The Daily Dirt: Landmarks to decide fate of Noho parking lot

"Edward J. Minskoff Equities wants to build a 195-foot project at 375 Lafayette Street, currently home to a parking lot that can accommodate up to 200 vehicles. The developer is seeking to build between 200 and 210 housing units, with 50 to 53 affordable to those earning, on average, 60 percent of the area median income. The proposal also includes up to 7,000 square feet of ground-floor retail."

"A building of this kind is permitted under the district's M1-5/R9X zoning, but because the site falls within an area known as the Noho Historic District Extension, the developer must secure Landmarks approval to move forward."

"Last week, Community Board 2 recommended that Landmarks reject the project unless the developer reduces its bulk and makes other changes. The board cited a lack of harmony with most of the buildings in the district. The position echoed criticism from Village Preservation, which called the proposed building dramatically out of scale."

Edward J. Minskoff Equities proposes a 195-foot residential building at 375 Lafayette Street in Noho, replacing a parking lot. The project would include 200-210 housing units, with 50-53 affordable units for those earning 60 percent of area median income, plus 7,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. The developer splits the project into two buildings to avoid higher construction wages. Although permitted under M1-5/R9X zoning, the site's location within the Noho Historic District Extension requires Landmarks Preservation Commission approval. Community Board 2 recommended rejection unless the developer reduces bulk and makes design changes, citing lack of harmony with existing district buildings. Village Preservation similarly criticized the proposal as dramatically out of scale.

Read at therealdeal.com