PlanNYC: Red Hook Development

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Red Hook Development

The Red Hook waterfront is undergoing significant development concurrent with the new cruise line terminal, and a clash has emerged between those pushing for more commercial development and others attempting to build more residential complexes. On a large scale, the battle is playing out in an Economic Development Corporation proposal to convert 120 acres of currently industrial piers to residential developments, a proposal the long-time industrial users fiercely oppose. This conflict is also playing out on the smaller scale, most notably in the fight over the old Revere sugar refinery. Thor Equities plans to build residential housing, stores, and a marina on the property, which is surrounded by industrial activity like the nearby Erie Basin Bargeport. While the owners of that Bargeport claim its noisy 24-hour operation make the area suitable only for commercial use, Brooklyn Community Board 6 exempted the site from the surrounding Industrial Business Zone, and the project’s developers claim such mixed neighborhoods have worked well in other cities and will work in Red Hook.

Similar battles have been fought in Red Hook over developments like the new Fairway store and proposed residential development on a currently vacated lot on Conover Street. None of these conflicts has been nearly as visible, however, as the proposed IKEA store. Proponents of the project say the project will create more than 500 new jobs, and that the construction of a new public esplanade will return the waterfront to the surrounding neighborhood. Opponents argue the project will adversely impact traffic and destroy historic structures.

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Red Hook’s Roads Full with IKEA Traffic

Saturday, June 28, 2008 | | Topic:

Since the opening of the IKEA store in Red Hook, residents have noticed a significant increase in traffic on their streets. The store has hired 17 off-duty police officers to help with traffic and has also acquired an overflow parking lot through the end of the summer. Traffic was a significant concern for those who opposed the building of the large store, which is located on a small street and is not near public transportation.

Loss of Graving Dock to Ikea Parking Lot Problematic for City

Monday, June 23, 2008 | New York Post | Topic: Waterfront

A report by SUNY Maritime College suggests that the City is facing major capacity constraints at its ports. This information comes to light four years after the decision was made to pave over on of New York’s few large graving docks in Red Hook to create more parking space for the Ikea that opened there last week. The SUNY report says that the City will need to build at least seven new docks, three of which should be graving docks like the one in Red Hook, or risk losing up to $150 million in revenues over the next five years to other ports. Some believe that it would be less expensive and time-consuming for the City should try to reclaim the Red Hook dock, rather than looking for a new location altogether.

Red Hook Residents Await Ikea Opening with Mixed Feelings

Monday, June 16, 2008 | New York Times | Topic: General

Residents of Red Hook Brooklyn, where a new Ikea store is set to open this week, have varying views of the store's arrival. For some, the store’s opening means a new employment opportunity; Ikea promised to give priority to local job applicants, although management will not release details on how many Red Hook residents have been hired. Some residents are excited for the development prospects the store may bring with it. Meanwhile, opponents of the Red Hook Ikea worry about traffic and excessive development.

Ikea Will Draw Other Big Boxes to Red Hook

Sunday, June 15, 2008 | New York Daily News | Topic: General

Real estate executives predict that the opening of the new Ikea in Red Hook will draw more retail development into the area. In fact according to real estate insiders, several large chains, including Wal-Mart, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Trader Joe’s, have looked at properties in Red Hook recently. Many residents are opposed to further big box development in their neighborhood, but some say that they would welcome new development that brought new jobs. Chain stores will likely watch how things work with the new Ikea for six months to a year before committing to locating in Red Hook.

Ikea Opening Set for June 18th; Red Hook Braces For Increased Traffic

Thursday, June 12, 2008 | New York Sun | Topic: General

With Ikea scheduled to open on June 18th in Red Hook, residents of the community are expecting thousands of new visitors on their streets a day. The process of bringing Ikea into Brooklyn was not easy as some community groups were concerned with the increased traffic, decreased air quality and demolition of historic maritime infrastructure. Supporters of the new store have cited the need for more jobs in the area and Ikea has agreed to give preference to Red Hook residents. Combined with the opening of the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, traffic is expected to greatly increase on Red Hook’s streets.

Red Hook Esplanade to Open With IKEA

Wednesday, May 28, 2008 | Brooklyn Eagle | Topic: Waterfront

On June 18th, the new Red Hook IKEA will open along with a 6.5 acre, roughly one mile-long esplanade. The esplanade will have a maritime theme and will include an 18 foot compass, signs detailing the history of the Brooklyn waterfront, a bike path, benches, chairs and tables, landscaping and historic cobblestone from the area. The waterfront park will be separate from the store.

Red Hook Ikea to Provide Free Ferry Service from Lower Manhattan

Monday, May 12, 2008 | New York Post | Topic: Economic Development

Ikea announced that it will provide a free ferry service from Lower Manhattan to its new Red Hook location, in order to help mitigate community concerns over increased traffic. The new ferry will supplement the free shuttle buses Ikea is providing to the nearest subway stations as well as local MTA buses. The dock for the ferry will be located along the public esplanade Ikea also provided in exchange for development rights in the Red Hook community.

Ikea Claims to Hire Mainly from Red Hook, Some are Doubtful

Thursday, May 08, 2008 | New York Daily News | Topic: Economic Development

The Ikea furniture store is set to open in Red Hook in June. According to a representative from Ikea, the company has hired 300 employees from New York City, 60% of whom are from Red Hook. Some are skeptical of these hiring statistics. Co-chairman of the Red Hook Civic Association, John McGettrick, is doubtful in the validity of the hiring number released by the company and is critical of Ikea because their promise of local hiring was a large reason the project gained community support.

