Neighbors flag errors and raise objections as Planning Board approves amendment for former synagogue site

The Planning Board approved an amendment to a redevelopment plan for a property identified as the former synagogue on Avenue C, but the item drew public objection over an apparent discrepancy in the plan memo and testimony about which street frontage would be changed.

Planner Mr. Slaw told the board the amendment was intended to correct minimum lot‑frontage language so the plan matched existing conditions (stating the minimum lot frontage should read 34 feet for West 49th Street). During public comment, Michael O'Connor and others said the memorandum and presentation were inconsistent and argued the plan as written could require variances or permit development that would abut adjacent condominium property with no rear yard setback. O'Connor urged the board to adjourn the amendment to allow direct discussion between neighboring Franklin Condominium Association owners and the developer’s representatives; he said, “The plan as it is now is flawed.”

The property owner's attorney, Michael Miceli, disputed that broader review was in order for this item and characterized the change as a transcription or typographical error that should be corrected, saying, “This is to correct a typo.” The board recessed procedural issues and then voted that the amendment is consistent with the master plan and forwarded it to city council for action; the approval passed on recorded ayes. The board recorded that the approval under consideration was limited to master‑plan consistency and not to the underlying redevelopment plan previously approved.

The transcript shows the disagreement focused on whether the amendment changed frontage on West 48th versus West 49th Street; board members and the planner said the frontage difference is immaterial for master‑plan consistency but that the correction would allow the development to proceed without variances. The item will next go to city council for final action.