SoHo Alliance v. New York City Board of Standards & Appeals

OPINION OF THE COURT

Friedman, J.

This appeal concerns the propriety of variances granted for two neighboring lots in Manhattan, one located at 19/35 West Houston Street and the other at 55 West Houston Street. From the early 1900’s until 1951, 19/35 West Houston Street was occupied by a four-story light industrial factory with retail space on the ground floor. The occupancy of 55 West Houston Street was similar. Prior to 1963, the buildings on these properties were demolished in order to widen West Houston Street. As a result, by 1976, 19/35 West Houston Street was improved by only a 35-car…