Red Hook to Become Bike Friendly

Thursday, April 17, 2008 | New York Post | Topic: Land Use

As major retailers such as IKEA open in Red Hook, some are looking to make the area more bicycle-friendly. The Forum for Urban Design is launching a competition to design bike lanes through Red Hook, an area that lacks much access to public transit. The Department of Transportation supports the effort to expand bike lanes in the city.

Ikea Set to Open First NYC Store in June

Thursday, April 17, 2008 | New York Daily News | Topic: General

Ikea is expected to open on Red Hook’s waterfront on June 18, 2008. The furniture outlet will employ roughly 500 workers and cover about 346,000 square feet of space. Public transportation access will include ferry service, two bus lines, and shuttle service to several subway stations and Downtown Brooklyn. Plans for the store also include a 6.5-acre waterfront esplanade that will be open to the public. This will be the company’s first store in New York City.

Appeals Court Dismisses Case Against Red Hook Owner/Developer

Friday, March 28, 2008 | Brooklyn Eagle | Topic: Land Use

A New York Appeals Court dismissed an appeal by the Red Hook/Gowanus Chamber of Commerce on a lower court’s decision to dismiss a petition to annul a zoning variance granted to the owner of a warehouse building on Imlay Street because the petition did not name the owner of the property as a respondent. The zoning variance grants the owner the right to develop the building as a residential development.

Parks Department Works Out Deal with Red Hook Vendors

Monday, March 10, 2008 | Forbes | Topic: General

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department has approved a permit for the food vendors that operate from May to October on the soccer fields in Red Hook for at least six more years. The vendors had been operating on a temporary basis, renewing their permits every four weeks. According to the agreement, the price for a permit will only increase by 5% a year. The permit for all of the vendors is only $10,000 per year currently. Vendors may still have to invest in a Health Department approved food venting truck.

Ikea on Schedule for Red Hook Opening

Thursday, February 28, 2008 | Crain's New York Business | Topic: Economic Development

The city’s first IKEA is on schedule to open sometime this summer. The store is located in Red Hook on 22 acres of the Erie Basin. New jobs are expected to be in the hundreds for area residents. The Municipal Arts Society, among other groups, is disappointed with the selected site because of its proximity to a repair dock that dates back to the Civil War. Traffic also remains a concern for area residents.

City Abandons Plans to Develop Red Hook Piers

Thursday, February 28, 2008 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: General

Plans to redevelop four piers on the Red Hook waterfront for various entertainment and cultural uses have been abandoned. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is currently in negotiations with ASI, the current leaseholder on the properties, to renew their lease. It is reported that the plans were abandoned in part because the development of the nearby cruise ship terminal created far fewer full-time jobs than were promised.

B77 Line Needed To Connect Red Hook with Lower Manhattan

Saturday, January 26, 2008 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Transportation

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will not expand the B77 bus line to connect Red Hook directly with Lower Manhattan unless enough revenue is generated from the fare hikes approved late last year. Red Hook, already mired with a lack of mass transit options, will lose one option when the Smith and 9th Subway stop on the F line is closed for repairs in 2010. The MTA is expected to assess its finances in the spring and make a determination on the extended bus routes in Brooklyn.

Vendors Hopeful They Can Continue in Red Hook

Friday, January 25, 2008 | New York Daily News | Topic: General

Under the city’s new regulations for vendors on the fields of Red Hook, all vendors must use approved food carts that may be pricy for some of the original vendors. The city recently issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for use of the fields during the soccer season, ranging from April to October. While many of the original vendors are not worried about getting a permit, they are concerned that they will not be able to meet the standards that the city is imposing on them. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) is urging the city to work with the vendors to ensure their continued operation.

IKEA Working with Residents in Red Hook; Job Figures Uncertain

Monday, December 10, 2007 | New York Daily News | Topic: Economic Development

Residents of Red Hook are receiving job training skills and computer education courses from IKEA. The courses are funded by IKEA and are run through Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow. IKEA agreed to give area residents a two week head start in applying for management positions at the store. Recently, however, the store hired individuals from outside for several positions. Some in the community are still concerned with how many jobs will actually be made available for Red Hook residents. The final total of locally-created jobs will not be known, many believe, until the store is ready to open in June. Those participating in the courses are also seeking employment outside of IKEA.

Councilmember Supports Affordable Units in New Development

Wednesday, November 14, 2007 | Brooklyn Eagle | Topic: Housing

In a recent press release, Councilmember Bill de Blasio stated that he is “pleased” with the amount of affordable units being provided for the planned 75 Columbia Street development. As of now, the project has planned 27% of the units for low to middle-income families. Community members have several concerns about the 152-unit residential project, including more affordable units. L&M Equity and the city's Department of Housing Preservation and Development will present the project to the public on November 26.

