South Slope Officially Downsized
South South Slopers are celebrating their victory yesterday, as the City Council (above) voted unanimously to approve the downzoning of South Park Slope and Greenwood Heights. The big question marks now are what happens to the two Isaac Katan 12-story buildings on 15th and 16th streets and the Robert Scarano “Minerva” building. Any guesses? A…
South South Slopers are celebrating their victory yesterday, as the City Council (above) voted unanimously to approve the downzoning of South Park Slope and Greenwood Heights. The big question marks now are what happens to the two Isaac Katan 12-story buildings on 15th and 16th streets and the Robert Scarano “Minerva” building. Any guesses?
A New Era Has Begun [South South Slope]
isn’t this condemnation without compenstation?
i lost 800+ sq ft. the downzoning diminished my property value and killed my plans to build a modest extension. will my property taxes get lowered? right.
Alex, I am the 1st to scream NIMBY but these zoning changes generally make sense from an urban development perspective; one lane streets (w/ street parking) arent really appropriate for high rise construction and given the >5 story housing already exisiting it really isnt wrong to prevent 12 story buildings on these blocks – that being said 4th Ave with 6 lanes and subway lines/stations IS approriate for high rise developments and the zoning should reflect this.
Development with taller buildings (which retain the street wall) closest to main auto and mass transit arteries; with progresively lower density as you move away from these “centers” is the ideal way to build an efficient, pedestrian friendly urban enviroment.
to anonymous 10:42, the ‘R6B’, ‘C4-3A’ designations refer to the underlying zoning for a particular area – you really need to have a look at the NYC zoning resolution and maps to understand (available for free via the city’s website). Basically, ‘R’ designations refer to residential areas, ‘C’ designations refer to commercial areas, and ‘M’ designations refer to manufacturing areas. The zoning resolution controls the use of a particular property, and the height and bulk that buildings on a particular property might have.
To all the zoning mavens lurking out there, I realize that this is something of an oversimplification, so please don’t climb down my throat about it.
Wow, there are some serious selfish NIMBYs on this thread! I guess people prefer sprawl, environmental degradation and less money for NYC schools, transit, etc. The Brooklyn housing shortage will get worse and I’ll probably never be able to afford an apartment. Of course, the crazies supporting the downzoning don’t care. They probably bought years ago!
16th St. Boriqua,
What difference does their religious identity make – I mean I notice that the ‘majority’ of the robberies in 78pct are committed by hispanics and blacks; – would the race of these people be a factor? I guess based upon your theories I should not buy new construction from the Jews and not walk on the street near blacks or hispanics
Wow, there are some serious selfish NIMBYs on this thread! I guess people prefer sprawl, environmental degradation and less money for NYC schools, transit, etc. The Brooklyn housing shortage will get worse and I’ll probably never be able to afford an apartment. Of course, the crazies supporting the downzoning don’t care. They probably bought years ago!
If it’s any consolation for the South Slope folks, the impact of the new 4th Avenue developments (“phyrric victory” 9:25am poster) will pale into insignificance compared to the Atlantic Yards development. Ever seen Starrett City? Atlantic Yards will be 20% larger.
Shahn: A suitcase full of bribes and a time machine.
Too bad they didn’t make a similar zoning change when they rezoned 4th Avenue north of 15th Street. That affordable housing component really sweetens the deal. I had mentioned how silly it was to upzone an area without adding a provision for affordable housing when I was interviewed for an article in the Village Voice a few months ago.
http://www.villagevoice.com/news/0527,moses,65568,5.html
I wonder what it would take to get that affordable housing bonus added to the northern 4th Avenue blocks.