Split Decision by the BSA on the Extell tower on 66th!

In an Unusual Split (2-2) Decision, The Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) denied the Landmark West! Appeal

Nearly 200 vertical feet of mechanical voids at the the 775-foot Extell tower at 50 West 66th Street was just fine with two BSA Commissioners. Rules state that even a 2-2 tie automatically goes to the Developer.

After the vote the BSA admonished the Department of Buildings for doing an inadequate job and told Extell to share information transparently as many requested documents have still not been made available.

As reported in Crain’s, attorney for Landmark West, Stuart Klein stated that Landmark West! will review its options before deciding whether to further challenge the project.

At this time it appears Extell may be able to restart construction of the planned 127-unit apartment tower at 50 W. 66th St., which could become the tallest tower on the Upper West Side. 

Sean Khorsandi, the executive director of Landmark West!, said "I think it’s ridiculous that even in the case of a tie, the community loses. It’s a system that inherently always favors the developer."

This decision by the BSA makes clear that New York City needs stronger protections to prevent exploitation of mechanical void space.

We continue to advocate for the Rosenthal/Jackson bills in the state legislature

And if you are not okay with letting a tie favor the developer, we urge you to support Landmark West!  and contribute to the solution. Visit https://www.landmarkwest.org/  for more information. 

STATEMENT FROM STATE SENATOR BRAD HOYLMAN ON BSA'S VOTE ALLOWING SUPERTALL TOWER ON WEST 66TH TO PROCEED
 
“Today’s Split Decision At The BSA Shows How Extreme Extell’s Plans Are -- And The Danger Mechanical Voids Can Pose To Other Neighborhoods That Could Soon Be Blighted By Supertall Buildings”

“I fully support legal action to block Extell, and am committed to passing legislation sponsored by my colleagues Senator Jackson and Assembly Member Rosenthal to ensure that developers can never again flout zoning standards to maximize their profit at the cost of our neighborhoods.”