On Wednesday, Sept. 13, Community Board 6 — which represents Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill/South Brooklyn, Columbia Waterfront, Gowanus, Park Slope and Red Hook — convened its monthly meeting at Van Alen Institute.
Initially, it was unclear if the meeting could begin, as there were not enough attendees to reach the minimum necessary to conduct business. But once the minimum number showed up, the board swiftly proceeded with the evening's agenda.
During the meeting, members voted on permits and structural regulations regarding three properties in landmarked districts: 343 Hoyt St., 183 Amity St. and 311 Seventh Ave., which sparked the most discussion.
311 Seventh Ave. is in an area that was designated as an extension of the Park Slope Historic District in 2010, which means that the city must approve of any alteration, reconstruction, demolition or new construction affecting the designated building or area.
However, the core issue discussed on Wednesday revolved around the owner of 311 Seventh Ave., who is leasing the space to Dave's Hot Chicken. The owner is reluctant to make any changes to the storefront in line with the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission’s requirements, due to associated costs, according to the board.
The LPC requires the building have a central recessed entrance. The current entrance for Dave's Hot Chicken is recessed but situated on the far left side of the building, with a separate door designated for residential use on the far right.
Board member Mark Shames, who joined by video chat, emphasized the need to consider the pandemic-related challenges businesses face when contemplating penalties for non-compliance with landmark storefronts regulations.
“The idea that businesses are on a steady uprise in the neighborhood is just not true,” Shames said.
In the end, board member Mandi Spishak led a revised motion to approve the legalization of storefront and residential entrances without setting a precedent for future applications. The motion passed.
Afterward, NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams presented District Manager Michael Racioppo with a proclamation in recognition of his decade of service to CB6.
The proclamation celebrated Racioppo's outstanding contributions as a liaison between government agencies and Brooklyn residents, aiding in addressing community issues.
CB6 holds meetings on the second Wednesday of each month, except for July and August. These meetings are open to the public and conducted in person at the Van Alen Institute and online. The next CB6 meeting will be on Oct. 11.
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