Brooklyn's Top Stories of 2011

Atlantic Yards Starts to Take Shape
As it has for several years running, Atlantic Yards dominated Brooklyn news in 2011. Construction on the Barclays Center arena has progressed at a steady clip this year. The project continued to be controversial and a magnet for lawsuits, however. This fall the Empire State Development Corporation and developer Forest City Ratner appealed an earlier ruling in favor of project opponents. In that case, community groups challenged the ESDC’s 2009 approval to increase the duration of the project’s construction from 10 to 25 years, arguing that a new environmental review was necessary given the new time line. Meanwhile, another lawsuit against the mega-project was filed in November by workers who said they hadn’t landed union jobs they believed were promised after completing a training program. With the arena construction in full swing, nearby residents complained about a rat tsunami, as well as traffic changes that had been implemented and less-than-desirable “Atlantic Yards businesses” opening. While construction has yet to begin on any Atlantic Yards buildings aside from the arena, Forest City Ratner applied for building permits for the project’s first residential building and made headlines with the news that the company was considering a prefab structure for that and subsequent towers in the development.

Landmarking
There were plenty of exciting landmark designations in 2011. Crown Heights North Phase Two was officially landmarked. A few blocks of Wallabout were designated a historic district. The Borough Hall Skyscraper District was approved by the LPC, but the designation still has its opponents. Residents of Bed Stuy continue to push hard for expanded landmarking designations. The proposed expansion of the Park Slope historic district was calendared in 2010 but didn’t hit LPC this year. And Fort Greene residents began a push to expand the neighborhood’s historic district.

Sales Stay Strong
While the economy is still struggling, the Brooklyn real estate market had a relatively strong year. Dumbo was ranked the 4th most expensive neighborhood in all of New York. A bunch of pricey Park Slope townhouses went into contract quickly. There was clear demand for condos in Williamsburg though most of the buildings planned in the neighborhood in the foreseeable future are rentals. The Edge had more sales in 2011 than any other condo building in New York.

New Developments
There were several new condo and rental developments in the works this year in Dumbo. The rental building Gair 2 leased out, 205 Water Street listings went live, the Kirkman Lofts are selling and 220 Water Street held a preview party. Meanwhile, 340 Court Street finally started going up in Carroll Gardens after its former developer went bankrupt and a new builder took over the job. Work began on Two Trees’ boutique hotel in Williamsburg. A huge, 500-unit rental building was reportedly in the works in the former Northside Piers Three site in Williamsburg.

Other Stuff That Caused a Stir This Year
The controversial “neighborhood” ProCro was invented. St Ann’s Warehouse found a new home in Dumbo following a ruling that the arts organization wouldn’t be able to take space at the Tobacco Warehouse. The lawsuit over the Prospect Park West bike lane was finally dismissed. Brooklyn Fare received three Michelin stars. And Brooklyn was named the “Coolest City on the Planet” by GQ based on our grub.
It’s been a good and busy year, so let us know what we’ve missed. Here’s to 2012…