Claiming New Evidence, Community Group Revives Suit Over View-Blocking Pierhouse
You may have thought the movement to save the view of the Brooklyn Bridge from the Promenade was dead, since the lawsuit over the Pierhouse development was decided in Brooklyn Bridge Park’s favor in June, but community group Save the View Now is hoping to resurrect its case. Last week the organization filed a motion…
You may have thought the movement to save the view of the Brooklyn Bridge from the Promenade was dead, since the lawsuit over the Pierhouse development was decided in Brooklyn Bridge Park’s favor in June, but community group Save the View Now is hoping to resurrect its case. Last week the organization filed a motion to amend its complaint and renew its motion for a preliminary injunction based on what claims is newly discovered evidence that the developer, Toll Brothers and others involved in the project misrepresented the use of the controversial 30-foot bulkhead that blocks the view of the Brooklyn Bridge.
The City, Empire State Development Corp, Toll Brothers and Starwood Capital have always contended that the bulkhead, which exceeds the legally mandated building height of 100 feet but is not counted as part of the building, was needed to house the building’s mechanicals since, in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, they could no longer be located in the basement. Save the View Now says it has uncovered plans that show that the bulkhead will be used for more frivolous purposes than housing mechanicals.
The blueprints “reveal that the bulkhead will contain an enclosed kitchen, food service and preparation areas, an ‘outdoor’ shower, six (6) separate elevators and vestibules which exceed the permitted square footage for vestibules, and a separate room for ‘pool equipment,’” according to a statement released by the group. Also visible on the roof, though not in the bulkhead: “Additional ‘food and bar’ areas, raised decks, awnings and a structured canopy for wedding/ event space.”
Contends the group: “These do not qualify as ‘mechanical equipment,'” and should be removed.
In a strongly worded statement, the group claims that the Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation, “has colluded with the developer to deceive and misinform the Public and the Court and allow them to exceed the plainly worded maximum height limits. Defendants, including the BBPC in particular, have failed the community and breached the trust the public placed in them.”
When Brownstoner asked a spokesperson for the park and developer if the plans show a kitchen or only the mechanicals for a kitchen located elsewhere, Toll Brothers and Starwood Capital Group sent this joint statement:
“In June, a New York State Supreme Court judge ruled that the Pierhouse development is being built in a way that conforms with the approved project plan. We are confident that the court will also find these new claims to be without merit.”
Save the View expects a court date will be set for Thursday, August 6, the group told Brownstoner today.
Save the View Files Motion [Save the View Now]
Save the View Now advocates head back to court over Pierhouse height [Eagle]
Battle Over Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pierhouse Is Still a Thing [Curbed]
Community Group Sues Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pierhouse Developer Over Height, Views [Brownstoner]
Court: Pierhouse, 1 Hotel Can Stay, Height Does Not Break Law [Brownstoner]
Pierhouse Addition Angers Preservationists [Brownstoner]
Pierhouse Coverage [Brownstoner]
Photo by Field Condition; drawing via Save the View Now
Building looks beautiful. Kudos to Toll Brothers.
I agree – and look forward to going to the hotel bar and restaurant. I went to the promenade last night — view of Bridge — other than at the north end where we knew it would be blocked — is just fine. Deal with it people! This is a giant city – we cant protect views! Makes no sense. Your are talking about a city where some people’s windows get bricked up so a building can get put up next door. This is really not a big deal.
Wish they would move on already. NOBODY CARES — other than the people in this group and the folks living at the northern most end of the Promenade.
No, designerbike, if the Toll building was lower, as it should be, people on the promenade would be able to see the entire beautiful span of the bridge. The roadway is not ugly. The way the view is now is like looking at the Mona Lisa with part of the painting blocked out (you’d probably say it’s only her old fashioned, ugly dress, who needs to see the whole painting). And bhinsider I have seen the view many times and I wish that others could see it too, not just the rich in the Toll building. Both of you, designerbike and bhinsider: it does matter and it is a big deal. Having that lovely, iconic, historical view available to ALL New Yorkers is important. That both of you can’t “see” it is really a pity and sad.
Have you ever even been there? The Bridge is in full view other than up at the north end.
People care, just not you, bhinsider, and Arkady. I don’t live in BH but I believe that Pierhouse should be reconstructed so that everyone, not just the rich living in it, can see the glorious historic view of the Brooklyn Bridge from the promenade.
Really, only the rich get beautiful historic views? If that’s the way you think, it’s pretty disgusting and sad.