Amidst Lingering Controversy, BBP Construction to Begin
Construction on Brooklyn Bridge Park is likely to begin next month, according to an article in today’s Daily News, and the first phase of the project will involve the demolition of the landmark Department of Purchase building. “It’s further evidence that the [ESDC] cares so little about what the community thinks,” said Judi Francis, president…
Construction on Brooklyn Bridge Park is likely to begin next month, according to an article in today’s Daily News, and the first phase of the project will involve the demolition of the landmark Department of Purchase building. “It’s further evidence that the [ESDC] cares so little about what the community thinks,” said Judi Francis, president of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Defense Fund. “All parties, for and against the project, have wanted to preserve it because it’s a landmark.” Others, however, have argued the building needed to come down because it would interrupt the park’s continuity, and the LPC approved its demolition last year. Meanwhile, some neighborhood watchdogs are concerned about other aspects of the project as it gets off the ground: “I’m happy that the process is moving forward, but I hope there is a comprehensive plan for financing the park,” said BBP critic Roy Sloane.
New Waterfront Park Coming Soon [NY Daily News]
Brooklyn Bridge Park Meeting: The Morning After [Brownstoner]
Brooklyn Bridge Park: Your Input, Please [Brownstoner]
Something I’ve been wondering about: What is Judi Francis’s deal with the park. Everytime anything is ever announced about the park, there’s a quote from her denouncing it. Has she ever explained what exactly the problem is with building a new park is?
To some of us, there is still such a thing as private property, so having an opinion about some Walentas construction is not worth it. As for the public park, I’d rather see open space than that p.o.s.
I haven’t heard one person on this post or else where oppose the demolition of this building. Odd that you are so quick to assign blame and drive wedges. “Neighborhood association: bad” “Crappy new, oversized development: good” Why don’t you prove your statement. Right here. On this post. I double dare you.
It is the same people who are opposed to the demolition of this building that are also opposed to the new building on Dock Street. The exact same people and the same groups such as the Fulton Ferry Assoc, the Dumbo community assoc. the BHA, etc etc.
why do you assume that these are the same people 11:33? I would think the same people opposed to that crappy new building are in favor of the removal of this building. Get it? It’s about the bridge! Let’s see it, we like it. It is the very symbol of NY. Dont f#$%@! it up for everyone with an ugly, inappropiately large building that will benefit only a few. Namely the developer.
Let’s get moving with the park is right. It is so telling that the same folks who are up in arms about a new building on Dock Street because it will impede the view of the Bridge, although it is actually near the on-ramp, do not want to see these truly magnificent views of the Bridge opened up. And these views would be from a park.
Ridiculous anti-everything activists. No wonder they are more and more ignored.
This city needs another Robert Moses (who built the entire Riverside Park and Henry Hudson Parkway in less then 3 years). I am so tired of these community “activists”, would-be hack politicians (aka community boards), etc. Moses knew how to deal with these Luddites.
Tear this building down and let’s get mocving with the park.
Benson
I think Judy Francis is disingenuous. All she wants to do is kill the park, and I’m thinking at this point it is all about a vendetta of some kind agaisnt the Brooklyn Heights Association. So odd.
The Purchase Building is less than heart-throbbing. It should have been torn down by now, but everything about this park moves at a glacial pace.
I believe that falling debris will pose a hazard to folks frolicking below, though aesthetically speaking the open view would be much nicer.