Glassy Tower Planned for PLG

The connecting building on Flatbush Ave. has already come down and it looks as if they will now start removing the Lincoln Road building through the space on Flatbush Ave.
It's been a long time coming but any structure will be better than what we have had to endure for the last eight ten years of a dilapidated rat infested structure.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 9:27 AM

Queue up the hysterical responses:

It's too big.

It's too tall.

It's out of context.

It has no affordable housing.

It's ugly.

It's glassy.

It doesn't respect the neighborhood's architecture.

It will accelerate gentrification, displace locals, and reduce "diversity".

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 9:28 AM

Anything is better than what is there now!

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 9:37 AM

How can they build a 20 story tower? Does the zoning allow it?

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 10:02 AM

you try to pre-empt the valid responses by calling them hysterical, but we all know they are reasonable responses. try again.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 10:13 AM

Too ugly and too late.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 10:41 AM

No, it's all right. This is PLG, where the *good* gentrifiers live, not Park Slope or Carroll Gardens. So this building and its residents are to be welcomed.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 10:45 AM

One of the most striking things about Central Park is the border of unique high rises surrounding it on all sides. The contrast between green leafy trees and glassy buildings really helps to emphasize what a haven Central Park is.

I have hopes that, excepting brownstone/limestone townhouse neighborhoods, Prospect Park will one day have similar views from within.

You live in a major world city, Brooklynites, one of the top five, in fact. If you want an unobstructed skyline and no progress, move to the suburbs. New York--and yes, even Brooklyn--will continue to grow whether you like it or not. You can adapt to these changes, or whine bitterly on a blog that few people will ever read.

Your choice.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 10:47 AM

I live in the neighborhood and think it's a great development. What PLG most lacks is services, and this should help bring them. The one-family covenant historic district in lefferts manor is a treasure, but it doesn't provide for enough density for the neighborhood to attract new services. we need more density and more diversity of services. Next, they should tear down the Wendy's and the McDonald's on empire and build hi-rises there.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 10:52 AM

it would be a great development for the neighborhood, but it seems unlikely that this kind of project would be able to get financing these days..

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 11:06 AM

glad its on the bad side of the park.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 11:41 AM

Can someone please tell me the exactly location of this lot? According to Google Map, it is not on the part side. But it looks like it is in the rendering. Thanks.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 11:49 AM

Looks good.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 12:02 PM

Way to put PLG on the map!

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 12:15 PM

That side of the park is bad why? Because that's where the zoo is, or is it because of that noisy carousel?

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 12:28 PM

It pains me that a cool, unassuming nabe like PLG has to have this piece of sh*t rammed down its throat. What a bummer. Truly a shame. Also sad is the fact that this will 'uglify' the view from the park. It's lose/lose all around.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 12:40 PM

"You live in a major world city, Brooklynites, one of the top five, in fact. If you want an unobstructed skyline and no progress, move to the suburbs."

Here's a better idea-- why don't you move to Manhattan? If you're so enamored with the glittery, glassy skyscrapers of Manhattan and how they complement Central Park, then GO LIVE THERE. YOU MOVE.

Keep in mind that my reaction has nothing to do with this project per se, it has to do with your sheer arrogance and contempt for locals who have lived here for several generations. Where do you get off dictating to Brooklynnites how they should feel about how their borough should develop, you obvious Transplant?

Your condescending, patronizing attitude is the embodiment of everything that people in the outer boroughs detest about Transplants and Manhattannites in particular. It's precisely WHY so many of us Brooklynnites don't want your glass Sim City 4 style buildings in our borough.We don't want them here because we don't want YOU here. We don't want people who disrespect local culture, history, and the natives who made this borough. We don't want snobs, arrogant jerks, and people who literally can't stand the thought of existing in a world of quiet tree-lined streets or ethnic and working class neighborhoods because it makes 'em feel so "icky."

So I repeat: if YOU like the look of Manhattan, then move to Manhattan. Go out there in live amongst the glitter and gloss, devoid of any sense of community or local color.

The choice is yours.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 12:51 PM

I predict this project to get cancelled. The recession/greater depression will have none of it. Sure fire loss.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 12:52 PM

Too n

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 1:06 PM

"It's precisely WHY so many of us Brooklynnites don't want your glass Sim City 4 style buildings in our borough.We don't want them here because we don't want YOU here."

The transplants are here to stay, 12:51. Your unwelcoming posturing doesn't phase them at all. Like I said, you can either adapt or be left behind. But New York is a city of constant evolution, and inevitably there will be NIMBY's like you who wish you could live in a time capsule.