Development Plans Debated for Columbia Street Waterfront District

Saturday, November 10, 2007 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Land Use

A plan presented jointly by the city and L&M Equity that would develop property along the Columbia Street Waterfront District is facing opposition from some local residents and officials mainly because of concerns about height. The project involves the construction of many buildings including one 80 foot tower and two 60 feet towers that will contain both affordable and luxury residential units. Those opposed believe that the plan is out of context with the 3-4 story scale for residential buildings currently in the neighborhood. Also, many local residents are concerned that only about 23% of the housing will be below market rate. The city is supportive of the plans because it will help to fulfill Mayor Bloomberg’s housing initiative proposed in PlaNYC2030.

Residents Divided Over Columbia St. Waterfront Development

Thursday, October 18, 2007 | Brooklyn Eagle | Topic: Land Use

A development company is currently planning to construct a series of housing complexes along Brooklyn’s Columbia Street Waterfront District. L&M Enterprises hopes to build a total of 152 residential units, including 40% affordable housing, pending a zoning change. Portions of the area are currently zoned for manufacturing uses. Some community organizations against the development are opposed because they believe the development will be uncharacteristically high in density for the neighborhood and because of the affordable housing component. A pre-certified ULURP application was submitted for review to Community Board 6 for their October 25th meeting.

Elected Officials Unite to Preserve Red Hook Piers

Thursday, October 04, 2007 | New York Daily News | Topic: Land Use

City Council Speaker Christine Quinn issued a letter to the Port Authority yesterday requesting that the lease of current Red Hook pier operator, American Stevedoring, be extended for 10 years. Along with 17 other elected officials, Senator Charles Schumer, Controller William Thompson, and Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum, Quinn argued the importance of preserving Red Hook Piers 7-11 as a cargo terminal. Mayor Bloomberg and the city's Economic Development Corporation hope to convert the pier area into a mix of maritime uses.

Bus Routes Expanded in Anticipation of IKEA Opening

Saturday, September 29, 2007 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Transportation

In an effort to help mitigate traffic congestion that is expected to come with the opening of IKEA in Red Hook, the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) has decided to extend two already existing bus routes, the B61 and the B77, to stop directly in front of the store. Expansion of the bus routes has been talked about since 2003 when the City Council approved the IKEA plan. The store has also pledged to develop shuttle routes connecting customers to subway lines. With IKEA slated to open in the Spring, MTA officials hope the new routes will create an alternative to driving to the store.

New Green Development in Red Hook

Saturday, September 29, 2007 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Environment

Two separate landowners are opting for green technology upgrades to their space in Red Hook. Starting soon, two water towers will be developed into windmills. The power generated from the windmills will help to provide lighting for a pier adjacent to the water towers. Another developer is scheduled to convert the roof of his factory into a “green roof,” which serves to divert rain water from sewers through absorption. A portion of the energy saving initiative will be federally funded.

Red Hook Ikea Draws Citizen Concerns

Tuesday, September 04, 2007 | New York Daily News | Topic: Land Use

The Red Hook Civic Association expressed worry about a large Ikea store to be built along the Red Hook waterfront. The group argues that the addition of the store and its 1,500-car parking lot will lead to excessive traffic congestion, accidents involving children, destruction of an historical shipyard from the Civil War, and no significant employment gains for Red Hook residents. To avoid these alleged consequences, the group is asking the city to rezone the area to encourage population growth.

Awaiting Red Hook’s Commercial Growth

Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | New York Times | Topic: Economic Development

Observers are puzzled at the lack of economic growth along the Columbia Street Waterfront District in the neighborhoods of Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, and Red Hook. Compared with more vibrant commercial corridors like Smith Street in Boerum Hill, Columbia Street has not captured the growth buzz that is increasingly common in Brooklyn. Some analysts attribute Columbia Street’s comparatively slower growth to geographic isolation and persistent construction. Others argue that the Red Hook piers have not yet inspired the degree of commercial activity that planners had anticipated.

Red Hook's Economic Development Slower than Expected

Monday, August 13, 2007 | New York Post | Topic: Economic Development

The Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn has experienced a 30 percent increase in property values over the last year, according to the Real Estate Board of New York. Despite this increase, little economic growth has accompanied the increase in values. In fact, some signature upper-end shops and restaurants have been forced to close as a result. A spokesperson for the Red Hook Civic Association believes that greater population growth is critical to sustain the increase in property values.

IKEA Construction Begins in Red Hook

Tuesday, August 07, 2007 | New York Daily News | Topic: Economic Development

There is much clashing over the commencement of construction of the city’s first IKEA, located on the Red Hook waterfront. The 346,000-square-foot store will not be open for another 6 to 12 months. Proponents support the increase of jobs the store will bring to the area, while opponents fear the traffic congestion in what is now a secluded and quiet neighborhood.

Cargo Shipping Remains Viable in Red Hook

Sunday, August 05, 2007 | New York Times | Topic: Economic Development

The city's Economic Development Corporation (EDC), the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and cargo operator American Stevedoring will meet this month to discuss extending the lease for Stevedoring at the cargo terminal in Red Hook, Brooklyn. The willingness of the EDC and the Port Authority to meet with Stevedoring comes as a surprise to many, as the company has been denied extended leases for the last five years. Mayor Bloomberg's Administration has been insistent on the need for phasing cargo shipping out of Red Hook and introducing another mixed-use cruise terminal like the one at Pier 12. The mayor's proposal has met heavy opposition from the New York City Council, U.S. Representative Jerrold Nadler, and the cargo industry.

