An idea for the skinniest building on the Upper West Side is causing the biggest ruckus.
A long-stymied plan to build a 20-foot-wide, 17-story “sliver building” on West 86th Street was given the green light last month by the city Board of Standards and Appeals — but elected officials and city agencies are fighting to kill a structure they say is too out of character with the neighborhood.
Developer Robert Ricciardelli purchased a 100-year-old brownstone between Riverside Drive and West End Avenue for $2.25 million in 2001.
Now he wants to tear it down and construct a modern, brick-and-glass condominium.
Last year, the city Buildings Department objected to the height of the structure, contending that the new building could not be taller than neighboring row houses. The Department of Housing also objects to the tower.