.gov/html/mail/html/mailbsa.html


Ms. Meenakshi Srinivasan
Chair, NYC BSA
40 Rector Street, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10006-1705

Re: Objection to Application for Special Permit - Calendar Number 162-08-BZ, Property ID - 150 East 93rd Street, Block 1521, Lot 51, Manhattan.

Dear Madame Chair,

I strongly object to the applicant's request for a Special Permit to build a 13th floor above his penthouse which is already an additional structure that sits atop the roof of 150E93, one floor above the traditional penthouse floor, on historic Marx Brothers Place in Carnegie Hill.

150E93 abuts an important collection of historic brownstones that are older than any of the brownstones already in the CHHD. And, as you may know, there is a pending effort to extend the CHHD to include Marx Brothers Place within its protective boundaries. We all support this ongoing preservation effort.

In the meantime, it has come to my attention that the applicant in the above captioned case has submitted a preliminary shadow assessment, produced by Thomas A. Francis of Equity Environmental Engineering LLC in Flanders NJ, in an attempt to avoid having to do a full-blown Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). In light of the myriad environmental issues raised by this case, I strongly believe an EIS is required by law.

Mr. Francis admits in the preliminary shadow assessment that he did not visit the site before offering his opinion, and is projecting a conclusion based solely upon his own broad theoretical calculations. Because the assessment was admittedly created in a vacuum, without the benefit of the relevant factors particular to historic East 93rd Street, it is wholly inadequate and must be disregarded in its entirety. Certainly, the preliminary shadow assessment submitted by the applicant can not be the basis for issuing a negative declaration in this case.

1.) The subject assessment assumes that 150E93 is surrounded by buildings of equal height which would theoretically intervene in shadows cast. But, because Mr. Francis was not given all the facts, his assumption here is incorrect as 150E93 abuts a row of tiny and ancient houses.

2.) The assessment also fails to contemplate the undeniable shadow that would be cast upon the collection of gardens on East 93rd Street, a vital ecosystem in NYC's fragile urban environment, if this proposed project were approved. For the fact is, the long row of four-story 19th century brownstones, which 150E93 abuts, has an equally long row of contiguous gardens that run the course of the rear yards.

These gardens lose sunlight at a particular time of day depending upon the season. The additional shadow that would, unquestionably, be cast upon these gardens, by a 13th story being added to the 12th floor addition that already sits atop the 150E93 roof, would limit the sunlight to which the resident flora & fauna are exposed. This impact to the environment makes it necessary for the applicant to do an EIS if BSA chooses to continue to hear his application.

I respectfully ask that BSA deny the applicant's request for a Special Permit to construct a 13th floor on top of the structure that already sits on top of the roof of 150E93 on historic Marx Brothers Place.

Respectfully submitted,

(please add your name & address)

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Carnegie Hill Says NO to Baker's Dozen !

Please cut & paste & send the message below to BSA prior to the January 27, 2009 Public Hearing by Regular Mail or Email: http://www.nyc.gov/html/mail/html/mailbsa.html with a copy to: 93rdst.beautification@gmail.com.


Ms. Meenakshi Srinivisaan
Chair, NYC Board of Standards & Appeals
40 Rector Street, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10006


Re: BSA Calendar # 162-08-BZ: 150 East 93 Street, Manhattan NYC

Dear Madame Chair,

I strongly object to the proposal to construct a Penthouse on top of the Penthouse which already sits on top of the roof at 150 East 93rd Street in Carnegie Hill NYC for the following reasons:

1.) the proposal threatens the historic character of this storied NYC neighborhood so rich in cultural and architectural history; 2.) the proposed addition literally faces the Carnegie Hill Historic District and thus threatens the historic integrity and property value of the CHHD; 3.) the proposal is completely out of scale & context with this historic block of 19th century houses & gardens which includes the beloved childhood home of the Marx Brothers; 4.) the proposed penthouse would completely overshadow the collection of four-story 19th century townhouses & gardens which 150E93 abuts and which is the indisputable Rosetta Stone to any credible development history of Carnegie Hill having been built prior to the Lexington Avenue extension and being older than any of the brownstones already in the CHHD; 5.) the proposal would constitute a precedent-setting breach of the historic skyline on this ancient block; 6.) the proposed project would impact the environment, including the flora & fauna resident to the collection of gardens 150E93 abuts, and the penthouse owner has failed to comply with the applicable environmental laws which require an EIS; 7.) the penthouse owner has failed to provide a structural engineering report to determine whether 150E93 could even support another floor which would, in fact, constitute the 13th story on an eleven story building in Carnegie Hill.

For all of the foregoing reasons, the applicant's request for a Special Permit must be denied.

Respectfully submitted,

(Please add your name & address)

Friday, January 16, 2009

Please ask LPC to Calendar Historic Marx Brothers Place for Public Hearing !

