Closing Bell: What's Up With the Abandoned 4th Ave. Lot?
While every available square foot on 4th Avenue between Park Slope and Gowanus seems to be host to a new condo in some stage of planning or construction, the large city-owned lot between Union and Sackett has been sitting undeveloped. We’re not sure which arm of the city owns this, or what the plans are…
While every available square foot on 4th Avenue between Park Slope and Gowanus seems to be host to a new condo in some stage of planning or construction, the large city-owned lot between Union and Sackett has been sitting undeveloped. We’re not sure which arm of the city owns this, or what the plans are for the property. Anyone know? What do you think would work here? GMAP P*Shark
It has been slated by the city for affordable housing. The area needs diversification, and area low income people need a place to live. I understand that Federal funds will be used for a high rise building which will consist of low cost rentals.
There is an empty lot on the SE corner of 12th St. and 4th Ave. (across from a mega condo development going up on 4th Ave.) I have heard conflicting reports of why that property has stayed vacant for at least the last few years–it was bought by some nuns for a half-way house or something, but used to be site for a gas station so the land may be contaminated??? ANyone else have any idea what the deal is and why it sits there like an eyesore?
Here is the link to and the posting from CB6:
http://www.brooklyncb6.org/_attachments/PKSM20061115.doc
COMMUNITY BOARD SIX
PARKS/RECREATION COMMITTEE
NOVEMBER 15, 2006
———————————————————————————————————————
*** MINUTES ***
BACKGROUND: City Tunnel #3 – Shaft 22B. The tunnel is not yet activated. No water in it. City Tunnel #1 was built in 1917. Stage 2 in Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan is being built now. Once Tunnel #2 and 3 are completed, DEP can turn off Tunnel #1 to improve water quality and pressure. The time frame for activation is 2011. This will happen after all tests and cleaning out are complete.
After shafts are done, testing can begin. Shafts bring water from tunnels to surface. The tunnel is between 150 to 300 feet. The central chamber is at Roosevelt Island. Shafts connect to water mains for water distributions.
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:50 PM. Barbara Longobardi made a motion to accept the minutes of the meeting held on October 18, 2006 and the motion was seconded by Lisa Maluf.
UPDATE BY A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COMMUNITY GARDEN AS A PERCENT FOR ART PROGRAM PROJECT BEING CONSTRUCTED AT THE SHAFT 22B SITE AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SACKETT STREET AND 4TH AVENUE.
Kevin Clarke of the Department of Environmental Protection being the Project Manager for City Tunnel #3 made the presentation. He stated that City Tunnels #1 and 2 are old (90 and 70 years respectively). Having a third tunnel allows the city to take Tunnels #1 and 2 offline for maintenance.
Shaft 22B is in Park Slope. The shaft site only goes to the surface – can’t build on it because DEP needs access. However, they will allow a Percent for Arts park.
Lisa Kim of the Department of Cultural Affairs said that 1 % of budget was for city capital projects including:
– Hamilton Avenue Draw Bridge
– Columbia Street Waterfront bike path and sidewalk
– Flatbush Avenue and Tillary Street sculpture
John Leonforte of DEP said that green space/community garden was desired by the community d and Meg Webster was chosen by a panel which included CB6.
Meg Webster said that the space would be a place to sit or to stroll and to learn about nature, native plants, eco-systems. A kiosk would offer teaching possibilities. A stage with seating would allow for theater performances. Enter off 4th Avenue and wander across pond through to Sackett Street.
Area would include: roof pavilion, theater, shed, propagation area, solar array to collect energy to run place and native vines on fences.
Marilyn Oliva questioned whether there would be community gardening. The answer was negative but the community is invited to participate. She also asked if the funds for the group are in place. Meg said that they were and she will get the information for the committee. She said it was done through CB6.
Glenn Kelly asked where the shaft access was. Meg said that there were manholes and hatches for access. Also needs truck access to get to shaft.
John Leonforte of DEP said that the upkeep of the garden will be done by the greenspace group. Lisa Maluf asked if there would be Parks oversight. John Leonforte said no and there is no connection to DEP other than the fact that DEP owns the property. In 100 years the roof of the shaft will need to be taken off and the garden will go.
Bob Zuckerman asked what kind of fence would be erected. Meg said that it would be a black chain link fence with vines over it and two nice trellis gates. John Leonforte said that the gates can be closed at night.
Glenn Kelly asked about the budget. Meg said that the budget was $360,000. He also asked if Parks was ever brought in. John said that they did not want to bring in Parks.
Glenn also asked about the irrigation system and Meg stated that it was not yet designed. He also questioned if there would be access to water and she said there would be. Kevin Clarke said that it is conceptual only. Water and electric drawings are not done yet
Bob Zuckerman asked for an explanation as to why you can’t build on this site. Kevin Clarke and James Carlese said that they must have access to the tunnel and the equipment forever. In addition, in the future they will need to do heavy maintenance.
Glenn asked about other shaft sites. James Carlese said that it depends on the site. John Leonforte said that larger sites will have some part fenced off for easement and the rest turned to park land. All sites are being developed in some way.