Thanks for assuming I'm a transplant, by the way. It really highlights your provincial attitude.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 1:09 PM

Ain't gonna happen. Maybe in the next bubble.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 1:10 PM

Already financed, 1:10.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 1:13 PM

Yes. And financing NEVER evaporates.

Has an expected completion date been announced for this pipedream?

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 1:25 PM

I like the look of this structure. A lot.

But it is so great that in 15 minutes walking distance from my front door I can be somewhere in the middle of the Prospect Park and it will look like city is so far away.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 1:32 PM

"It's precisely WHY so many of us Brooklynnites don't want your glass Sim City 4 style buildings in our borough."

Did you take a count? Because those who want no improvements and new developments whatsoever in Brooklyn are a minority. It's not just newly transplanted residents who welcome improvements, not by a long shot. Just because your buddies agree with you doesn't mean you hold a majority opinion.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 1:39 PM

Move to a farm, 12:51 if you hate people so much you don't want any more to be allowed to move into NYC. You're very misanthropic.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 1:43 PM

Come on 12:28 we discussed this a zillion times.... please stop bringing up the zoo and crousel.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 1:46 PM

Something is screwy here. The architect is quoted as saying that the new development won't be an eyesore. Yet the photo is of quite a glaring example of...well, an eyesore.

I think the Sun picked up the wrong picture or something. This doesn't make sense. No one would want this monstrosity in their neighborhood, not even the most ardent proponent of development.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 2:07 PM

2:07 I completely understand when some people don't like all-glass buildings, but you don't say much really. It's better than a blocky design. I think the segmented aspect to it avoids that kind of visually heavy appearance. And I like the two colors of glass. I actually live here and am one of those who will have to look at it and I like it a lot. There's more things to say in an intelligent conversation about architecture than "DOWN WITH EVERYTHING MODERN" blah blah. Which is so boring. If you don't like the building's design say exactly why. Otherwise you just sound like a hater in general.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 2:20 PM

12:51 -

When you speak of the "natives" of Brooklyn are you referring to the Iroquois or Dutch?

Btw what in the heck is "Local Brooklyn Culture"?

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 2:24 PM

brooklyn sux

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 2:38 PM

For people like 12:51, "local Brooklyn culture" doesn't mean everyone in multi-cultural Brooklyn. He's talking about his one demographic and mindset. Which is of course NOT representative of "local Brooklyn culture" and therefore he should not get to define what is authentically Brooklyn. Everyone who comes here becomes Brooklyn. That's the concept of this whole country.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 2:51 PM

If everybody lived in a tall glass building the world would be a much better place!

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 2:57 PM

does anyone know the life expectancy of a brownstone building?

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 3:10 PM

I'm with you 2:07. I think a mistake has been made here. The building in the drawing can't possibly be the one they're proposing for PLG. I'll bet the PLG bldg is much nicer.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 3:14 PM

yeah mon! the plg building would have a nice roti shop included.
What the blod clot is this fuckery?

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 3:23 PM

I hope it's a mistake. If they build this pile of crap in PLG it would blow big time. If they want to build something this fugly, why does it have to be in MY nabe? Good grief!

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 3:28 PM

I don't think that rendering is meant to be exactly representational of the proposed building. The shape and orientation of the building relative to Flatbush/Lincoln, the subway tracks and the park don't make sense. Based on the architect's website, though, it looks like a representation of the type of building that they do.

I don't hate it.

-Charles
http://hawthornestreet.com

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 3:41 PM

Jeez how many times can that one guy post over and over again in an attempt to start a flame war and increase hits on the Brownstoner site?

Who is he, an advertiser looking to get his dollar's worth?

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 3:55 PM

This is so depressing. Some of you might not care, but I actually live in PLG and, in fact, not far from this location. Crap!

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 3:56 PM

My guess is that this developer has taken a page from Ratner's playbook. He's paying some flunky to post here and talk up his "creation."

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 4:00 PM

This is so depressing. Some of you might not care, but I actually live in PLG and, in fact, not far from this location. Crap!

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 4:01 PM

I live in PLG and based on the discussions going on for weeks in PLG on our yahoo groups and in private, it is not only the developer who is praising this building. This is certainly a preservationist-committed community but most are glad to see something done with this site and are very glad it's not a Fedders special.

So you're very wrong 4pm with your little speculation there. There have been several completely different people posting here today praising this development.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 4:17 PM

I like it. Looks good to me.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 4:17 PM

The building sucks...REALLY sucks. It's not in my neighborhood, but I sympathize with those who'll be plagued by this...thing.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 4:29 PM

1:09- "Thanks for assuming I'm a transplant, by the way. It really highlights your provincial attitude."

