Developer Decapitates Streetlamp Outside Minerva
It’s not unusual that a developer of a new building makes a street darker, but it’s usually by blocking light and views. In Greenwood Heights, though, one developer is doing it another way: By decapitating streetlights. This photo comes to us via the Concerned Citizens of Greenwood Heights, who are concerned that the developer of…
It’s not unusual that a developer of a new building makes a street darker, but it’s usually by blocking light and views. In Greenwood Heights, though, one developer is doing it another way: By decapitating streetlights. This photo comes to us via the Concerned Citizens of Greenwood Heights, who are concerned that the developer of 620 7th Avenue, formerly known as the Minerva, got DOT to remove a streetlight at the corner of 23rd Street and 7th Avenue without any kind of community review or notification because he was worried it would shine too brightly into the windows of the new townhouses he has built right there (most of which have sold). Given the safety concerns alone, this certainly seems troubling on its surface. Hopefully there will be more details on the case forthcoming.
Embrace the dark sky…street lights are bad for critters
AJ, what do you mean by the whole project being a fabrication? They have fabricated houses as the picture shows.
“the developer plans to have lights attached to the building adjacent”
Looks like the building have their own lights (from what I have seen), but that’s not the same as a 20+ foot tall street light which illuminates the street and sidewalk on both sides of the corner, no?
There is a street light on the corner directly accross the street. Plus the new houses have outside lights which will help. I think some people who are so against these new developments are jealous and really need to get a life. I know I don’t spend my time worrying about other peoples houses.
Perhaps — I don’t know, but I’m just throwing it out there instead of jumping to doomsday conclusions — the developer plans to have lights attached to the building adjacent to each of what looks to be garages below the units? Maybe they got the streetlight removed because of that?
If so, the sidewalk would likely be brighter than it was… not sure how much ambient light will find its way into the actual street, but surely some…
Good question. Perhaps both.
Who’s fault is that?
The developer’s or DOT?
“If it was improper to proceed, then DOT should have addressed that and said no.”
It’s my understanding that no one (other than the developer, I guess) knew of the removal, thus could not have questioned/challenged DOT.
“that’s the dead end of 7th ave, cornered up against the cemetery, so it’s gonna be pitch black w/out that streetlight, for sure.”
Exactly what my friends are worried about, amongst other things.
wine lover, it’s my understanding, from the e-mails flying around, that they have gone to Brooklyn Community Board 7 and the local council member (and I believe Borough President) to confirm who/why the removal was requested and permitted.
If I find out anything from the folks in the area, either way, then I’ll let Mr. B know, or post it here.
This whole development project has been a fabrication, so the light post provocation does not seem out of the ordinary.