Victoria Goss

Recent Posts

P&Z Approves Chabad Synagogue at Historic Armory but with Significantly Less FAR, and Conditions

“Where I struggle is we grant more FAR and yet the applicant does not meet the requirement of our parking regulations. And yet the applicant has spoken consistently of building a facility to fully accommodate its growth and future demand, yet the facility starts out not providing parking per regulations. That’s made me uncomfortable throughout this.” – P&Z chair Margarita Alban Continue Reading →

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Standing Room Only as Anticipation Mounts for P&Z Decision on Chabad Synagogue

At the Dec 18 P&Z meeting the commission reviewed the application for a new Chabad Lubavitch synagogue at the corner of Mason Street and Havemeyer including parking, rooftop playground, and safety given there is an entrance opposite the fire house.

Rabbi Yossi Deren said the commission was being discriminatory and “moving the lines.” The acting chair said the commission was working according to regulations and the process is iterative. Continue Reading →

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Music & Arts Private Lessons Get the Gong from Planning & Zoning

Music & Arts in Greenwich sought to offer private lessons in four small “chambers” at their retail store. The Zoning Enforcement Officer had determined the lessons were an educational use and therefore not permitted. Applicant’s attorney John Tesei said the lessons were not an educational use, but rather “physical conditioning,” which is a Personal Service, which is allowed in the Central Business Retail Zone. The commission voted unanimously to deny the application. Continue Reading →

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P&Z Pushes Back on DPW Bridge/Rotary Project on Sound Beach Ave

Jim Michel said the State has set aside $3.8 million in funding, though the current estimate is $4.9 million. “They said they’d honor and bring the funding up to $4.9 million when we submit the final design plans,” he said. One resident warned that the only place where there is free cheese is in a mouse trap. Continue Reading →

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