Jones Changes Construction Plans After Neighbours' Legal Threats

The singer purchased a landmark brownstone building in the Cobble Hill district last January (09) for $4.99 million (£3.1 million).

The building is given legal protection from alteration and destruction because of its 19th-century architecture.

Jones' contractors won permission from local officials last year (09) to add 10 windows to the building's side brick wall to add light into the property.

However, Cobble Hill Association members accused the star of using her celebrity status to sway the decision.

Executives at the organisation threatened to block Jones' plans with a lawsuit, claiming the changes would be a safety hazard as the wall's foundation is weak and can’t support additional windows.

Jones backed down and filed a new planning application last month (09Dec09), reducing construction to seven windows.

President of the Cobble Hill Association Roy Sloane fears the planned work "sets a dangerous precedent" in the historic district, but he is satisfied with Jones' revisions. He says, "Our first choice is to always have neighbours work together and find a compromise."

Officials are expected to issue a new construction permit soon, reports the New York Post.