Watchtower Props As Alternative to Park Condos
The idea of converting some of the Watchtower properties in Brooklyn Heights into luxury housing and using the tax revenues to support the upkeep of Brooklyn Bridge Park instead of building condos in the park itself is not new (it’s been floating around for a few months), but there was a “closed-door session” at Borough…
The idea of converting some of the Watchtower properties in Brooklyn Heights into luxury housing and using the tax revenues to support the upkeep of Brooklyn Bridge Park instead of building condos in the park itself is not new (it’s been floating around for a few months), but there was a “closed-door session” at Borough Hall yesterday, according to The Post, where the idea got airtime with local pols and influencers. “There’s a growing sentiment that the Jehovah’s Witnesses buildings are the magic bullet to keep more housing out of the park,” said Paul Nelson, Assemblywoman Joan Millman’s chief of staff and a member of the city board overseeing the park’s development. One activist has specifically proposed that the city buy the buildings, convert them into luxury condos and use the tax revenue for park maintenance. Think that could work?
High-rise Foes Seek ‘Witness’ Protection [NY Post]
Can Jehovah’s Witnesses Save BBP From Condos? [Curbed]
Photo by Sergio
We moved out of the area right before the park opened–doh! But the one time we’ve been there we thought it was awesome.
They wouldn’t have any problem selling units in the Watchtower buildings–some places (e.g. 225 Pacific) sell out way in advance if the location is desirable enough.
Rather, it’s just a matter of sellers waiting until they can get even more money when the economy heats up.
Good advice, Minard. Fine with me for the moment though – still working on making my millions.
yes, the park is really great, we have spent a lot of time there this summer with our bikes, from Columbia all the way to DUMBO, great work out !!!
I hope they convert the buildings too, but for the moment, the Witnesses are happily ensconced there and the residential market is saturated with new condos. The latter is the reason why the new towers are not rising from their empty footprints just south of One BBP.
They are not getting built not because of any opposition from the “Housewives of Cobble Hill” but rather because the market sucks right now.
Take a walk down to One BBP, past the little dog-run, see those empty rectangles of fenced-off land with nothing in them? That’s were the new towers are scheduled to begin rising the very minute the real estate market gets hot again -if it ever does.
Worth repeating ditto –
The park (as much as has been completed) is AMAZING
I would totally live there if they converted those buildings. I sincerely hope they do.
novanglus
I don’t think laminate countertops would be in the catalog, however.
LOL, I would hope not!!
Great park BTW, went there for the first time this weekend.
They’ll make them luxury Rob because your non-luxury broke ass can’t pay the taxes needed for the park upkeep. The whole thing would be a waste of time unless they get enough taxes.
In addition, as others pointed out, “luxury” in real estate lingo has about as much veracity as “steps from everything”.
I’ll admit I stole “broke ass” from ENY.