Resident Files Suit Seeking Environmental Review

NEW YORK CITY-In an action intended to force the developer of the proposed “Columbus Village” to comply with land use regulations and respond to community interests, area resident Paul Bunten filed suit Friday in New York State Supreme Court. The suit was filed against the New York City Department of Buildings and 11 other defendants, plus 20 “John Doe” defendants, which are expected to be named at a later date.

Columbus Village is a commercial and residential development being built amid the affordable housing complex, Park West Village, owned by PWV Acquisitions. The proposed development plans for more than 320,000 sf of retail space, an underground parking garage and five residential towers.

The complaint, styled Bunten v. DOB et al, requests that the Court compel the DOB to perform its administrative duty to enforce New York City zoning provisions, so that the citizens of the community can participate in a public review process to protect the character of their community and their environmental rights. The suit asks for an injunction to stop construction, pending review of the zoning violations and all environmental issues.