Builder to replace two homes with 95

A developer with property throughout Riverdale plans to build two eight-story apartment buildings near the David A. Stein Riverdale/Kingsbridge Academy (RKA) on lots that long contained one-family homes.

Abraham Strulovitch recently received permits from the city’s Department of Buildings to begin construction on a 68-unit complex at 3707 Blackstone Ave. and a 27-unit building just down the street, at 640 W. 238th St. A one-story parking garage on the Blackstone Ave. lot will be demolished so a two-story subterranean garage can be built under the property.

Mr. Strulovitch, who could not be reached for this article, has maintained a low profile since news of his plans emerged earlier this year. Last month, he skipped a Community Board (CB) 8 Land Use Committee meeting that had 3707 Blackstone Ave. on the agenda.

“I’m not sure they’re trying to make some publicity about these buildings,” said Moshe Rubinstein, a supervisor working for Mr. Strulovitch at 2727 Henry Hudson Parkway in Riverdale, where the developer plans to finish construction on a 56-unit apartment building in about two months.

Land Use Committee chairman Chuck Moerdler gave a preview of the objections Mr. Strulovitch is likely to face if he seeks tax breaks for his properties near RKA.

“It’s a serious problem because it’s another example of less and less green… and more and more concrete,” said Mr. Moerdler. “That’s not what any community should be all about.”

Mr. Rubinstein said the two buildings on Blackstone Ave. would be similar to the one under construction at 2727 Henry Hudson Parkway. They will feature high-end, two- or three-bedroom apartments with amenities like gyms and a doorman. All three buildings are designed by Shahriar Afshari, a Professional Engineer.

“They’re not trying to find people from this area,” said Mr. Rubinstein. “They’re trying to find people from avenues in Manhattan. Their house is too big, their rent is too much — they come to Riverdale and they have bigger houses.”

Mr. Rubinstein said he will likely be the supervisor for construction on the new buildings and subterranean parking garage. He confirmed that Mr. Strulovitch owns several other lots north of West 238th St., although he declined to specify the addresses. 

“He was thinking, with all of these condos and these co-ops, there’s no rentals available,” said Mr. Rubinstein, who added that designs had not been finalized for the other lots. “He wants to put in rentals.”

Mr. Afshari, the architect, did not respond to numerous requests for interviews and messages left at his office.