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Community Board 1 voted no on the proposed high-rise developments Greenpoint Landing and 77-87 Commercial Street on Monday night, which together would bring 6,100 new units to Greenpoint and increase the population in the area by about a third, DNAinfo reported. Above, a rendering of the proposed development at 77-87 Commercial Street.

The board said it would support the complexes if developers make the affordable units more affordable and add 100 units specifically for seniors. Some members of the board and community wanted to reject the towers unconditionally, but the chair of the land-use committee said if the board did so, its vote would be ignored. The vote is not binding, and the city already overrode the board in the 2005 rezoning of the waterfront, which paved the way for towers as high as 40 stories. The developers said they would consider the board’s recommendations. Greenpoint Landing already plans to include a school.

“This is our last chance for real affordable housing,” said Del Teague, the chair of the land use committee. “We have a waiting list of seniors that’s so long, they’re dying before they get housed.” The board listened to testimony at the public hearings; those who testified said they were “desperate” for affordable housing, Teague said. She added she considered the height of the towers “disgusting.” Another public hearing is slated for September 17.

Board Rejects Greenpoint Towers, Citing Need for Affordable Housing [DNAinfo]


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