Fire-Ravaged Lower East Side Synagogue To Be Partially Razed

LOWER EAST SIDE, NY — Developers behind a project slated for a fire-ravaged Lower East Side synagogue landed city approval Tuesday to raze additional portions of the historic structure.

The Landmarks Preservation Commission green-lit plans to clear out part of the charred remains of the Beth Hamedrash Hagadol Synagogue, which was largely reduced to rubble after a purposely set three-alarm blaze tore through the landmarked building last May.

The Chinese American Planning Council and Gotham Organization aim to build a two tower development —one 10-stories and the other 30-stories — as part of a mixed-use project that spans the full block of Broome Street from Norfolk to Suffolk streets.

It will bring 488 apartments to the neighborhood, up to 208 of which will be "affordable" and 115 will be designated for seniors, according to a representative for the developers.

The Landmark Preservation Commission has already given builders the go ahead to clear out other hunks of the scorched 168-year-old house of worship at 60 Norfolk St.

Those behind the project argued that unstable portions of the ruins need to be demolition because of the dangers posed to construction workers. Commission members agreed, but asked the building's owner to work to preserve a relatively intact structure on the western side of the synagogue to commemorate the former building, according to the commission.

The new development will include space for Beth Hamedrash Synagogue and a permanent home for the Chinese American Planning Council.

Photo courtesy of Howard Zimmerman Architects/Landmarks Preservation Commission