City Council Wants Shipping Operations to Continue in Red Hook

Wednesday, July 25, 2007 | New York Post | Topic: Economic Development

City Council is considering requesting that the Port Authority extend an operating lease to the American Stevedoring shipping company at Red Hook piers, as there has been little forward action in the plans to renovate the area. American Stevedoring has been operating on the location without a lease since April. A bill in front of City Council would request a new long-term lease be provided to the company. However, Port Authority appears to prefer that the company continue to operate without a permanent lease until a redevelopment plan is finalized.

Food Vendor Fight in Red Hook

Saturday, June 16, 2007 | Brooklyn Eagle | Topic: Politics & Government

The city's Parks Department has declined an application renewal for the Food Vendors Committee of Red Hook Park, who provides a culturally diverse array of food products to park patrons. The decision by the department elicited a negative reaction from Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY). Schumer argued that declining the application and opening it up to a bidding process would compromise the borough's diversity and put vending in the hands of corporate interests.

Future of the Brooklyn Waterfront Uncertain

Saturday, June 16, 2007 | New York Newsday | Topic: Waterfront

The accelerated pace of waterfront development from Sunset Park to Greenpoint has made many long-time Brooklyn residents apprehensive about the waterfront's future. The National Trust for Historic Preservation included Brooklyn's waterfront in its record of the nation's most endangered historical places for this reason. Preservationists have shuddered in recent years at rezoned waterfront neighborhoods that will accommodate commercial and residential developments, like the ongoing development of the Red Hook piers and the Greenpoint waterfront.

City Zoning Error Increases Truck Traffic in Residential Red Hook

Friday, May 25, 2007 | New York Daily News | Topic: Land Use

A lot in Red Hook has been used illegally as a parking lot for trailers and truck traffic due to miscommunication between the city's Department of Buildings (DOB) and Planning Commission. The lot is technically zoned for residential development, but the DOB has to this point failed to catch the error. Local residents are angered about the presence of the lot due to a children's park nearby the site. The DOB is currently re-investigating the site.

Red Hook Plans May Be Scaled Back

Monday, May 14, 2007 | New York Sun | Topic: Economic Development

Plans for the Red Hook Piers may be less drastic as originally discussed, as plans for a residential portion were previously dropped and now it is uncertain about whether or not the cruise ship terminal will be expanded. In addition, officials even seem to be considering retaining part of the exiting container port, which was previously expected to be replaced by a beverage distributor. City officials state the long-term plans for Red Hook have not changed, and that the container port is still an inefficient creator of jobs for the area. However opponents of the redevelopment, concerned about closing of the port without recreation of another one, may be happy with a slower pace of development.

No Housing in Red Hook Piers Redevelopment

Monday, May 07, 2007 | Gowanus Lounge | Topic: Housing

Widespread opposition for public advocates has led the Economic Development Corporation to remove all plans for residential development from the Red Hook Piers redevelopment. While the agency had already announced that it had scrapped the planned 350 units proposed for along Columbia Street, it has now stated that it will not try and incorporate housing anywhere in the 120-acre redevelopment site.

Expansion of Water Taxi Service - Red Hook Port Eyed

Friday, April 27, 2007 | Brooklyn Eagle | Topic: Transportation

The services of the New York Water Taxi operation have expanded dramatically since its inception four years ago, having reached a new record of transporting 980,000 people in 2006. While the bulk of the taxi's customers remain tourists, the growing success and interest in the water taxi system have led the company to consider developing their current service to include more stops to places like Greenpoint and Williamsburg. The company responded to a bid put out by the city's Economic Development Corp. (EDC) to develop its headquarters into a maritime center, as well as other uses like artisan space, at Pier 11 in Red Hook, also known as the Atlantic Basin. The city's EDC is still deliberating on whom to award a contract for the Atlantic Basin.

Borough President Promotes Tourism in Brooklyn

Friday, March 30, 2007 | Courier-Life Publications | Topic: Economic Development

Speaking to joint community councils in southwestern Brooklyn, Borough President Marty Markowitz intimated that the major chain grocer Trader Joe's would come to Brooklyn in the near future. He also commented upon Brooklyn's increasing attraction to tourists because of the development plans occurring throughout the borough. In particular, Markowitz praised the new plans for Coney Island saying, "We want to preserve it for this and future generations." The president believes that adding a mix of retail, residential housing, commercial, and time-share space will achieve that objective. Markowitz also touted the entrance of an Ikea store in Red Hook, a Whole Foods Market in Gowanus, the redevelopment of the Albee Square Mall, and the Atlantic Yards Plan.

Automobile Shipping Company Adds to Brooklyn's Working Waterfront

Saturday, March 10, 2007 | Courier-Life Publications | Topic: Economic Development

The city's Economic Development Corporation recently signed a 15-year lease with Axis, an automobile shipping company, at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (SBMT) in Sunset Park. The city projects that the operation will bring in $32 million in city revenue, 120 construction jobs, 167 full-time jobs and 130 part-time jobs. Many, including Borough President Markowitz, Council Member Sara Gonzalez, and the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, hailed the lease for its promise of jobs and a "working waterfront." Axis will use the port as a finishing location for vehicles to be distributed domestically and abroad. The city has agreed to put down $40 million at SBMT for infrastructure improvements. The news of the lease comes at a time of great uncertainty, however, at the Red Hook Piers. The city's plans for converting the piers from traditional cargo ship uses to a mix of maritime uses including a cruise terminal have met some resistance from public officials and cargo ship workers.

