Pols Demand Stop Work Order On UWS Tower Amid Legal Battle

UPPER WEST SIDE, MANHATTAN — Elected officials are blasting Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration for not revoking the permit of a controversial Upper West Side tower that is still constructing the building despite a court order to cut down on its height.

Seven lawmakers said Thursday that they were "shocked and disappointed" to learn that the city has partnered with developers of the 200 Amsterdam Ave. tower to appeal a judge's ruling that the development violated zoning rules to build its 52-story tower.

The city's Department of Buildings changed its zoning code last week to outlaw the "gerrymandered" zoning lot the Amsterdam developers used, but said the update only affects new developments, not 200 Amsterdam Ave.

"It defies reason for the Administration to fight a court order which affirms its own correction of its initially flawed process," the lawmakers said. "...the Administration is siding with the developer, not its own rules and regulations.What sort of message does this send to other developers?"

The appeal by the city and the developers, SJP Properties, invoked an automatic stay of the judge's ruling against the development, which means DOB is no longer required to revoke the building permit or put out a stop work order.

But the lawmakers — including U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler, NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, Council Member Helen Rosenthal, atate assemblymembers Linda B. Rosenthal and Richard Gottfried, and State Sen. Brad Hoylman — are demanding the department do so anyway.

The judge's ruling would require 200 Amsterdam Ave. to shave off as many as half of its already-built floors. SJP has continued to build the tower despite the court battle.

"We call on the DOB to revoke the permit and issue the stop work order, so the stay does not worsen the situation rather than maintaining the status quo during the pendency of the appeal process," the lawmakers said. "The Administration should stand by its own rules, not with developers. We urge the Administration to reverse their decision."

Advocates who filed the Article 78 challenge that ultimately led to the court ruling against the tower have also said they will fight city's decision to appeal.

The groups, the Municipal Art Society and the Committee for Environmentally Sound Development, have fought 200 Amsterdam, which is currently the tallest development in the Upper West Side, since it was first proposed.