No it doesn't. I'm as American as they come, but if I started saying inflammatory stuff like, "Americans are so dumb compared to other countries," people would be RIGHT to assume that I was an anti-American foreigner. That's not a reflection of "provincialism", that's people coming to a conclusion about my nationality, because I talk in the tone and language of someone from another country who harbors a grudge against Americans.

So rather than make a snide remark about my so-called provincialism, try to pay attention to how you're coming across. You SOUND like a typical Manhattanite/ Transplant. A native wouldn't tell natives to "move or adapt;" and he wouldn't talk to each other in the condescending, detached informal manner that you have. Being local, this local would also understand why the "unobstructed skyline" is very important to Brooklynnites, evne if he didn't necessarily agree with them.

BTW, you really need to stop throwing the word "NIMBY" around like you understand it. You sound like an idiot. A NIMBY is a person who welcomes the development of certain controversial projects (such as shelters, group homes, factories, prisons, etc.), as long as it's not built near him. The term was coined back in the '80s when there was a phenomenon of people protesting the development of shelters and other rehabilitation centers that they feared would bring vagrants and crime to their neighborhood.

The point of that label was to highlight a hypocrisy of those who normally wouldn't object to these projects had they been built in another neighborhood.

How on earth such a specific word has become a catchall term or insult for ANYONE who has a criticism of certain projects is beyond me. At any rate, your misuse of the term-- as well as all the others who frequent Brownstoner-- is a sign of intellectual laziness.

BTW, you want to talk about posturing: your entire "adapt or be left behind" statement is the EPITOME of posturing. You have not ONE CLUE about where the future of this borough will lie. Yet you talk about as if you knew, as if you had a crystal ball. You don't. It's why I don't feel the need to follow your arrogant advice to "adapt or risk being left behind"-- and why Brooklynnites shouldn't, either. Because you don't know what you're talking about, no matter how much your cockiness tells you otherwise.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 4:29 PM

4:17 = 3:41 and probably half a dozen others

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 4:31 PM

Who the F. cares and why does it matter if someone is a native or a transplant??

This is a global city full of migrants both international and domestic and they are constantly streaming in. Deal with it.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 4:38 PM

Wrong 4:31. Please give it up.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 4:39 PM

Son, we live in a borough that has tree lined brownstown blocks and quaint ethnic neighborhoods, and this borough has to be guarded. Who's gonna do it? You? You, 4:17? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for Trader Joes to come, and you curse the lack of Apple stores. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know -- that Brooklyn once had a singular character that is on the brink of being forever lost; and my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, is what prevents brooklyn from becoming another Manhattan. You don't want the truth because deep down in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on Brownstoner -- you need me on Brownstoner.

We use words like "honor," "code," "loyalty," "transplants." We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps in the very quaint and quirky borough that I provide and then questions the manner in which I provide it.

I would rather that you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you start criticizing "transplants" from Manhattan like I do. Either way, I don't give a DAMN what you think you're entitled to!

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 5:09 PM

There is a way to get this building to go away. And I am going to make sure that happens. Not going to s-p-e-l-l it out for the developers on here how I will do it. But suffice it to say that community activists like myself have gotten rid of other bad plans to build tall buildings that will ruin major aspects of Prospect Park and they were thwarted. And you will be too. Too bad the neighors of this building in PLG are so consumed with trying to improve the city's perception of their neighborhood that they would encourage a developer to ruin parts of the park in order to try to make an extra buck when they sell their property. Selfless they aint. But at least they are open and honest about their greed in promoting their neighborhood at the detraction of other beautiful aspects of the park and other neighborhoods.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 5:32 PM

It's time for your medication, 5:32.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 5:52 PM

"Son, we live in a borough that has tree lined brownstown blocks and quaint ethnic neighborhoods, and this borough has to be guarded. Who's gonna do it? You? You, 4:17?"

Huh?? I'm 4:17. I just said I liked the design, and I do. That's all. Don't try telling a brother about ethnic neighborhoods, OK? I'm FROM an ethnic neighborhood. Go on your little mission another time. I'm born and raised here, and own a home in Brooklyn, so I have just as much interest as you in what it looks like. I just don't happen to agree with your viewpoint. So cry your little river to someone else and grow the hell up.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 5:55 PM

5:32, if you're so powerful a community activist that you can stop developments in their tracks, why is the new Meier building visible the entire length of the Long Meadow? Why didn't you stop that? No offense, but those developers have a lot more time, money, and resources than any community group.