Historical Artifacts in Red Hook to be Returned to Shipyard Company

Tuesday, March 06, 2007 | Courier-Life Publications | Topic: Waterfront

The non-profit organization Portside NewYork, whose mission is to preserve the cultural history of New York's waterfront, has uncovered documents on the waterfront of Red Hook that belong to the site's previous owner, the Todd Shipyards Corporation. Todd was owner of the parcel, from 1915 to the 1980s, on which an IKEA store will soon stand. IKEA claims to have followed guidelines for historical preservations determined by the Department of Environmental Conservation and the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

City Signs Lease with Auto-Processing Company in Sunset Park

Wednesday, February 28, 2007 | The Real Estate, New York Observer | Topic: Economic Development

The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has signed a 15-year lease with Axis Group, a company that ships and stores cars and car parts, on the waterfront in Sunset Park, promising $32 million in city revenue, in addition to 167 full-time jobs and 130 part-time jobs. The announcement makes the future of cargo shipping in Brooklyn more uncertain as the city has embarked on a plan to move cargo ports out of Red Hook into the waterfront of Sunset Park. Congressman Jerrold Nadler, in particular, has been leading a fight against the city to ensure that any development plans for Red Hook maintain jobs for local people, including workers in the cargo ports.

City to Redevelop Red Hook Piers, Close Container Port

Thursday, February 15, 2007 | New York Sun | Topic: Waterfront

The Executive Director of the MTA gave approval for ownership of Red Hook Piers 7-12 to be transferred to the city yesterday. This move should allow the city to move forward with its plan to close the container port and redevelop the site. New development will likely include a cruise ship terminal, retail, remaining space for industry, and potentially a brewery. Opponents are concerned that closing the container port will result in the loss of many jobs and income from the shopping. However supporters believe that redevelopment of the piers will bring in more jobs than currently exist at the container port. There has also been some discussion of expanding the part in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park to help preserve the lost container port jobs.

Achievements Listed in Brooklyn's State of the Borough

Friday, February 02, 2007 | NY1 | Topic: Politics & Government

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz listed a host of the borough's accomplishments in the past year during his annual address, citing in particular his desires to add a second cruise ship terminal in Red Hook, create more lighting on the Parachute Jump in Coney Island, and celebrate another Sundance Film Festival at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. While Markowitz welcomed the Nets to Brooklyn following approval of Atlantic Yards, he signaled worries about the impending sale of Starett City, the federally subsidized housing complex in East New York. Many suspect that a mega sale will displace residents dependent upon affordable housing.

Rubble Stolen at Site of Future IKEA Store in Red Hook

Friday, January 12, 2007 | New York Daily News | Topic: Environment

New York City Police are inquiring about the theft of close to 500,000 pounds of rubble at the site of the Red Hook IKEA store, projected to open in 2008. The rubble is what remained after nearly 10 Civil War-era buildings were demolished to make room for the planned store. The rubble debris was intended to fill a dock, but came under charges by the Red Hook Civic Association that the debris was contaminated with asbestos. The Department of Environmental Protection eventually tested the rubble and determined that it was safe.

Questions About Cost of Red Hook Project

Thursday, January 04, 2007 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Land Use

A City-supported plan to transform a cargo port on the Red Hook waterfront into a maritime tourist attraction could cost $326 million, according to a City estimate. Some elected officials and neighborhood activists think this is too great a sum for a plan which they are not fully comfortable with.

Q & A with Coney Island Developer

Friday, December 29, 2006 | Courier-Life Publications | Topic: Land Use

Joseph Sitt, the principal of Thor Equities, sat down with Courier Life Publications to discuss plans for Coney Island and Red Hook which are hotly contested development projects in Brooklyn. While Thor has produced a master plan for Coney Island, the developers are waiting on the City’s larger rezoning plan for the area to reveal the details of their proposal to the public. Sitt maintains that he has a mixed-used plan in mind for Coney Island that contains three components: retail/amusement/entertainment, as well as residential and hotel. Thor believes such mixed uses will provide vibrancy to an area of inactivity. In Red Hook, Thor believes it is important to include both residential and commercial uses to make an attractive waterfront open space.

Objections to Red Hook IKEA Store from Unlikely Source

Wednesday, December 27, 2006 | BusinessWeek | Topic: Urban Design & Architecture

Philip Nobel, a professed proponent of laissez-faire development in New York City, objects to the planned IKEA store on the Red Hook waterfront of Brooklyn out of aesthetic and environment concerns. While others have protested IKEA’s plan to build along the water, including the Municipal Art Society’s worry that a Civil War dock site would be harmed, Nobel’s criticism is largely based on the effect of such a development on his daily life in Red Hook. Recognizing the inconsistency of his general beliefs about development and his personal views on IKEA’s plans, the author illustrates fundamental tensions between economic development and good architecture.

10 Most Endangered Spots in NYC

Monday, December 18, 2006 | AM New York | Topic: Historic Preservation & Landmarks

The soaring real estate market has placed significant parts of New York's urban heritage at risk. Many of those threatened buildings define neighborhoods -- churches, old corner drug stores and pubs, prominent corner buildings simply sitting on all-too-valuable land, crumbling 19th-century masterpieces just waiting for a rescue plan.

