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May 29, 2008

De Blasio Slams 'Hot Sheet' Gowanus Hotel Boom

gowanus-hotels-butler-pres-05-2008.jpg
Councilmember Bill de Blasio isn't seeing much good in the hundreds of hotel rooms developers are building in Gowanus. Early this evening, before the Department of City Planning presents its framework for rezoning the largely industrial neighborhood, de Blasio is going to hold a press conference asking DCP to ban the further development of hotels in areas of Gowanus that will still be zoned for manufacturing use. A press release (full copy on jump) sent out by the councilmember's office says the following: "de Blasio is calling on City Planning to ban hotels for several reasons: in predominately manufacturing areas, hotels will likely push out existing manufacturing uses, in areas that are predominately residential, hotel uses are disruptive because hotels are 24/7, often with taxis or cars idling outside, and while we are in the midst of a hotel boom, at some point that will taper off and some of these hotels will not make it or even worse, will turn into "hot sheet" motels in order to stay afloat." According to a spokesperson for City Planning, the department is probably not mulling a measure that would ban hotel construction outright in manufacturing zones. "The hotel industry is an important industry for the city, one that provides employment opportunities for city residents and supports additional employment opportunities in economic sectors supported by tourism," said DCP spokesperson Jennifer Torres in an e-mail. "That being said, we are carefully examining areas in which mixed-use zoning might be appropriate so that there is a greater range of development choices, including residential, hotels, light industrial, related office uses and retail." Of late, there's been marked progress on two of the area's hotel sites: Demolition of warehouses on 3rd and President is almost complete, clearing the way for the construction of a 9-story, 134-room Fairfield Inn. A few blocks south, meanwhile, a crew continues to go gangbusters on the future hotel at the corner of President Street and 3rd Ave. Latest DOB filings on this one say it's going to have 57 rooms.
Plan for 3rd Ave Hotel Brings Gowanus Total to 7 [Brownstoner]
Gowanus Rezoning on the Horizon [Brownstoner]
Developer Plans Two Hotels on One Gowanus Block [Brownstoner]

Councilmember de Blasio to Call on City Planning to Ban Hotels in Gowanus Rezoning


Carroll Gardens—Councilmember Bill de Blasio will join community leaders at a press conference today calling on the Department of City Planning to ban the development of hotels in the rezoning of the Gowanus. De Blasio will make the announcement immediately prior to the City Planning Commission's presentation of their latest version of the Gowanus Canal rezoning.

Councilmember de Blasio is calling on City Planning to ban hotels for several reasons: in predominately manufacturing areas, hotels will likely push out existing manufacturing uses, in areas that are predominately residential, hotel uses are disruptive because hotels are 24/7, often with taxis or cars idling outside, and while we are in the midst of a hotel boom, at some point that will taper off and some of these hotels will not make it or even worse, will turn into "hot sheet" motels in order to stay afloat.

###

Who: Councilmember de Blasio, community leaders, local elected officials and others.

When: 5pm—Thursday, May 29, 2008

Where: 372 Hoyt Street (Outside of P.S. 32 in Brooklyn)—between 2nd& 3rd Street.

** Take the F Train and get off at Carroll Street- exit near intersection of 2nd St and Smith Street. Head East on 2nd St towards Hoyt St.




Posted by Gabby at 8:50 AM | Comments (22)
Categories: Gowanus, Hotels

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Comments

that top picture reminds my of Edward Hopper's NYC paintings.

Posted by: guest at May 29, 2008 9:13 AM

These hotels are right down 4th avenue from what may be the biggest construction site in Brooklyn for the next decade or so. They will be filled every night with contractors, architects, construction managers, etc. No risk of them turning into "hot sheet" hotels. And after the work is done- the hotels will be serving the convention crowds that come to visit the Barclay Center. If I had the cash I would build a hotel there too.

Posted by: guest at May 29, 2008 9:17 AM

what does "hot sheet" mean?

Posted by: guest at May 29, 2008 9:38 AM

does Bill de Blasio not have any family or friends from out of state? have you ever tried getting a hotel in brooklyn? it's near impossible. and does he have no idea about economics? manufacturing is not the future. we can not compete with china and india. we do not need more factories.

Posted by: guest at May 29, 2008 9:38 AM

9:17am I agree. No way these are going to turn int "hot sheet" hotels. If things got really bad, they'll claim hardship and can convert to condos or rentals.

