127-06-BZ APPLICANT – Stadtmauer Bailkin, LLP, for Kaufman Center, owner. SUBJECT – Application June 16, 2006 – Zoning variance pursuant to Z.R. Section 72-21 to enlarge existing community facility building. Proposal is non- compliant regarding floor area ratio (FAR) and yard. The site is located within a C4-7(L) zoning district; contrary to Z.R. 33-123 and 33-26. 67th Street, north PREMISES AFFECTED – 129 West 67th Street, between Broadway and Amsterdam side of Avenue, Block 1139, Lots 1, 8, 57, 107, Borough Manhattan. COMMUNITY BOARD #7M APPEARANCES – For Applicant: ACTION OF THE BOARD – Application granted condition. THE VOTE TO GRANT – Affirmative: Chair Srinivasan, Vice-Chair Babbar, Commissioner Collins...................................................3 Negative:.......................................................................0 THE RESOLUTION: WHEREAS, the decision of the Manhattan Borough Commissioner, dated June 5, 2006, acting on Department of Buildings Application No. 104290946, reads, pertinent part: “1. Proposed floor area for community facility exceeds the maximum floor area. This is contrary to ZR 33-123. 2. Proposed new enlargement projects in required rear yard. This is contrary to ZR 33-26.”; and WHEREAS, this is an application under ZR § 21, to permit an enlargement to an existing community facility building located in a C4-7 zoning district within the Special Lincoln Square District zoning district, which is contrary to ZR §§ 33-123 and 33-26; and WHEREAS, the application is brought on behalf the Elaine Kaufman Center (the “Center”), a nonprofit music and dance school and performance space which occupies the community facility building located on Lot and WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on application on July 18, 2006, after due notice publication in the City Record, and then to decision August 15, 2006; and WHEREAS, Community Board 7, Manhattan, recommends approval of this application; and WHEREAS, the New York City Department Education and the Special Music School (P.S. 859), which occupies part of the Center, provided testimony in support of the Center’s programs and its application; and WHEREAS, the site and surrounding area had a and neighborhood examination by a committee of Board, consisting of Chair Srinivasan, Vice-Chair Babbar, 127-06-BZ WHEREAS, however, the applicant represents that there will be no increase in patronage or enrollment associated directly with the Center’s enlargement; WHEREAS, instead, the applicant seeks alleviate current space constraints and develop educational, cultural, and artistic programming while improving physical accessibility; and WHEREAS, specifically, the applicant states the following are the programmatic space needs of Center which require the requested waivers: (1) increase in attendance over the past 22 years; (2) a need for better visitor circulation within the building, and (3) interest in making the building more handicapped- accessible; and WHEREAS, as to attendance, the Center serves 2,400 students (an increase from 400 in 1984), 145 of which are full-time New York City public school students; and WHEREAS, additionally, the applicant represents that the increased attendance requires more space conduct staff meetings, plan events and programs to meet with parents; and WHEREAS, the applicant has identified underutilized space in the basement and on the floor and on the two levels of terraces at the rear of building which could be enclosed to accommodate increased space needs; and WHEREAS, as to visitor circulation, the applicant represents that the entry into Merkin Concert Hall constrained; and WHEREAS, as to handicapped-accessibility, Center proposes to enlarge lower level restrooms establish two accessible restrooms on the first floor; WHEREAS, in sum, the building as enlarged provide additional study and meeting space, efficient ingress and egress, waiting space, technical improvements to the auditorium, and handicapped- accessibility; and WHEREA

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