Red Hook's Dangerous Intersection Gets a Traffic Signal

Monday, December 18, 2006 | Courier-Life Publications | Topic: Transportation

After an extensive study, the city’s Department of Transportation (DOT) this week announced the arrival of a new traffic signal, slated for Van Brunt and Sullivan Streets. The light will not be installed for at least 4 months, while engineers place the light and set the timing.

City Withdraws Plan for the Piers

Monday, December 18, 2006 | Courier-Life Publications | Topic: Housing

The residential component of the Economic Development Corporation’s (EDC) plan for the future of Red Hook’s Piers 7-12 has received loud criticism from both politicians and residents. As a result, according to this article, the city will abandon a controversial proposal to construct some 350 units of new housing along the western portion of Columbia Street.

Fight Expected Over Plan for Southwest Brooklyn

Friday, December 15, 2006 | New York Sun | Topic: Economic Development

The unveiling of the City’s plan for southwest Brooklyn, which includes closing the container port at Red Hook Terminal and developing the waterfront for commercial and maritime uses, is setting up a potential fight between Mayor Bloomberg and elected officials like Representative Jerrold Nadler and Council Member David Yassky. Bloomberg’s vision is long-term job creation, and his administration believes that container ports are not efficient job creators. The mayor’s hope is that maritime commerce along the waterfront will create jobs. Nadler and Yassky fear that container ports in New York are vital to the economic health of the City as well as alleviating ship traffic congestion. Governor-elect Spitzer is expected to moderate these differences of opinion.

City Launches Vision for Southwest Brooklyn

Friday, December 15, 2006 | New York Post | Topic: Economic Development

The city’s Economic Development Corp. (EDC) announced its vision yesterday for 120 acres of southwest Brooklyn along the waterfront. The plans include a mixture of commercial and seaport uses, like breweries, a marina, and a second cruise-ship terminal. The plan does not include the development of luxury condominiums on Columbia Street, a proposal strongly opposed by the local community. Local opposition from longshoremen, union leaders, and elected officials also temporarily excluded the development of a 250-room hotel with conference rooms.

Plans For Red Hook's Waterfront

Monday, December 11, 2006 | New York Daily News | Topic: Land Use

Demolition began on a Red Hook sugar refinery as part of a plan to build upscale housing on the Brooklyn waterfront. A private developer’s plan may include up to six buildings and retail. Constructing residential buildings on the site would require city approval and no applications have yet been submitted to the City Planning Department.

Red Hook Sugar Refinery to be Demolished

Friday, December 08, 2006 | New York Post | Topic: Land Use

The Revere Sugar Refinery, noted for its domed rooftop, will soon be demolished. The property’s owner, Joseph Sitt of Thor Equities, received a Department of Buildings demolition permit this week. The refinery, a fixture of Brooklyn’s Red Hook waterfront, will be replaced by luxury condominiums. Neither the demolition nor the Red Hook site plan are without controversy, however, as some waterfront industrialists think residences are inappropriate in an industrial zone. The City Council expects to hear debate next week.

City Searches For Housing Sites

Sunday, November 26, 2006 | New York Daily News | Topic: Housing

The Daily News reports that the City is considering building affordable housing on top of existing city-owned properties. Sites under consideration include public schools, libraries, and municipal parking lots. The drive to use these sites comes partly from the fact the City owns very little vacant land on which to develop housing.

Red Hook Residents Express Concern Over City Plan

Friday, November 24, 2006 | Courier-Life Publications | Topic: Land Use

Some Red Hook residents would prefer more parkland and less residential development than is being proposed by the City Economic Development Corporation for 1.1 mile, 120-acre site on the Brooklyn waterfront. In addition to housing, the plan could include a hotel, brewery, offices, another passenger cruise ship terminal, restaurants, retail stores and artist studios. Residents are concerned that the development may overwhelm the area.

IKEA Store Planned for Red Hook Sued over Civil War Site

Tuesday, November 21, 2006 | New York Observer | Topic: Land Use

The Municipal Art Society filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court on Friday, urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to do a full review of the effects of a planned IKEA store in Red Hook on the historical sites in the area. In particular, the Municipal Art Society’s lawsuit maintained that a proposed parking lot for the store would interfere with a Civil War graving dock.

An Innovative Plan For Housing Atop Libraries

Monday, November 13, 2006 | New York Times | Topic: Housing

A Brooklyn-based community development group has proposed tearing down four deteriorating branch libraries and redeveloping each site as new libraries and affordable housing. The proposal could produce more than 30,000 square feet of new library space and as many as 200 apartments for low- and moderate-income tenants. The City Department of Housing Preservation and Development has reacted favorably to the idea.

Expert Panel Considers the Effects of Development in Brooklyn

Friday, November 10, 2006 | Courier-Life Publications | Topic: Land Use

A group of academic experts and community advocates assembled for the Cobble Hill Association’s special development forum contemplated the effects of large projects like Atlantic Yards. While the Atlantic Yards’ project was not the explicit focus of the forum, attendees of the event had Forest City Ratner’s development in mind. The panel also discussed the impact of such a large development on the state of New York City’s urban planning procedure.

