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
“”There’s a growing sentiment that the Jehovah’s Witnesses buildings are the magic bullet to keep more housing out of the park,””
I am ok with this plan but how does it keep “more housing out of the park” – all it does is take a commercial (yes I know it gets a religious designation but its use is akin to commercial) building and convert it to residential as opposed to just building a new residential building – I dont see how this reduces the amount of housing – all it seems to do is reduce the number of buildings (which is fine, if unnecessary, as well)
rather someone else’s tax $$$ pay for the park maintenance so I cant complain
How can you expect condos tax revenue to really support the park? Majority of condos going up today have 421-A benefits attached to them,
– Condos in DUMBO are no longer 421a eligible
wtf. the question posed is a bit outrageous. i do NOT want the government buying land and playing developer. we have plenty of investors willing to take the risk / reward tradeoff, thank you very much.
do you have any idea how many buildings the JW own in this area? a LOT
Thank you *rob*. How can you expect condos tax revenue to really support the park? Majority of condos going up today have 421-A benefits attached to them, which brings a condo owner takes to about nothing compared to what it would’ve been without the abatement. Are these city officials thinking, or smoking during these sessions?
This is great — and it’s a simple “gimme” from the city to the park.
These buildings aren’t commercial now. They’re religious and they pay no taxes. When they are sold they will pay taxes (luxury or not — I bet they’ll become dorms). if the city would say, we will hand over those dollars to maintain the park, it would be great. I for one think the development of the waterfront along all of Brooklyn and Manhattan is good for the entire city. So I’m all for it.
Yeah sounds great….no how is this different from keeping the Watchtower a commercial building and simply building condos???
Just get the ESDC and FCR to declare it blighted and they can seize it.