Early-Stage Development Feasibility

Samuel Kostinboi

Development Analyst

Samuel Kostinboi

Development Analyst

Samuel Kostinboi

Development Analyst

Early-stage development analysis across New York City, with an emphasis on zoning feasibility, contextual controls, and disciplined site screening. The objective is to determine what can realistically be built by identifying regulatory, physical, and contextual constraints early.

This site is not a portfolio of finished projects. It documents early-stage screening decisions before capital, time, and complexity are committed.

View Framework

Screening Cases

This section documents real NYC sites evaluated at the screening stage — where zoning, envelope, and site constraints drive early proceed / proceed-with-risk / stop decisions.

Manhattan

Collapsed Envelope Site — R8B

Stop

Residual as-of-right FAR is present, but R8B bulk controls eliminate a viable buildable envelope at the screening stage.

Manhattan

Underbuilt Corner Site — R7-2

Proceed with Risk

Early-stage zoning screening confirms as-of-right feasibility and identifies unused development capacity.

Queens

Underbuilt Zero Lot Line Site — R5B

Proceed

Two-family residential site in R5B with conforming existing conditions and underbuilt FAR; no zoning barriers identified at the screening stage.

Manhattan

Collapsed Envelope Site — R8B

Stop

Residual as-of-right FAR is present, but R8B bulk controls eliminate a viable buildable envelope at the screening stage.

Manhattan

Underbuilt Corner Site — R7-2

Proceed with Risk

Early-stage zoning screening confirms as-of-right feasibility and identifies unused development capacity.

Manhattan

Collapsed Envelope Site — R8B

Stop

Residual as-of-right FAR is present, but R8B bulk controls eliminate a viable buildable envelope at the screening stage.

View Cases

Development Pipeline

A risk-first development pipeline that filters sites through successive feasibility gates—from zoning viability to execution readiness. Most value is created by stopping early.

Each stage represents a feasibility gate. Progression is earned, not assumed.

Screening

Massing

Underwriting

Due Diligence

Entitlement

Execution Readiness

View Pipeline

Memos

Short analytical notes capturing recurring zoning patterns, decision logic, and early-stage development observations.

Screening Outcomes: Proceed, Proceed with Risk, or Stop

Read Time:

3-4 min

Screening produces a decision outcome—not feasibility. Every site should exit screening as proceed, proceed with risk, or stop.

Screening Outcomes: Proceed, Proceed with Risk, or Stop

Read Time:

3-4 min

Screening produces a decision outcome—not feasibility. Every site should exit screening as proceed, proceed with risk, or stop.

Screening Outcomes: Proceed, Proceed with Risk, or Stop

Read Time:

3-4 min

Screening produces a decision outcome—not feasibility. Every site should exit screening as proceed, proceed with risk, or stop.

What Screening Is — and What It Is Not

Read Time:

4-5 min

Screening is a decision filter, not a design exercise. Its role is to determine whether deeper analysis is justified — not to optimize around unresolved constraints.

What Screening Is — and What It Is Not

Read Time:

4-5 min

Screening is a decision filter, not a design exercise. Its role is to determine whether deeper analysis is justified — not to optimize around unresolved constraints.

What Screening Is — and What It Is Not

Read Time:

4-5 min

Screening is a decision filter, not a design exercise. Its role is to determine whether deeper analysis is justified — not to optimize around unresolved constraints.

View Memos

Tools & Systems

Infrastructure supporting consistent early-stage development evaluation.

View Tools & Systems