Yesterday was a big day for residents of Carroll Gardens who have been trying to protect their neighborhood from the construction of out-of-scale buildings. The City Council unanimously approved a zoning text amendment that will limit the height of new construction and additions on several streets in the neighborhood (primarily the “Place” streets). Pardon Me for Asking writes that “After almost a year of meetings, hearings and community outreach efforts, there is finally something written into law that will truly help to protect the historical character of the neighborhood.” The Times’ story on the passage of the amendment, meanwhile, raises questions about whether the new rules will affect the height of 360 Smith Street, aka ‘Oliver House,’ the under-construction condo project that some residents have long been wary of. Oliver House developer William Stein says says he hopes his six-story (plus penthouse) build will be exempt from the amendment, which goes into effect immediately.
City Council Unanimously Says “Yes” To Carroll Gardens [PMFA]
New Limits on Builders in an Area of Brooklyn [NY Times]