Please cut & paste & send the following to: comments@lpc.nyc.gov (with a copy to: 93rdst.beautification@gmail.com).

Dear Chairman Tierney,

We respectfully request that the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) calendar the 93rd Street Beautification Association's Request for Evaluation (RFE), asking the city to extend the Carnegie Hill Historic District one block east so as to include historic Marx Brothers Place, for a public hearing.

The beloved childhood block of the Marx Brothers not only includes their extant childhood home, but also includes brownstones that are older than any of the brownstones already in the Carnegie Hill Historic District (a row of townhouses vital to any credible understanding of the development history of Carnegie Hill); the unique stepped-down roofscape that runs on both the north and south sides of the block and evokes our nation's Native American history as it gives meaning to the city's original name, Manatus, which translated from the Lenape means "island of hills" - a topographical fact still evident on East 93rd Street, one of the steepest hill's left in all of Manhattan; two houses built and owned by the famous NY Loew Brothers and, inter alia, a house owned by the well-known New Yorker, William Orth.

It is imperative that the city act with all due speed to protect this incomparable collection of historic homes and gardens so rich in our nation's cultural and architectural history.

Thank you for your kind attention to this request.

Respectfully submitted,

(please add your name and address)

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Penthouse Atop Penthouse Would Harm Character & Environment of Neighborhood

Please cut & paste & send the message below to BSA prior to the January 27, 2009 Public Hearing by Regular Mail or Email: http://www.nyc.gov/html/mail/html/mailbsa.html


Ms. Meenakshi Srinivisaan
Chair, NYC Board of Standards & Appeals
40 Rector Street, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10006

Re: BSA Calendar # 162-08-BZ: 150 East 93 Street, Manhattan NYC

Dear Madame Chair,

I strongly object to the proposal to construct a penthouse atop the extant penthouse at 150 East 93rd Street on historic Marx Brothers Place in Carnegie Hill, and respectfully ask that BSA deny applicant's request for a special permit.

If approved, this project would have significant adverse impacts on the character of this unique historic neighborhood and its fragile ecosystem.

1. Applicant's proposed project poses significant adverse impacts to the environment:

A. Land Use, Zoning and Public Policy: Applicant’s proposal to construct a penthouse atop his extant penthouse is completely inconsistent with the area in which the proposed project site is located and would result in significant adverse impacts. Historic East 93rd Street is subject to R8B zoning. Applicant’s proposal flies in the face of all applicable NYC zoning resolutions. If approved, applicant’s proposal would constitute a precedent-setting breach of the historic skyline and runs contrary to all sound principles of land use, zoning and public policy.

B. Socioeconomic Conditions: The affected neighborhood has been critically stressed by recent development pressures which continue to compete with the community’s ongoing campaign to have the Carnegie Hill Historic District extended one block east so as to include this important collection of 19th century houses. The fact that applicant’s proposal, if approved, would have a significant adverse impact on the socioeconomic conditions in this historic neighborhood is incontrovertible.

C. Community Facilities and Services: In this critical period when the city and state budgets are overextended, the construction and development attendant to applicant’s proposed project would impose an unsustainable demand upon fire, traffic and police services, posing potential dangers and distracting from the vital needs of the area residents and businesses.

D. Open Space: Applicant’s proposed project would have a significant adverse impact on open space. 150E93 abuts a contiguous row of historic gardens whose floral and fauna would be adversely affected by the increase of shadow that a second story on applicant’s penthouse would naturally create. The geometry that dictates the additional shadow is self-explanatory.

E. Shadows: There is no question that an additional story on the extant penthouse at 150E93 would create additional shadow. This deprivation of light would have an adverse impact on the historic row of contiguous gardens that run along the property lines of the 19th century rowhouses on East 93rd Street and serve as nesting, resting and feeding places for migratory birds and a host of other flora and fauna.

F. Historic Resources: Applicant’s proposed project faces the Carnegie Hill Historic District and abuts a row of tiny 19th century townhouses which includes brownstones that are older than any of the brownstones already within the CHHD and which is celebrated by architectural historians and preservationists for its unique steeped-down roofscape. The proposed project would constitute a precedent-setting breach of the historic skyline and adversely impact these vital and incomparable historic resources.

G. Urban Design/Visual Resources: If approved, the proposed project would impose significant adverse impacts on Urban Design and Visual Resources. East 93rd Street is cherished for its unique stepped-down roofscape. To add a penthouse atop the penthouse at 150E93 would mar the historic skyline and corrupt the viewshed on this historic block.

H. Neighborhood Character: The proposed project would have significant adverse impacts on the character of the neighborhood. It would overburden this tiny block with more traffic, noise and carbon emissions at a time when the block is already at an environmental tipping point due to the increased traffic congestion, pollution and loss of flora and fauna caused by the ongoing construction project at 180 East 93rd Street.

