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Land Use, Housing & Zoning
FIT application for the development of the south side of West 28th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues for an approximately 98,000 square foot, 10-story addition adjacent to an existing building .
WHEREAS, The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) seeks a Board of Standards and Appeals Special Permit pursuant to Section 73-64 of the Zoning Resolution to waive setback requirements in order to facilitate the development of a 10-story addition adjacent to an existing building on the south side of West 28th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues; and
WHEREAS, The project site presently contains an undeveloped courtyard adjacent to rear of the existing building facing West 27th Street and a 12 foot high street wall which runs along the sidewalk for approximately 214 feet; and
WHEREAS, The proposed addition would include a 10-story glass atrium between the existing building and the proposed addition and a triple height glass Student Life Hall facing West 28th Street which together would bring light into both the existing building and new classrooms in the proposed addition; and
WHEREAS, The proposed building would include new glass in-lot walking space along the sidewalk above knitting rooms; and
WHEREAS, The proposed building will be a “green” building with innovative new solar energy features; and
WHEREAS, The existing conditions on this block of West 28th Street are barren and unfriendly; and
WHEREAS, The proposed addition is architecturally interesting and the building would bring much needed life and activity to this block; and
WHEREAS, The proposed waivers of setback requirements are minor in scope but allow for significant innovation in the “green” building design and in designing a fully functional atrium; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Community Board Five approves the application on behalf of FIT for a BSA Special Permit to facilitate the development of an approximately 98,000 square foot, 10 story addition adjacent to an existing FIT building.
The above resolution passed by a vote of 38 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstaining.