Board fights for public review of new mega-project planned for Sunset Park site
SUNSET PARK – A new mega-development appears to be moving forward on an expansive site in Sunset Park, at Eighth Avenue and 62nd Street. And, this time, the city is saying that the developers do not need a special permit, virtually eliminating public review of a project that is sure to have a major impact on the area.
Indeed, the Department of Buildings has already issued a permit for the foundation of the massive structure, which, if it moves forward as planned, would rise 27 stories and contain 497 apartments as well as commercial space, in an area characterized by relatively low-rise buildings where traffic congestion is already a major concern.
But, Community Board 10 – in whose catchment area the project lies – is saying not so fast. The board, at its April 17 meeting, voted to request that the Department of City Planning revisit its recent determination that a special permit, and the attendant review process, are not needed for the site, citing previous DCP determinations, in 2007 and 2016, that they were necessary because the site incorporates an old railyard. The board’s votes are advisory only.