And as for all this garbage about transplants and natives, and how the natives want to preserve the "authentic" brooklyn, who do you think is leading the DDDB effort? Transplants. ANd who wants Atlantic Yards the most, and the jobs it will bring? A lot of people who grew up in brooklyn and saw it through its worst times, and are excited for change.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 6:00 PM

It looks great to me . . . and I live around the corner.
Next up, the Phat Alberts warehouse!

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 6:23 PM

4:17 - I was only kidding. Didn't mean any offense. I was quoting a passage from a movie ("A Few Good Men") that I was reminded of when I read some of the prior posts. I completely agree with your comment above.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 6:37 PM

"And as for all this garbage about transplants and natives, and how the natives want to preserve the "authentic" brooklyn, who do you think is leading the DDDB effort? Transplants. ANd who wants Atlantic Yards the most, and the jobs it will bring? A lot of people who grew up in brooklyn and saw it through its worst times, and are excited for change."

Don't ruin the fantasy, 6:00. Certain "Brooklynnites" want to believe they speak for everyone.

Enjoy your quaint little Brooklyn while it lasts, 4:29. The rest of the world will gladly develop around you. The tree-lined streets will remain, but that doesn't mean you'll live there.

And by the way, I'm sure you'd object to new schools, police stations, firehouses, and health clinics in your neighborhood. Sure you would, NIMBY.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 6:56 PM

Don't worry folks, this eyesore ain't getting built any time soon. To quote Gang of Four, "Capital, it fails us now."

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 9:01 PM

Hey dumbfuck NIMBYs, in case you haven't noticed there is a shortage of housing in this city. Not all of us can afford to live in a Park Slope brownstone but would still like our own little piece of the pie. What exactly do you propose as a better solution to house the expected population growth over the next 20 years? You would bitch and moan just the same if they built this thing out of limestone.

You all whine about contextual development but what is the other option now? Building for density is the only option left. Would you like all the new development to be moved out to Far Rockaway so you can maintain your precious brownstone neighborhood? I don't care if you have lived in NY for one year or an entire liftime, if you live here you are a New Yorker and whatever is built here is also part of New york's character. Stop trying to turn this city into a museum and accept that people want to move here and will need places to be housed.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 9:23 PM

Well said, 9:23. You can always tell someone's a NIMBY when they deny being a NIMBY!

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 10:58 PM

i am all for development, but as i live 3 blocks from the location, i am disturbed by the rendering of that building. the neighborhood is known for its charming homes and i feel that building does not reflect (pun intended) any of the characteristics of the neighborhood.

Michelle

Posted by: guest at March 7, 2008 10:50 AM

There are no charming homes on Flatbush.

Posted by: guest at March 7, 2008 2:32 PM

Not only do some of us find charm and even elegance in some of the homes on Flatbush, including those in the block between Lincoln and the construction, but the comment referred to the character of the neighborhood--and few could deny the charm of in that!

Posted by: guest at March 10, 2008 10:43 AM

Seriously, what kind of new buildings DO you people like? Would you prefer to have the rat hole that was 27 Lincoln Road remain a rat hole?

This building looks SO MICH NICER than any of the nasty Fedders crap that's going up on all the streets outside Lefferts Manor. But I guess because nobody gives a shit about anything outside their little bubble, those areas don't matter because you don't see them.

Posted by: guest at March 10, 2008 4:55 PM

THIS IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF WHY THIS COUNTRY IS WHITE, WICKEDLY GREEDY & VERY MUCH RACIST!!!!

Posted by: guest at May 1, 2008 11:18 AM

It was coming sooner or later. I would like to see something replace Phat Alberts. Not a whole foods, but maybe something along the lines of the downtown Philadelphia Market. Renovate and restore the building---it is beautiful--and make a daily farmers market type building with butchers, fisherman, and farmers. Sadly it won't happen but one can hope for change.

Posted by: guest at May 5, 2008 9:11 PM

I'm a life long Brooklynite and I welcome development. Why? Let's face it folks, it's all about finance. The nabes with wealthier residents get more/better services. It sux but it's the truth. Have you compared the differences in the subway stations/service between Brooklyn and Manhattan? Have you seen any Brooklyn stations with A/C like you find on several Manhattan stops? We're lucky to have our stations cleaned of all the urine and get painted once every 30 years!
What about the crime? There are beautiful neighborhoods in Brooklyn that I won't drive through because of the crime. Crown Heights used to be an affluent neighborhood when it was built. Now, it's a crime infested sh!t hole. I would welcome developers coming in. Allowing neighborhoods to exist as crime zones such as Crown Heights is a shame. Look at Fort Green. Years ago you would have to worry about getting shot, now, there are million dollar homes.

Posted by: guest at June 25, 2008 11:07 AM