City Planning Commission to Consider Merchant’s House Adjacent Hotel Tomorrow
The City Planning Commission will hold a hearing tomorrow to discuss a potential zoning change that would help yield an eight-story boutique hotel beside the 1832-era Merchant’s House Museum. Community Board 2 outright denied the proposition at the end of May. Now, it’s the real show.
(The Landmark Preservation Commission did previously approve the plans.)
As previously reported, the hotel would rise on the site of a one-story brick warehouse at 27 East Fourth Street that is currently a stable for area food cart vendors. (The garage was built in 1945-46 by Herman Kron.) Then, as now, local preservationists are concerned about the impact this major construction will invariably have on structural integrity. This city-designated landmark dates back to 1832, and is considered New York City’s only 19th century family home that is preserved intact. Engineering and architectural experts have reportedly warned that the fragile site could potentially suffer irreversible damage if the hotel moves forward.
The governing body has final say, and will ultimately decide whether to approve the zoning text amendment. Yet it’s worth reiterating, however, that the zoning change is unlikely without the backing of the local councilperson. In this case, Carlina Rivera, who has appeared skeptical of the plans in the past.
Either way, this six-year fight will soon draw to a close…
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