The application for a zoning variance to allow construction of 203-ft.-tall luxury residential high-rise at 51 Little West 12th Street in the Meatpacking District returns to Community Board 2’s Land Use and Housing Committee next Wednesday, September 10 at 6:30 pm. The application requests permission to build a substantially larger structure than current rules permit, and to allow residential development in a zone where it’s prohibited. The rationale for the application is that the owner claims he suffers from a “hardship” wherein he cannot develop the property within the existing rules and still make a “reasonable return.” 

The basis for this hardship claim is spurious at best, given the extreme desirability of the location between the High Line and Hudson River Park across from the Whitney Museum, and the variance’s approval would set a dangerous precedent, allowing others to make similar claims to subvert existing zoning rules. Village Preservation opposes the application and is urging Community Board 2 to reject it. The board committee will decide their position at the upcoming meeting, following last month’s public hearing (the board’s calendar indicates that public testimony won’t be taken at this meeting — this could change — though the public can register to attend and listen in person or via Zoom).

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