Since East 93rd Street is the Rosetta stone to any credible and scholarly understanding of the development history of Carnegie Hill, applicant’s request for special permission to subvert the zoning law, the only legal protection we have until the block is included in the Historic District, demonstrates a callous disregard for the community and NYC’s valuable historic narrative.

Further, in light of the city’s economic downturn, it is imperative to vigilantly protect historic residential neighborhoods which retain their property value more competitively than other real estate.

I. Natural Resources: The proposed project would adversely impact the natural resources of air, light and water as discussed above.

J. Hazardous Materials: The proposed project would have significant adverse impacts on the environment related to hazardous materials. As 150E93 was built in the 1920s and has been repainted and retrofitted countless times in the ensuing years, it is more likely than not that the proposed project will expose the historic use of asbestos and lead paint in addition to a whole host of other hazardous materials.

K. Waterfront Revitalization Program: East 93rd Street boasts a unique view of the East River. Applicant’s proposal would have a significant impact on this unique viewshed and upon the relationship between the river and this historic neighborhood.

L. Infrastructure: The proposed project would have a significant adverse impact on the city’s infrastructure. In addition to the increased traffic discussed above, applicant has stated that the proposed second penthouse is in contemplation of an increase in occupancy which will unquestionably have an adverse impact on the city’s already stressed and antiquated waste and sewage treatment systems. Further, the proposed construction would impose additional stress on the city’s transportation systems as applicant’s employees would be commuting back and forth from the site.

M. Solid Waste and Sanitation Services: The proposed project would have significant adverse impacts on the city’s solid waste and sanitation services. Applicant has stated that the proposed second penthouse is in contemplation of an increase in occupancy which will unquestionably have an adverse impact on the city’s already stressed and antiquated waste and sewage treatment systems.

N. Energy: The proposed project will have an adverse impact on the city’s limited energy supply and pose an added burden to the city’s antiquated electrical grid which is already significantly overloaded as evidenced by the numerous brown-outs and black-outs the city endures every summer.

O. Traffic and Parking: The proposed project would have a significant impact on traffic and parking. If approved, the proposed project would overburden this tiny block with more traffic, noise and carbon emissions at a time when the block is already at an environmental tipping point due to the increased traffic congestion and loss of parking caused by the ongoing construction project at 180E93.

The combined and cumulative adverse environmental impact would be untenable as the City already gave the developer at 180E93 authority to block a significant swath of the street and to remove no less than four parking spaces on this block.

The noise and traffic-related incidents have already soared as a result of 180E93. This tiny block can not sustain any additional traffic and parking burdens of the type a major construction project like this proposal would impose.

P. Transit and Pedestrian: The proposed project and its construction would impose an unnecessary burden on the neighborhood, and increase transit and pedestrian trips in the area as applicant’s employees would be commuting back and forth from the site whether by train, car, bus or on foot.

Q. Air Quality: The proposed project would have an adverse impact on air quality. In addition to toxic construction dust, the increased traffic attendant to this proposed construction project would contribute daily to carbon emissions and impose an overall greater carbon impact on air quality in the neighborhood.

R. Noise: The proposed project would have an adverse impact on area noise levels. Historic East 93rd Street has always been a very quiet residential block. The proposed construction project would impose a sharp increase of noise in the neighborhood.

S. Construction Impacts: As stated above, the proposed construction would have significant adverse impacts on the environment, including, but not limited to, construction dust (affecting public health and the flora and fauna which live in the historic gardens below); increased traffic; increased noise; increased energy burden; increased stress on infrastructure, parking and the city’s waste disposal system.

T. Public Health: As cited above, the proposed project would have significant adverse impacts on air quality, traffic, natural resources, hazardous materials and noise, all of which contribute negatively to public health, putting a greater burden on the city to contend with the detrimental effects.

2. Applicant's proposed project poses a very real threat to the character of the neighborhood: The neighborhood that would be affected if applicant's request were approved, includes the Carnegie Hill Historic District, which is literally just the other side of Lexington Avenue, and historic East 93rd Street which is subject to R8B zoning.

The fact that 150E93 is discreetly carved out of the subject R8B zoning, and is in fact subject to a looser standard as part of a commercial area, is wholly irrelevant to the application before this Board. For the question remains, “would this proposal have an adverse impact on the historic character of the neighborhood”? And the answer is a resounding “yes”.

A. Unique Roofscape: Architects and historic preservationists give great value to the unique stepped-down roofscape on East 93rd Street. Because this is one of the steepest slopes left in Manhattan, the roofscapes on both the north & south sides of the block literally step-down the hill, creating a zig-zag effect.

