Tougher Waterfront Regs Threaten Development
A text amendment proposed by City Planning back in December is drawing boos and hisses from the development community. According to an article in The Real Deal, the changes to how waterfront developers would have to design public space add a level of specificity (such as what angle a bench may be set at and…
A text amendment proposed by City Planning back in December is drawing boos and hisses from the development community. According to an article in The Real Deal, the changes to how waterfront developers would have to design public space add a level of specificity (such as what angle a bench may be set at and how much shade it must receive at certain times of year) that would be burdensome to both developers and those responsible for enforcing the regulations. “A lot of the changes will be helpful,” said urban planning specialist Marcie Kesner, “but some may be overly detailed.” Even former HPD commissioner Jerilyn Perine has gone on record saying that the new proposal has “an overabundance of prescriptive requirements.” On the other end of the spectrum are people like Stan Eckstut, an architect who says that “Buildings are only a means to make great public spaces.” Some in the development community, however, worry that the regulations will be so painful to conform with that it will stunt waterfront development.
New Waterfront Rules May Impede Development [The Real Deal]
Photo by Maijau
I don’t know all the details, but the few that were sited seem ridiculous. And where do you think the extra cost is going to be shifted to? The consumer. In this financial environment, developers are underfunded and too many mandates will force them to walk. Look how many condos are vacant and small businesses are closing in Brooklyn. Think about it as if it was your money invested. It’s easy to want something when you don’t have to foot the bill. When I was renovating an 1892 warehouse, every time the building department wanted a change it cost me another $10,000. I’m sure many of you homeowners have had similar problems. Now how much shade do you shade do you really need on that park bench?
I took a look- you were right, rob. Unfortunately in NYC we think bigger is better and more is more.
look how beautiful edgewater new jersey was developed… that is what nyc waterfronts should be like.
*rob*
Low level would be nice and much better for those wonderful river views that used to be free for everyone. It’s so funny- they are more concerned with the angle of a bench than how hi-rises will impact the waterfront.
It’d be nice to have some low level housing as well along at least part of the East River, not all just hi-rise as currently permitted from the Williamsburg bridge north.