Brooklyn Community Boards in Need of Professional Urban Planners

Friday, November 10, 2006 | Courier-Life Publications | Topic: Land Use

Brooklyn Community Board 6 Chair, Jerry Armer, and District Manager, Craig Hammerman, insisted this week that their community board, and others in Brooklyn, need urban planning expertise to sort through the complex development proposals that come to their attention. Both Armer and Hammerman believe that Manhattan Borough President, Scott Stringer, is right to argue for a reform package to provide each community board in Manhattan with a professional planner. Only Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz can argue for similar reform in Brooklyn.

Environmental Innovation In Red Hook

Friday, November 03, 2006 | Courier-Life Publications | Topic: Economic Development

The City’s first biodiesel production facility is set to begin construction by the end of the year. Planned for the Gowanus Industrial Park at the Columbia Street Marine Terminal, the company ahs signed a twenty-year lease with the help of a $4 million grant from the City’s Industrial Development Agency. All the fuel at the Red Hook plant will be made from restaurant grease.

Brooklyn Neighborhoods Prepare For New Garbage Plan

Friday, November 03, 2006 | Courier-Life Publications | Topic: Land Use

Sunset Park and Red Hook are two Brooklyn neighborhoods that will be affected by the City’s Solid Waste Management Plan which has just received approval from the State. Residents are concerned about increased truck traffic, but some community activists support the overall vision of the plan and are pleased that the industrial sections of the Brooklyn waterfront will see new activity.

Trump's Soho Plans May Affect Brooklyn

Friday, November 03, 2006 | Courier-Life Publications | Topic: Land Use

A local Brooklyn paper reports on how neighborhood activists are closely watching the progress of a proposed Donald Trump development in Soho. Trump is hoping that the City will allow him to develop a hotel-condominium in a district zoned for manufacturing. Brooklyn activists predict that if Trump is allowed to build, the decision could have major implications for the future of Brooklyn’s remaining manufacturing areas.

Red Hook Waterfront Proposal Under Fire

Thursday, October 19, 2006 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Land Use

The City’s plan for a portion of the Red Hood and Cobble Hill waterfront is being criticized by residents and politicians. The NYC Economic Development Corporation’s plan involves converting current industrial uses into a mixed use development with retail and housing. Critics claim the City is unnecessarily eliminating blue-collar jobs, while planners argue that the Brooklyn waterfront remains a very active port and industrial area.

City Planners Focus On The Future

Thursday, October 12, 2006 | Gotham Gazette | Topic: Land Use

The City is exploring long-term strategies for the creation of new development sites and for the development of an enhanced environmental agenda. A report entitled “Visions for New York City: Housing and the Public Realm” explores innovative means of creating new building sites atop public infrastructure. Specific sites referenced include locations in Red Hook, Brooklyn and Sunnyside, Queens. The new Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability will focus on what the mayor calls “an ambitious environmental agenda for New York City.” The Gotham Gazette reports on the city’s new long-term focus.

Badillo Proposes More Red Hook Housing

Thursday, October 05, 2006 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Waterfront

Former Bronx borough president Herman Badillo has submitted a bid to redevelop the piers at Columbia Street in Brooklyn, between DeGraw Street and Hamilton Avenue, into a 1,500-unit housing development and a campus for charter schools and a college. City Councilman David Yassky said the new housing would be a strain on the existing residential population and endanger a greenway planned along Columbia Street.

Affordable Housing For Brooklyn

Thursday, October 05, 2006 | Courier-Life Publications | Topic: Housing

The City’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) has selected 25 development teams to build new affordable housing on 236 city-owned lots. All but two of the projects are planned for Brooklyn. The 25 development teams were chosen through a process aimed at providing "homeownership opportunities to moderate and middle income families.” Projects sites are located in Coney Island, Red Hook, and Williamsburg among other neighborhoods.

Red Hook Hopes For Traffic Changes

Thursday, October 05, 2006 | New York Daily News | Topic: Transportation

Residents of Red Hook are awaiting the results of a Department of Transportation study with hopes that the City will add traffic lights or stop signs after the death of a pedestrian last summer. The neighborhood has seen a marked increase in traffic since the opening of Fairway market and the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal last spring.

NYC Waterfront: Progress or Inactivity?

Wednesday, September 27, 2006 | Gotham Gazette | Topic: Waterfront

The Gotham Gazette has provided a useful accounting of the status of multiple waterfront projects in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Included are updates on the Belt Parkway pedestrian pathway, the proposed Red Hook Ikea, Hudson River Park, East River Park and others. The Gazette argues that progress on many of these projects has been “spotty.”

Brooklyn Hotel Construction Boom

Thursday, September 21, 2006 | New York Newsday | Topic: Economic Development

Brooklyn is experiencing a boom in hotel construction. The Daily News reports on projects planned for many neighborhoods including Downtown, Red Hook, and Sunset Park.

Renewable Red Hook?

Thursday, September 21, 2006 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Environment

A renewable-fuel firm is hoping to operate the city’s first large-scale manufacturing facility for biodiesel in Red Hook. The company has applied to the city for a grant for start-up costs to produce the clean-burning gasoline substitute made with vegetable oils and animal fats.

A Big Idea For Red Hook

Thursday, September 14, 2006 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Land Use

A study done for the city has proposed building atop the submerged section of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway that runs between Cobble Hill and Red Hook. While still only a concept, the Brooklyn Papers report that locals like the idea.

