Daniel Squadron, a Democrat running for State Senate in the 25th District, which stretches from Carroll Gardens to Williamsburg, and across the river to Battery Park City and the Lower East Side, has made Brooklyn Bridge Park a key issue in his campaign. Yesterday he laid out his vision for the park, which did not include additional private housing. “Our communities, our borough and our city deserve a real, world-class park with year-round recreation without having our waterfront turned into a de facto backyard for luxury condo towers,” he said. So how to pay for it? City and State dollars that he vows to secure and the hotel, which he supports. (He’s supported by the hotel industry, members of which stood with him yesterday.) His vision also includes parkland designation at the State level; year-round recreation options; a commission on linking Governor’s Island, Hudson and East River Parks and BBP; and “an immediate public 30-day audit of projected costs and revenues, including those expected from the existing development at 360 Furman, the proposed hotel and other potential revenue generation within the park to prevent delay and ensure the park’s operating budget is sustainable,” according to a press release from his office. Folks will be re-evaluating the park later in the week, too. On Friday morning, Project for Public Spaces will hold a workshop on waterfront park planning.
Connor Opponent Contests Plan for Condos in Brooklyn Bridge Park [Brooklyn Daily Eagle]
Kid Talks BBP Plan [Brooklyn Heights Blog]