One of the biggest would-be developers in Gowanus is still hoping to start construction in advance of the neighborhood’s official rezoning. An executive at Toll Brothers, which is planning to build around 500 units of townhouses, condos and apartments in the area roughly bounded by Bond Street, Carroll Street, 2nd Street and the canal, told us that the firm has been continuing to meet with the city about how our plan conforms to the framework for rezoning Gowanus, because we’d like to get it certified into ULURP. Toll VP David Von Spreckelsen said that one of the main reasons the city released released a preliminary framework for the rezoning was so developers could get plans together that conform to future zoning, since it’s really hard to say how long the rezoning will take to push through. It’s not surprising the company would be looking for more assurance from the city, given that some area residents aren’t exactly sold on the idea of residential development in this location. Von Spreckelsen also confirmed a recent report in the Brooklyn Paper that said several of the company’s planned buildings were 12 stories high, noting that it’s difficult to restrict density when you’re also being asked to provide features like a publicly accessible esplanade and parking. Overall, he said, the people we’ve spoken with have been very positive about our plans. And yet: The whole process has been a much bigger challenge than we anticipated.
Gowanus Groundwork Laid for Toll Brothers in “Subarea B”? [Gowanus Lounge]
A Tall ‘Toll’ on the Gowanus [Brooklyn Paper]
Gowanus Rezoning: Complete Chaos [Brownstoner]