Council Vote Approaching, Dock Street Debate Crescendos
With the final public hearing on Two Trees’ controversial Dock Street Dumbo development scheduled for tomorrow at City Hall and a final City Council vote likely to take place in June, the opposition is pulling out some eleventh hour celebrity spokespeople, including most recently Ken Burns and Ugly Betty stat Ana Ortiz, in its bid…
With the final public hearing on Two Trees’ controversial Dock Street Dumbo development scheduled for tomorrow at City Hall and a final City Council vote likely to take place in June, the opposition is pulling out some eleventh hour celebrity spokespeople, including most recently Ken Burns and Ugly Betty stat Ana Ortiz, in its bid to derail the approval of the mixed-use (400 apartments, 1 school) development; the publicity blitz comes on the heels of a protest on the steps of City Hall three weeks ago. Meanwhile, the developer sent an open letter last night to the eight celebs who’ve lent their name to the opposition urging them to hear both sides of the story and charging that opponents were spreading disinformation and putting their personal wants (like preserving the views from their lofts) over the needs of the community for a public middle school and affordable housing. (The Brooklyn Eagle defends the process through which the city came to support the school in an article today.) Tomorrow’s public hearing takes place tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. in the City Council Chamber at 260 Broadway in Manhattan.
City Planning Approves Dock St. Minus 1 Floor [Brownstoner]
Dock Street Decision ‘Most Difficult to Date’ [Brownstoner]
CB2 Gives Thumbs Up to Dock Street [Brownstoner]
CB2 To Vote Tonight on Dock Street [Brownstoner] GMAP
Full House, No Vote at Dock St Hearing [Brownstoner]
How Does Dock Street Stack Up? [Brownstoner]
The Next Step for Dock Street [Brownstoner]
DOE: It’s Time to Examine Dock Street [Brownstoner]
Two Trees Plans Mixed Use Building Next to Bridge [Brownstoner]
Dock Street Plans (Marina and All) Go 3D [Brownstoner]
Dock Street Protesters: 20% There on Signatures [Brownstoner]
I think it’s worth mentioning that the Brooklyn Eagle’s landlord is, yes, 2 Trees/David Walentas. The office had a (slanted to Walentas’advantage) diorama of the project in their window for weeks until people questioned the idea.
When a preschool is built adjacent to the Eiffel Tower, then this project will be appropriate. (I.e., never.)
Why don’t the DUMBO folks focus their considerable energy and star power to press for the restoration and reuse of the Empire Stores? Those Albany-owned buildings are in a terrible state of disrepair and are a disaster waiting to happen.
Please for the love of god ditch that #$%#ing verizon sign.
I know, I know, far bigger issues out there in the world. But damn is that sign a blight on our beautiful city.
This was the first time I clicked on any of this stuff. After all the horror stories I was expecting something terrible – but the building looks fine, and contextual.
Agree with fsrq that the main reason for objection would be from those who will lose their views. Guess it took Ugly Betty to get me to notice – and disagree with her.
Benson, I find Ken Burns’ films very soporific. Turns every subject into the same sepia-toned sentimental mush.
Benson – yes I’m aware – supposed to be a total refacing (like they did to the Verizon Tower across from Bryant Park) – but given the economy I doubt that starting and completing such an office project (in a weird location) is going to be done anytime soon…..either way the Bridge is still a wonder – Verizon tower or not…..
It is interesting to note that, in his latest newsletter, Yassky comes out against the Dock Street site and chastises the SCA for “not exercising due diligence†and notes that it seems “intent on pursuing the (project) without doing their homework.†He ends with a stirring plea that “government must renew its commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparencyâ€.
Sadly, he does not hold the SCA to this same standard when it comes to the PS 133 project – which will result in the destruction of one of the few buildings of historic significance on 4th Avenue, and create an environmental nightmare for local residents. He full supports the primary PS 133 plan and has not been open to any discussions of alternatives that would include restoration of the old school and new building that could create needed seats.
Does anybody really think that the building will have any effect on the Brooklyn Bridge? I mean truthfully?
I don’t get it. But then, I’m not a celebrity.
FSRQ;
I’m not sure you know, but the world’s ugliest building (with which I agree, btw) will soon be no longer. I read a report a few months ago that it was sold to a new owner, and will be reclad in glass. Now THIS is good news.
DIBS you are so right….
This whole thing is a tempest in a teapot, mainly drummed up by people who are upset about losing their views. The Brooklyn Bridge is surrounded by buildings on both sides of the river (including the ugliest building in history – the Verizon Tower) and you know what – the bridge is just as gorgeous, just as impressive as it ever was….I know – I walk over the thing every single day (if the temp is over 55)