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Burg Downzone in the Works
City Planning is moving forward with a zoning amendment to a 13-block chunk of Williamsburg that was left out of the area’s 2005 rezoning. The amendment will change Grand Street’s zoning between Berry and the BQE from R6 (sky’s the limit) to R6B (max height=50 feet). The city’s been working on the tweak for a while now, and Curbed’s been reporting on how developers have been trying to “beat the downzone by planning high-rises. The proposal still needs to be OK’d by CB1, the Planning Commission and the City Council.
Grand Street Rezoning [nyc.gov]
City Planning Approves Williamsburg Zoning Amendment [Brooklyn Eagle]
New Williamsburg Tall Building Smackdown Coming [Curbed]
Map from nyc.gov.
12/21/2007 9:00 AM
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Not Too Late For AY to Go Through ULURP?
Although Dan Doctoroff signed an agreement with the state and Forest City Ratner in ’05 that allowed the developer to sidestep ULURP for Atlantic Yards, thus substantially weakening the community’s say in the mega-project, the outgoing deputy mayor is now singing a different tune. If it happened again, and the state were to ask if I would encourage them to take Atlantic Yards through the ULURP process, I would say yes, Doctoroff tells the Observer in an interview. But is it really too late for Atlantic Yards to go through the public-review planning process? In a press release, Develop Don’t Destroy spokesman Daniel Goldstein argues that it’s not. As the project has not begun construction—and can’t while it faces two court challenges—Mayor Bloomberg can get it right and send the development of the Vanderbilt Yards through ULURP; it’s what his soon-to-be former, highly praised and trusted right hand man thinks is appropriate,” says Goldstein. We agree: Better late than never for Brooklyn’s largest development, a project that is going to receive substantial public financing and forever alter the borough.
Doctoroff Looks Back on Atlantic Yards [NY Observer]
Doctoroff: Atlantic Yards Should Have Gone Through ULURP [DDDB]
Photo by pencer T. Tucker for nyc.gov.
12/12/2007 10:33 AM
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Brooklyn Bridge Park: Your Input, Please
Hot on the heels of news that progress on Brooklyn Bridge Park hasn’t exactly been moving quickly comes an email from the park’s conservancy about welcoming public input for the $150 million park’s future uses and programming. The conservancy is holding a meeting next Monday aimed at soliciting recommendations for the types of facilities, infrastructure and events the park should have, which it says is part of a year-long effort to develop a strategic plan for the site. “Brooklyn Bridge Park will be a regional park,” says BBP conservancy prez Marianna Koval, “not simply a spectacular front yard to the adjoining neighborhoods. How do we learn lessons from other urban parks and create a welcoming, active space with broad appeal, but also allow for passive enjoyment? It will no doubt be about balance.” No doubt. Suggestions for Koval and co.? The meeting will take place at Congregation Mt. Sinai at 250 Cadman Plaza West starting at 6:30 p.m.
Has Brooklyn Bridge Park Stalled Out? [Curbed]
Public Meeting on Programming in BBP [BBP Conservancy]
11/23/2007 9:31 AM
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Plan for Breathing Life into Downtown Ghost Parks
In a Times profile of Project for Public Spaces founder founder Fred Kent, the urban anthropologist calls the half-mile stretch of parks running north of Borough Hall a prime example of public space that could be better utilized. According to Kent, the frequently deserted parks could be transformed into a lively pedestrian market like Las Ramblas in Barcelona. Kent envisions a market dotted with art stalls and produce stands that connects to the Brooklyn Bridge walkway, resulting in what could be the best approach to the waterfront in the United States. And Kent says the cost to develop the market would be less than $2 million, with rents from the market paying off the outlay within a couple of years. Seems like a great idea to us. Think it’s realistic?
Brooklyn Borough Hall [NY Times]
10/01/2007 8:57 AM
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Controversial Planning Commish May be on the Way Out
Dolly Williams’ days on the city Planning Commission may be numbered. Marty Markowitz appointed Williams, a developer and co-founder of A. Williams Construction, to represent Brooklyn on the commission in ’02. Since then, many critics have charged Williams can’t effectively serve as a commissioner because of conflicts of interest. For example, Williams wasn’t able to vote on Atlantic Yards because she’s an investor in the project, and she won’t be able to vote on the rezoning of Gowanus because she owns property in the area. For now, Marty is keeping mum about whether he’s going to reappoint Williams. Dolly and I have been considering what is best for Brooklyn,” he said. “I expect to make a decision soon.”
Markowitz May Pull Plug on Dolly Williams [NY Daily News]
09/27/2007 9:00 AM
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panyl
May 21, 2012 | 02:16 PM