Preservationists claim new evidence in Pierhouse height fight

After a temporary restraining order against Toll Brothers City Living’s Pierhouse was lifted in June, a preservationist group amended its complaint in light of what it says is new evidence that the building’s view-blocking height is illegal.

The group, Save the View Now, says that city agencies recently released building plans that reveal bulkheads atop the condo building go far beyond containing regular mechanicals, according to the Brooklyn Eagle.

“After lengthy delays caused by city agencies, we received a copy of the building plans which reveal that the bulkheads are designed to contain an enclosed kitchen, food service and preparation areas, an ‘outdoor’ shower, six separate elevators and vestibules (which exceed the permitted square footage for vestibules), and a separate room for ‘pool equipment,’” a representative from the organization said.

The temporary restraining order was lifted by the New York Supreme Court on June 12. But on July 22, armed with the new documents, the preservationists renewed their motion for an injunction. There will be hearing on July 30.

Save the View Now says that the Brooklyn Bridge Park Corp., the city agency tasked with managing the park, and Toll Brothers, misled the public about the height of the building.

“In June, a New York State Supreme Court judge ruled that the Pierhouse development is being built in a way that conforms with the approved project plan,” Toll Brothers and co-developer Starwood Capital Group said in a joint statement. “ We are confident that the court will also find these new claims to be without merit.” [Brooklyn Eagle] — Tess Hofmann