Yesterday we reported on the Lightstone Group’s intent to develop the old Toll Brothers site between the Gowanus Canal, Bond Street, Carroll Street and Second Street. Since then a representative from the Lightstone Group filled us in on all the details, correcting some of the news passed along by community residents. First off, the developers will not seek a ULURP hearing. Because the Toll Brothers already went through a ULURP hearing to develop the site (and was approved for new zoning back in 2009), the Lightstone Group will only seek minor modifications to the approvals already given to Toll Brothers. That means a shorter and less complicated process with the City Planning Commission. In the long run, the Lightstone Group plans a rental development with affordable and market rate units. Both types of units will be integrated in the same building and will be similar in size. Also, the developers are not seeking more height on what has already been approved for Toll Brothers, which ranged (at max) to 12 stories. The project is expected to head to the City Planning Commission at the end of October and break ground at the end of 2013. As reported earlier, more details will be made available at the Community Board Six meeting on Thursday, Aug. 23rd. The construction timetable, in the words of Lightstone publicity rep Ethan Geto, “has nothing to do with the timetable of the Gowanus Superfund site.”
New Developer Eyes Toll Brothers’ Old Gowanus Site [Brownstoner]


What's Your Take? Leave a Comment

  1. The re-zoning was granted prior to the canal being placed on National Priorities List. And I believe there is now additional data that was not available when this was approved. As of now, no one knows to what degree the canal will be cleaned as that will be dictated by the anticipated future use of the uplands. The CSOs are not being fully addressed either so there will still be sewage although this could change and housing could trigger this. The developer should really reach out to the EPA prior to the Community Board presentation. The Community Board should also try to schedule this presentation at a time when many people are not on vacation.

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