Posted by: guest at May 29, 2008 9:40 AM

So hotels are bad in manufacturing districts because they'll displace businesses, and bad in residential areas, because they're disruptive.

That doesn't leave many options, does it? Especially since, with the exception of C7(amusement parks) and C8 (auto repair), all commercial districts permit residences.

I generally like DeBlasio, but this is one of his sillier endeavors.

Posted by: Flatbushwhacker at May 29, 2008 9:48 AM

no, if not used, they won't be condos, but the city will pay the owners lots of money to house homeless families.

that's not a comment on the right of homeless to not have shelter - you know, there but for the grace of...etc. just stating it as a more likely outcome than condos if hotels don't take off. which I think they will, actually, as hotels.

Posted by: guest at May 29, 2008 9:57 AM

Isn't it "hot pillow joints?" Anyway, we got bigger fish to fry...and retarding development like this in some very underutilized areas is stupid even for a Brooklyn pol.

Posted by: guest at May 29, 2008 10:10 AM

A lot of people are alarmed at the sheer number of ticky-tacky motels going up. Don't you think Bill is trying to score points with them as he prepares to run for Higher Office?

Posted by: guest at May 29, 2008 10:11 AM

10:11 - Bill Diblasio pandering for votes - how could you darte say something like that!!!!

Just because he changed his name from Warren Wilhelm to Bill Diblasio simply to improve his political chances doesnt mean that he is willing to do anything, say anything or be anything to be elected ---- it just seems that way

Posted by: guest at May 29, 2008 10:29 AM

Is 3rd and president really "a few blocks away" from President and 3rd???????????

Posted by: guest at May 29, 2008 10:49 AM

The story I heard is that DeBlasio is his mother's name, and Warren whatever is the name of his father, who abandoned the family when Bill was very young. So Bill rightfully said fuck the old man, and his name.

Posted by: Flatbushwhacker at May 29, 2008 10:50 AM

They might not be thr Four Seasons, but Comfort Inn, Hotel Le Bleu, Holiday Inn Express and Fairfield Inn are not "ticky tacky"

They are great places to have nearby. I've had many friends/family stay in the Holiday Inn and a couple at Hotel Le Bleu and everyone was fine with their stay...it's the closest they can stay to me in Park Slope...

Posted by: guest at May 29, 2008 11:05 AM

Hot sheet- as in high turnover (the sheets are still hot when you lie down)- as in- a hotel used by prostitutes

Posted by: guest at May 29, 2008 11:12 AM

9:57,

I agree re the homeless accommodation likelihood. If The What is right there'll be a whole bunch of folks needing a place to live.

Posted by: guest at May 29, 2008 12:30 PM

Flatbushwaker- the story you heard is wrong - De Blasio's father was a ww2 hero and remained married to his wife till he died.

Face it Bill is just a political hack of the worst kind.

Posted by: guest at May 29, 2008 12:31 PM


What exactly is wrong with "hot sheet" hotels, anyway? They keep the hookers and johns off the street.

Posted by: guest at May 29, 2008 12:33 PM

12:33 - it isnt the prostitutes and johns that gets people upset - it is the stroller moms who use their "me" time for a quickie with the dog walker that has everyone upset.

Posted by: guest at May 29, 2008 12:43 PM

I believe in De Blasio's insights. No one else knows hot sheets like politicians.

Posted by: guest at May 29, 2008 1:25 PM

Ironic that this area was a notorious hooker stroll throughout the 1990s and early 00's. I think there's still some action there at the right times.

Posted by: guest at May 29, 2008 2:18 PM

The Hookers that you could/can get in Gowanus aren't the type you need or want to take to a hotel room. When your getting a $15BJ from an HIV positive drug addict - reclining the front seat of your car is generally more than enough

Posted by: guest at May 29, 2008 2:30 PM

"Demolition of warehouses on 3rd and President is almost complete, clearing the way for the construction of a 9-story, 134-room Fairfield Inn. "


This is a total drag for us owners ( 3 in total) that live across the street from this coming monstrosity. 9 stories is 2X the height of anything on the block and will obliterate any of the Northern light we were once getting. I'm bummed even if it does increase my property value.

Posted by: owner12 at May 29, 2008 3:35 PM

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