2018-63-A APPLICANT – Fried Frank, LLP, for 25-30 Heights (Brooklyn), LLC, owner. SUBJECT – Application May 1, 2018 – Interpretative Appeal of a final determination of the New Department of Buildings, set forth in the ZRD1 dated April 2, 2018 (Control No. 46921), request for confirmation that existing signs conforming and may be continued as accessory with changes to subject matter, structural reconstruction, and replacement permitted Article V, Chapter 2 of the New York City Resolution. M2-1 zoning district. PREMISES AFFECTED – 30 Columbia Block 208, Lot 2, Borough of Brooklyn. COMMUNITY BOARD #2BK Application ACTION OF THE BOARD – THE VOTE TO GRANT – Affirmative: Chair Perlmutter, Vice-Chair Commissioner Ottley-Brown, Commissioner Commissioner Scibetta ………………………………5 Negative ………….…………………………….……0 THE RESOLUTION – WHEREAS, the decision of the Department Buildings (“DOB”), dated April 2, 2018, under Resolution Determination Control No. “Determination”), reads in pertinent part: �e request, to accept the submitted documentation as evidence that the illuminated accessory/noncommercial signs Columbia Heights (the “30 Columbia Building”) are lawful non-conforming that may continue at the premises, is denied. [. . .] To demonstrate that the installation Time and Temperature Sign and Watchtower Sign were lawfully erected 1961 at the 30 Columbia Building, attorney submits the following evidence pertaining to the Watchtower Sign: (1) Two photographs of an excerpted portion of the Department of Buildings’ (the “Department”) Alteration application ledger from 1961, showing an entry for Application No. erect a “roof sign” at the 30 Columbia Building. According to the Alteration Application No. 955 was approved by the Department May 16, 1961; (2) A copy of an excerpted portion Department’s application describing the proposed work Alteration Application No. 955 “erect a roof sign” at the 30 Columbia Building. �e copy of the indicates “E.R. Squibb & Sons” owner of the 30 Columbia Building; (3) A copy of a hand-copied plan, April 10, 1961, showing the proposed rooftop sign structure and signs; 2018-63-A �erefore, sufficient evidence was submitted by the attorney to support claim that the 30 Columbia Building’s were installed pursuant to a Department-issued permit. In addition, the hand-copied plan from 10, 1961, which shows an approximately 0” high by 87’-0” wide by 17’-6” deep structure above the roof of the 30 Columbia Building, does not show the NYS-licensed design professional’s name, professional ink seal, and signature, nor does it show Department’s approval stamp, including Alteration application number, on the of the plan. As such, the attorney’s submitted copy of the hand-copied does not demonstrate that it was approved by the Department. According to the Department’s website, Application No. ALT 955-61 was filed the Department on April 10, 1961. According to the Department’s application docket, R. Squibb and Sons were the owners 30 Columbia Building at the time of the 955-61’s filing. According to the attorney’s submitted letter from Watchtower Bible Tract Society of New York, Incorporated (the “Society”) dated November 29, the Society informed its members, which the Jehovah’s Witnesses, that the purchased the “former Squibb property” November 25, 1969. �e letter, which not state the addresses of the buildings former Squibb property, includes an undated photograph of the 30 Columbia Building that shows a roof sign consisting individual letters that spell “SQUIBB” “Squibb Sign”) and above the sign appears to be a rectangular sign. Both signs photograph are supported by a structure above the roof of the 30 Columbia Building. �e attorney does not submit evidence date E. R. Squibb and Sons vacated premises at the 30 Columbia Building before the Society purchased the building November 25, 1969 and started to move the premises. . . . In addition, ZR states If, for a continuous period of two either the nonconforming use of with minor impro

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