FORT GEORGE — A developer has applied to build a 16-story residential tower on a controversial site after previously pledging to construct a building less than half the size.
HAP Investment Developers submitted an application with the city’s Board of Standards and Appeals to modify the zoning regulations for 4452 Broadway at Fairview Avenue in order to build higher.
The company now plans to erect a 16-story building with a maximum of 241 residential units and 50 parking spaces, according to a notice about the application.
In September 2013, HAP purchased two buildings at 4452 and 4454 Broadway, later announcing plans to build a seven-story building with 128 residential units and a ground-floor commercial space.
The buildings made up part of the site for which rival developer Quadriad had been trying to get support from Community Board 12 to construct three high-rises that would have included 200 units of affordable housing.
Quadriad abandoned the plan — which called for three towers between 23 and 42 stories tall — after HAP’s surprise purchase.
HAP CEO Eran Polack told DNAinfo at the time that Quadriad's plan had not been right for the site, adding that his company's approach was always to build within current zoning regulations.
"It's our policy and the way we do business," he told DNAinfo at the time. "We bought this property to develop it as-of-right."
The proposal was later altered slightly to reflect an eight-story building with 98 residential units and one commercial floor, according to current plans on HAP’s website.
Neither of these proposals required zoning changes.
However, HAP’s latest proposal calls for a 165.25-foot building, more than twice as high as the original 80-foot design. HAP also plans to nearly double the number of units in the space from 128 to 241.
The developer, which is currently building a 47-unit rental building on West 187th Street, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the proposal.
HAP must receive permission from the city for the zoning modifications. The first step in that process is to present the plan to the public and seek support from CB12.
A public hearing will be held at the community board’s office at 530 W. 166th St. on Sept. 2 at 7 p.m.
