Dumbo
February 27, 2008
DNA Throws Its Dumbo Rezoning Plan Into the Ring
Just moments ago at the Dumbo Neighborhood Association meeting, Paul Graziano (who's also president of the Historic Districts Council) presented a more comprehensive and nuanced plan for the rezoning of the neighborhood than is expected from City Planning tomorrow. As reported earlier, City Planning is expected to limit the scope of the rezoning to a ten-block area bounded by York, Bridge and John Streets and the Manhattan Bridge and to apply a single R8A zoning; the DNA's proposal looked at the entire area, from Vinegar Hill up to the Brooklyn Bridge (which is particularly important to those worried about David Walentas' plans for his Dock Street project). The DNA plan uses a combination of manufacturing and residential zones and aims at keeping new buildings contextual in terms of height and density. On the residential side, this translates into a mixture of R6B, R7B, R8A and R8B; these zonings have building height limits of 50 feet, 75 feet, 120 feet and 75 feet respectively. "This plan better protects the area in terms of creating contextual zoning both for historic preservation and new development," said Graziano. The extent to which City Planning takes DNA' recommendations into consideration remains to be seen.
Post-Landmarking, Dumbo Rezoning Talk Begins [Brownstoner]
Post-Landmarking, Dumbo Rezoning Talk Begins
The Department of City Planning is beginning discussions about rezoning Dumbo, according to an article in the Architect's Newspaper. The rezoning push follows LPC’s designation of the neighborhood as a historic district a couple of months ago and the Planning Commission’s vote yesterday to approve that designation (the Council still needs to give its blessing to the new district). It’s unclear exactly what Planning will propose for the rezoning, though a couple of sources told the Architect’s Newspaper that it might be rezoned R8A, which would allow for 10-12 story residential buildings. “It’s looking like they want a high-density residential neighborhood,” said Simeon Bankoff, executive director of the Historic Districts Council. “What will happen to the remaining factories and illegal lofts, we don’t yet know.” The area in question “is generally bounded by Bridge Street to the east, the Manhattan Bridge to the west, John St and the East River to the north, and Front Street to the south,” said a Planning official, and “it aims to preserve the mixed-use character of the neighborhood, allow for residential conversion of existing loft buildings, promote new construction at densities consistent with the built character of the area, and provide incentives and opportunities for affordable housing development in Dumbo.” Councilman David Yassky says “there is a desperate need for rezoning” in the area in order to address issues like affordable housing, the neighborhood’s many illegal loft conversions, and to bring amenities like schools and groceries to Dumbo. This is exactly the news that HK Management has been waiting for at 205 Water Street.
Breaking: City to Rezone Dumbo [Architect's Newspaper]
Dumbo Designated as Landmark District [Brownstoner]
February 25, 2008
Alterations and Addition in 192 Water Street's Future?
When the 27,000-square-foot loft building at 192 Water Street changed hands for $5,700,000, was the impending landmarking of Dumbo factored into the price? The new owners (or, more likely, their architects) are appearing in front of the Landmarks Preservation Commission tomorrow to try to gain approval for some changes to the 1898 Edward Stone building: On their list, a rooftop addition, alteration to the ground floor and the installation of a marquee. Their recent attempts to get approval for some interior demolition in the meantime were rejected and there's currently a Stop Work Order on the property. The area's still zoned for manufacturing but most of the owners are treading water in anticipation of a rezoning to residential.
Agenda 2/26/08 [LPC] GMAP P*Shark DOB
February 21, 2008
Closing Bell: Color Explosion Under the Bridge
Dumbo just got a whole lot more colorful. Earlier today, the artist currently known as Tattfoo mounted a version of his Nature Matching System work on the temporary fencing under the Manhattan Bridge at Front and Adams Street in Dumbo. According to Tattfoo's website, the system was developed "as a reminder to consume your daily recommended doses of color." The colors in the piece are taken from photographs of real fruits and vegetables. The artist also sells a placemat version of the work. Nice!
Nature Matching System Project [Tattfoo] GMAP
February 20, 2008
Wednesday Food & Drink Round-Up
Photo by dumbonyc
Now Open: Marrakesh Express
68 Jay Street, Dumbo, (866) 919-2775
Well, this is confusing. Despite the fact that its namesake city is in Morocco, the new Marrakesh Express restaurant in Dumbo is actually serving Indian and American fare. Their menu includes lamb tikka masala, a chicken cordon bleu sandwich, and saag paneer, but there aren't any tagines or couscous dishes here. Is there another Marrakesh in India, or did they design the awning first and then change their mind about the cuisine they'd be serving? Whatever the case may be, one comment at Dumbo NYC describes their lunch buffet as "pretty yummy."
Now Open: Red Deli
Clinton Street at Verandah Place, Cobble Hill; no phone yet
"This casual delicatessen from chef and restaurateur Charlie Statelman (Wombat, Patois) and partner Matthew Murphy opens next door to their recently revamped Café on Clinton. The mostly takeout spot, which thrived as a deli for the past 20 years under different ownership, will offer house-made charcuterie along with grab-and-go items like fried chicken." [Time Out New York]
Closed: Cocotte
337 5th Avenue at 4th Street, Park Slope
"The French restaurant, while marginal on the grander scheme of New York dining, did seem to have a faithful brunch following and more than a few fans of its 'farmhouse vibe.' But nevertheless, place has closed for reasons undisclosed." [Eater]
After the jump: Clinton Hill Blog wonders how Restaurant New Orleans stays open, out-of-borough wines wear Brooklyn labels, and Chowhounders discuss the best butchers in Brooklyn...
February 15, 2008
Closing Bell: Dumbo Goes Green
Per Metro, Dumbo is the first neighborhood in the city to sport recycling bins on its sidewalks. The initiative is part of the Dumbo BID's drive to make the neighborhood environmentally friendly; other aspects of the greenification include the instillation of 35 new bicycle racks, convincing restaurants to recycle cooking oil, and distributing canvas shopping bags and compact florescent light bulbs.
Green Dreams Around City [Metro]
February 13, 2008
Streetlevel: New Photo Gallery for Dumbo
Shutterbugs, take note: A new photo gallery and agency called VII is in the process of being built out in the corner retail space at 28 Jay Street in Dumbo. The agency should be installed in plenty of time for the New York Photo Festival that's being held in Dumbo in May.
Dumbo Becoming Next Photo District [Dumbo NYC] GMAP
February 12, 2008
Dumbo Getting Its Own Green Market
We'd heard mutterings about a possible green market in Dumbo, but just got confirmation yesterday that one will indeed launch in June. The market will take place on Sundays at the corner of Main and Plymouth streets at the entrance to Brooklyn Bridge Park, according to a well-placed sourced. The first season will run through a November. Score. GMAP