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
blech stone countertops. luxury my ass. it’s gross, i’d feel like im eating on the sidewalk.
*rob*
stargazer:
With this location, they probably could pre-sell the units and let the buyers pick out the finishes. I don’t think laminate countertops would be in the catalog, however.
trust me when you live in an apartment that has painted (yes, PAINTED) laminate countertops you might feel that granite would be a luxury upgrade
Yeah, I do see your point, at those prices, I suppose one would want better finishes.. (for a rental)….
But also, at those prices (especially if it is a condo), I would think the buyer would rather pick out the finishes he/she likes, rather than leaving it up to the builder where everyone has the same bathroom, kitchen and flooring…..
The idea of taking advantage of a conversion from religious tax-exempt property to taxable residential for the imposition of PILOTS to subsidize the maintenance of the adjacent park is totally fortuitous and correct IMO. It is the same model used at 360 Furman Street, which has been paying PILOTS now for a couple of years.
what novanglus said
To put it another way, countertop and appliance choices aren’t going to make a lick of difference in terms of affordability when location alone means prices above $1000/square foot.
“Why can’t they just be regular apartments with regular finishes. Yes, laminate counter tops will do just as good instead of granite, and Kenmore is just as good as sub-zero….”
These places would cost an obscene amount because of location, so the kind of people buying them are going to expect high-end finishes. There’s no such thing as a ‘regular’ Brooklyn Heights apartment with unobstructed views of Manhattan.
ISNH
I agree, space to me also would be a luxury, not the freaking countertops.