The above letter from the New York City Board of Standards and Appeals was received by all homeowners on West 12th Road earlier today entitled:
Special Permit (ZR 64-92) to waive bulk regulations for the replacement of homes damaged/destroyed by Hurricane Sandy, on properties which are registered in the NYC Build It Back Program. R3-2 Zoning District.
The City does not explain exactly what "bulk regulations" are being considered for a waiver and then, to add insult to injury, they ask you to complete a form objecting or consenting to the waiver of the non-specified regulations and have it notarized to boot!
And what the hell is a R3-2 Zoning District?
Well, since you asked....
R3-2 districts are general residence districts that allow a variety of housing types, including low-rise attached houses, small multifamily apartment houses, and detached and semi-detached one- and two-family residences. It is the lowest density zoning district in which multiple dwellings are permitted. Because of their flexibility, R3-2 districts are mapped widely in all boroughs except Manhattan.
And what the hell is a R3-2 Zoning District?
Well, since you asked....
R3-2 districts are general residence districts that allow a variety of housing types, including low-rise attached houses, small multifamily apartment houses, and detached and semi-detached one- and two-family residences. It is the lowest density zoning district in which multiple dwellings are permitted. Because of their flexibility, R3-2 districts are mapped widely in all boroughs except Manhattan.
Most residents I spoke to read the letter at least 3 times before throwing their hands up in confused disgust and tossing it in the garbage recycling bin. Some actually thought the letter concerned sanitation issues because of the mention of "bulk regulations".
One neighbor emailed me stating "I am all for doing what I can to make sure people get rebuilt and made whole again but would really like to know what I am consenting or objecting to."
One neighbor emailed me stating "I am all for doing what I can to make sure people get rebuilt and made whole again but would really like to know what I am consenting or objecting to."
The communication itself is nothing more than a boiler plate "government speak" letter advising everyone of a pending Public Hearing (which, in all probability, nobody will attend) regarding a request for a special permit needed by Build It Back in order to expedite the reconstruction of a specific Sandy damaged property, in this case 41 West 12th Road.
God forbid the city would employ someone who was capable of composing routine public notifications replacing government speak with clear and plain language so that it would be readily understandable by the rest of us.
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