This historic 19th century skyline is so remarkable that the partnership project of the Municipal Arts Society & City Lore, Place Matters, has devoted an entire page to historic Marx Brothers Place on its web site.

As 150E93 already towers over this collection of tiny four story houses, any vertical addition would stick out like a sore thumb and breach the sanctity of 93rd Street’s historic skyline and unique roofscape. Literally doubling the size of the extant penthouse, by adding a whole new floor, is not insignificant and would have an adverse impact on the character of the neighborhood.

B. Proximity Poses Threat to Neighborhood’s Historic Character: 150E93 abuts a beautiful row of 19th century houses that are older than any of the brownstones which already enjoy the protection of the Carnegie Hill Historic District.

This marvelous collection of houses was built by George W. Beale in 1865, even pre-dating the extension of Lexington Avenue this far north. The irreplaceable historic treasure trove, these houses represent, is like a turnkey providing access to the finest repository of primary source material relevant to the development history of Carnegie Hill.

To contemplate allowing a breach of the NYC zoning resolution in order to accommodate one man’s desire to construct a penthouse atop his extant penthouse right next door to these ancient homes, whose physical structure and historic narratives are so vital to the city’s collective cultural heritage, runs contrary to public policy and good principles of community planning.

Applicant’s proposal is completely out of scale and context with this tiny block and would have a significant adverse impact on the character of the neighborhood. Applicant’s request for a special permit should be denied.

Thank you for your careful consideration of the very serious issues raised by this proposed project. Again, I respectfully request that BSA deny the applicant’s request for a special permit.

Respectfully submitted,

(please add your name & address)

Monday, January 5, 2009

An Open Letter to the 2009 President of the Nation of Freedonia

The Right Honorable President of Freedonia
The Peoples Palace
The Nation of Freedonia

Dear Mr. President,

It has come to our attention that in recent weeks the long-strained relations between our Country and the Nation of Freedonia have finally begun to ease. We have eagerly read of the rapprochement in diplomatic relations and watched with delight the pictures of you greeting our leader at the New Year's Eve celebration you hosted at the People's Palace.

The fireworks display in the color scheme of our nation's flag, with celestial stars playing themselves, was a particularly thoughtful and moving gesture; a symbolic olive branch splashed across the midnight sky.

And while we recognize that our leader's motivation for reaching out to your nation at this time may be driven not by diplomatic intentions, but simply a pragmatic need to generate good will in time for the run up to the 2009 election, we feel that you are now in a unique position to illicit from him a kind gesture in return for your Grace's magnanimous overture.

So it is with deep gratitude and humility that we ask you to use your favored status with our leader and prevail upon him to ceremonially co-name the beloved childhood block of some gentlemen who contributed to the cultural history of your nation as well.

New Yorkers by birth and East 93rd Street residents by address, the Marx Brothers also famously blessed the Nation of Freedonia with their kinetic comic genius and global recipes for Duck Soup. In fact, we hope it's not too boastful to say that we believe the Marx Brothers put Freedonia on the map !

Should you have any lingering doubts about appealing to our leader in this regard, perhaps, you could offer to name a tiny Palace hidden somewhere in the woods for him ? He seems to like that sort of thing, so it would be a sure-fire way of sweetening the deal.

The Marx Brothers fabled rule over Freedonia was long ago. But their influence, then and now, has been profound. And if his Grace turns out to be the one who succeeds in persuading our leader to co-name their childhood block Marx Brothers Place, you will forever be remembered as a President who reached out his hand, not to seize land or power, but to honor humanity and peace.

Your Humble Admirers,

Friends & Residents of Marx Brothers Place

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Mayor Bloomberg & The Marx Brothers !

The Honorable Michael R. Bloomberg
Mayor of the City of New York
City Hall
New York, NY 10007

Dear Mr. Mayor,

We humbly ask you to use your considerable political power to grant this simple New Year's wish and ceremonially co-name East 93rd Street between Lexington and Third Avenues Marx Brothers Place in honor of the extant childhood home of the world's greatest comic geniuses !

This block's distinct sense of place and undeniable historic significance is, in part, defined by the immortal words of Harpo Marx who, in his critically acclaimed memoir Harpo Speaks, lovingly describes the wonderful 19th century houses on both sides of the street that he and his famous brothers called their first real home-sweet-home.

By "officially" dubbing this block with the name by which it is already informally known, your New Year's gesture would not only delight proud NYC residents; Marx Brothers fans all across the globe and NYC historic preservationists (it was the celebrated Preservationist Tony C. Wood who first came up with the name Marx Brothers Place!), but it would also bring a smile, and much needed sigh of relief, to neighborhood businesses who would greatly welcome the foot traffic associated with becoming a true destination !

So please, Mr. Mayor. Grant this simple New Year's wish and co-name this beloved NYC block Marx Brothers Place !

Sincerely,

(Please add your Name & Address)