Objection deflection

It's been a while since I've reported on the progress of our building project. I'm happy to say that the plans are all drawn up and were submitted to the NYC Department of Buildings a few weeks ago. As I've mentioned, because we propose to change the use of the building from manufacturing to residential we have to get a zoning variance before construction. Last week we got an objection sheet from the city rejecting our application.

We're not shocked or disappointed. This is how the process works. The Department of Buildings said no, you cannot make a house out of a factory in a light industrial zone. That's where our lawyer steps in. He will submit our application to the Board of Standards and Appeals to change the use. The neighbors will be notified of the change of use and will be given the opportunity to attend a hearing to present their concerns. An appraiser's report will lay out the return on investment of comparable properties in the neighborhood. If all goes well, we get our variance and can then pursue construction options.

We're still very excited by the prospects of having our own place. Our architect has come up with a stellar design to which we had no objections. Now we just have to get the city to overcome theirs.