City Announces A New Draft of Red Hook Waterfront Plan

Friday, September 01, 2006 | Courier-Life Publications | Topic: Waterfront

At a meeting of Community Board 6’s Economic/Waterfront Development Committee, EDC staffers reiterated their plan to regain control of Piers 7-12 from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in hopes to usher the construction of new residential housing along Columbia Street, along with a broad range of other uses including a hotel, offices, retail stores and a beer garden—to name a few.
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Yale Students Imagine the Future of Red Hook

Tuesday, August 15, 2006 | New York Times | Topic: Economic Development

A new show in the The Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition’s gritty exhibition site tries to reimagine the future of Red Hook, taking account of the area’s waterfront location, on Upper New York Bay, and of trends in urban planning and architectural design.

Crowd Gathers to Protest DOT Inaction at Redhook

Monday, July 24, 2006 | The Real Estate, New York Observer | Topic: Transportation

Over 125 people showed up for a vigil for Janett Ramos, a pedestrian struck and killed by a van two weeks ago. Afterward, the crowd marched through heavy truck traffic, waving signs and shouting at vehicles to honk in support of their demands that the Department of Transportation (DOT) put in a signal at the dangerous intersection in Red Hook.

Problems for Pedestrians

Sunday, July 09, 2006 | New York Daily News | Topic: Transportation

Residents say traffic has increased dramatically in Red Hook in recent months with the arrival of Fairway and the new Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, and they are demanding another traffic signal and improved pedestrian access.

Shipping Business Is Bright But Future's Dim

Thursday, June 29, 2006 | New York Times | Topic: Waterfront

The city hopes to shut down the Red Hook container port and the last remnants of Brooklyn's once-bustling cargo piers, and evict the operator.

EDC Seeks Vision for Red Hook

Thursday, June 22, 2006 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Waterfront

The city EDC has asked developers to submit their visions for a waterfront storage area next to the new Brooklyn Cruise Ship Terminal at the foot of Pioneer Street. This request is a first step in crafting a master plan for Red Hook’s 1.1-mile waterfront.

2 yrs. later, judge halts condo plan

Thursday, June 15, 2006 | New York Daily News | Topic: Housing

Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Yvonne Lewis ruled against the plans to convert the old warehouse at 160 Imlay St. into an luxury condo. Now the developer must go back before the Board of Standards and Appeals for reconsideration.

Red Hook's Increasing Congestion

Saturday, June 10, 2006 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: General

With two accidents in the last week, residents voice their concern about the increasing congestion and the dangers it poses for residents.

Developer Wants Out

Saturday, May 27, 2006 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Land Use

After losing a key legal battle, the owner of the warehouses at 160 and 162 Imlay St. has put his gutted buildings up for sale. His plans to build condos and retail space are being challenged by several waterfront businesses.

Drug Trade Halted-For Now

Friday, May 26, 2006 | New York Post | Topic: General

Despite the abundance of development and activity in Red Hook, Red Hook drug dealers were making as much as $140,000 a day - $50 million a year - until an undercover sting brought them down this year.

Store Brings Excitement to Red Hook

Thursday, May 25, 2006 | Queens Ledger | Topic: Economic Development

Jobs for the community and an affordable supermarket bring excitement to the area and provide ammunition for the politicians' development agendas.

Times Are Changing In Red Hook

Monday, May 22, 2006 | NY1 | Topic: Economic Development

With the opening of a Fairway Supermarket, a Manhattan chain, Red Hook is fast becoming a happening spot in Brooklyn. At the opening of the supermarket both Senator Schumer and Mayor Bloomberg spoke highly about the future of Red Hook.

Water Taxi Will Make It Easy To Get To Red Hook

Saturday, May 06, 2006 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Transportation

One problem with the development in Red Hook, particularly the soon-to-be-built Ikea store, is the difficulty for people to get to Red Hook from parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan. There's now a new weekend ferry service from Lower Manhattan to Red Hook and Ikea has announced its proposed shuttle and ferry service.

Former Sugar Refinery Exempted From Industrial Zone

Tuesday, May 02, 2006 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Housing

A mayoral panel recently voted to exempt the former Revere Sugar refinery from a planned industrial-only zone on the Red Hook waterfront. The refinery would be converted to a mixed-use development, including luxury housing, retail, and a restaurant, under plans from its current owner.

Cruise Terminal Affects Red Hook Character

Sunday, April 30, 2006 | Other | Topic: Waterfront

Slowly but surely, changes are taking place in Red Hook, where the Queen Mary 2 recently docked at the brand new cruise ship terminal.

Industrial vs. Mixed-Use Development in Red Hook

Thursday, April 27, 2006 | Manhattan Institute | Topic: Economic Development

An ongoing battle between residential development and the protection of industrial zones is taking place in Red Hook, with some manufacturers and maritime businesses - as well as City Hall - claiming that industry is incompatible with the residential construction being proposed for the neighborhood.

Revere Plant Moves Closer to Condos

Saturday, April 15, 2006 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Land Use

A plan to convert the rusting Revere Sugar refinery on the Red Hook waterfront into luxury housing took a step forward last week, thanks to a city decision to exempt the site from a proposed industrial-only zone.

Red Hook's Many Battles

Thursday, April 13, 2006 | New York Sun | Topic: Economic Development

The South Brooklyn waterfront is the site of many new developments and as many battles. New York's first IKEA Red Hook, a new Fairway supermarket, and 45 units of luxury housing are just a few of the projects in the area.

A service of the Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy at New York University

A capstone project of the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service

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