Glenn asked how solar energy will be supported. Meg said that it depends on prices of the panels fitting triangular array. He also wanted to know about the time table. DEP said 2011. They can’t build it until the tunnel is activated. Bob Zuckerman asked about the certitude that this park will be built. John Leonforte said that there will come an end and this (park) will be there.
Marilyn Oliva opened the discussion to the community present.
Priaja Laberi of 675 Sackett Street asked who will clean the site at this point. Kevin Clarke said that they just awarded the contract to build it and all maintenance will be through the contractor. Contact DEP directly if there are any complaints about clean up and maintenance.
Gretchen Maneval of the Fifth Avenue Committee explained that there was a possibility of building affordable housing on this site. They have not heard that this project is a done deal and have spoken to DEP.
Glenn Kelly said it seemed this site is out of bounds.
Gretchen Maneval said that the Fifth Avenue Committee has not done a feasibility study.
A community member asked how high the fence would be and would it be locked at night. Meg Webster said 10 feet and the community will decide through the “Friends of†committee about the locking.
Glenn Kelly felt that visibility and safety plus police locking would be a good idea.
Motion was made by Barbara Longobardi to approve the concept of the garden as presented with details to be worked out as we get closer to implementation. The motion was seconded by Ralph Goldberg.
MOTION PASSED: UNANIMOUSLY
Motion was made by Bob Zuckerman to adjoin and seconded by Nica Lalli.
I am very familiar with this site and have already investigated this matter directly with Community Board 6 with Craig Hammerman and LeRoy Branch. The site will be turned into a public garden, developed by Meg Webster and Stephen O’Dell. It is managed under the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Cultural Affairs. The site is indeed the access for the water tunnel, which while complete in the Park Slope section, but can not be built over until the entire Brooklyn section is complete and fully tested, which will be around 2011. The park is entitled “Site for Greenspace” and includes a large pond, a major walkway, a meadow, several pavilions, and a stage for performances, along with several access hatches incorporated into the design for the water tunnel. I have had conversations with the workers at the site several years ago and they commented that the site couldnt be developed, because that is what they prefer. However, it is not under their jurisdiction and Community Board 6 has been very helpful in speaking with the site manager to get it cleaned when its been neglected. I actually attended the Community Board 6 meeting on this project and have a copy of the site plan for the park. We were told at that time that trees would be put on the sidewalk and the fence would be covered with something nice, but unfortunately this has not occured yet. I would encourage the community to stay involved to ensure that the park happens as planned and so that this space stays available to all as a nice green open area.
I am very familiar with this site and have already investigated this matter directly with Community Board 6 with Craig Hammerman and LeRoy Branch. The site will be turned into a public garden, developed by Meg Webster and Stephen O’Dell. It is managed under the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Cultural Affairs. The site is indeed the access for the water tunnel, which while complete in the Park Slope section, but can not be built over until the entire Brooklyn section is complete and fully tested, which will be around 2011. The park is entitled “Site for Greenspace” and includes a large pond, a major walkway, a meadow, several pavilions, and a stage for performances, along with several access hatches incorporated into the design for the water tunnel. I have had conversations with the workers at the site several years ago and they commented that the site couldnt be developed, because that is what they prefer. However, it is not under their jurisdiction and Community Board 6 has been very helpful in speaking with the site manager to get it cleaned when its been neglected. I actually attended the Community Board 6 meeting on this project and have a copy of the site plan for the park. We were told at that time that trees would be put on the sidewalk and the fence would be covered with something nice, but unfortunately this has not occured yet. I would encourage the community to stay involved to ensure that the park happens as planned and so that this space stays available to all as a nice green open area.
I am very familiar with this site and have already investigated this matter directly with Community Board 6 with Craig Hammerman and LeRoy Branch. The site will be turned into a public garden, developed by Meg Webster and Stephen O’Dell. It is managed under the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Cultural Affairs. The site is indeed the access for the water tunnel, which while complete in the Park Slope section, but can not be built over until the entire Brooklyn section is complete and fully tested, which will be around 2011. The park is entitled “Site for Greenspace” and includes a large pond, a major walkway, a meadow, several pavilions, and a stage for performances, along with several access hatches incorporated into the design for the water tunnel. I have had conversations with the workers at the site several years ago and they commented that the site couldnt be developed, because that is what they prefer. However, it is not under their jurisdiction and Community Board 6 has been very helpful in speaking with the site manager to get it cleaned when its been neglected. I actually attended the Community Board 6 meeting on this project and have a copy of the site plan for the park. We were told at that time that trees would be put on the sidewalk and the fence would be covered with something nice, but unfortunately this has not occured yet. I would encourage the community to stay involved to ensure that the park happens as planned and so that this space stays available to all as a nice green open area.
There is actually a plan to turn this lot into a public park, but I’ve read that work won’t begin until after the 3rd water tunnel is fully completed in a couple years.
Thanks for the livening it up 7:49. NOT.
Another completely unispiring thread on Brownstoner!