brome: I agree. Precise rules in investment settings are a positive good. I just think “good” lawyers are always hunting for a “way out” and often succeed, at least in the short term. It’s a constant “game.” The quest for precision is never ending.
3 Likes
Good points. Reading through this thread, and many others, reveals much to the laymen about how flexible our ‘laws’ can be: and how much depends on the ‘opinions’ and individual ‘preferences’ of those in power. I am reminded of the story of Schrodinger’s cat - the dichotomy that the cat is both dead AND alive at the same time: depending on WHEN one actually LOOKS at the cat. This is an extreme example of ambiguity, but an interesting thought experiment - Schrodinger’s cat schrodinger's cat - Google Search
3 Likes
Way to go infoshare. It is the ultimate ambiguity surprise (unless you are well schooled in quantum theory where ambiguity is part of the shtick). What a great example. Thanks.
4 Likes
Looks like things are slowly chugging forward
14 Likes
23 Likes
Finally a sane ruling, I’m sure more will be needed to keep this project going!
11 Likes
Too bad for the NIMBYs and their activist judge friend.
9 Likes
One Manhattan Square won’t be alone anymore.
4 Likes
This building will have an amazing dynamic with 9 Dekalb
This could have probably been halfway built by now if it wasn’t for the judge delaying this for years
11 Likes
Yes, it’s great that the court made such a decision. But why did you have to bring all this to the point of absurdity? What they wanted? They supposed to promote, support and increase affordable housing?
How else were they supposed to build more affordable housing? how else the owners of Two Bridges Neighborhood Council and Settlement Housing Fund can get benefits from unrealized TDR (AR). And they have TDR = 2,000,000 sq.ft. Build it by yourself ??? Where?
2 Likes
" Appellate Court to Hear Community Lawsuit that Halted Development of Two Bridges Towers "
9 Likes
i need to read more into this. Are they back at the Appellate Division or did they make it up to the Court of Appeals?
Oh, this is that other lawsuit. So it’s the Appellate division again. Maybe this time once the Appellate Judges rule in favor of the developers, they can rescind any injunctions preventing the developers from moving forward.
3 Likes
This has been a long and winding road to final approval; clear, consistent, zoning regulations would have made this process simpler, faster - but that is ‘how it is’ with getting projects built in NYC.
I think in this case the developers can consider this delay a ‘good thing’ - if they had gotten immediate approval to build they would now be about half way complete with thousands of residential units in a market that is glutted with empty apartments.
I predict these residential projects will not proceed with construction, not in this current market, even if they do get full zoning approval to build these new residential towers.
Take note of the “under-the-radar, shadow inventory” comment in the Bloomberg article posted; the extent of this condition if far greater than is generally reported.
4 Likes
23 Likes
Oh fascinating. I wonder how things will proceed with this given the current residential market.
1 Like
the building this tower will cantilever over apparently changed hands in Feburary.
- 80 Rutgers Slip, Manhattan
Sale Price: $14,000,000
80 Rutgers Slip, Manhattan
The 109-unit community known as Two Bridges Senior Apartments was completed in 1987 and is owned and managed by Two Bridges Neighborhood Council and Settlement Housing Fund. The 10-story building’s unit mix includes studios and one-bedroom apartments. An upcoming project developed by JDS Development Group and SHoP Architects at 247 Cherry St. is expected to deliver comprehensive improvements to 80 Rutgers Slip, including lobby and mechanical system upgrades, laundry rooms on each floor, emergency power and a new community space.
7 Likes
The lawsuit has been blocked by the court of appeals!
16 Likes
They were, as it turns out, mostly ‘as-of-right’ development proposals; as the lower courts needed to “defer to the reasonable determination” made originally by the Department of City planning. That is basically the gist of the saga; so that is good news for the developers.
One has to wonder, is a 2-3 year delay, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees, actually a “victory” for the developers who sought to build an as-of-right project. I am only a casual observer of these things, and only have a limited understand of the legal details; but our zoning laws have become so politicized as to become entirely incoherent, arbitrary and capricious.
I think all of these developers deserve a metal of honor for their patience; and hefty monetary compensation for being dragged into this boondoggle by our local city council and community groups.
I enjoy looking a these Architectural marvels being built; but find the ‘process’ in NYC to be mind boggling. 
7 Likes
To think, these buildings could have been almost complete by now.
8 Likes
