PlanNYC: Greenpoint-Williamsburg Rezoning

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Greenpoint-Williamsburg Rezoning

On May 11, 2005, the New York City Council approved changes to allow for housing and open spaces, in tandem with light industry and commercial uses, along two miles of Brooklyn's East River waterfront and upland neighborhoods.

Zoning controls set height limits so that new buildings will fit in with their surroundings. In recognition of the mixed-use character that has long defined these neighborhoods, the rezoning will permit light industrial and residential uses to coexist in specified areas, and it will retain manufacturing zoning for critical concentrations of industry. Included in the rezoning plan is a blueprint for a continuous publicly accessible esplanade and new public open spaces along the waterfront.

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Lawsuit Against City Over Recent Williamsburg Rezoning

Tuesday, April 01, 2008 | The Real Deal | Topic: Land Use

Several property owners and residents are planning on suing the city over the recently passed Williamsburg rezoning. The residents and owners claim that the Community Board did not provide proper notification that they were voting on the rezoning measure. Many claim they will lose millions because of the rezoning, which will essentially limit a 13 block area around Grand Street to 4 to 6 story buildings. The group tried to stop the City Council from approving the plan but their petition was denied by the State Supreme Court.

Assembly Bill Suggests Use of Eminent Domain for Brooklyn Pfizer Plant

Monday, March 31, 2008 | New York Sun | Topic: Politics & Government

Assemblyman Vito Lopez (D-Brooklyn) has introduced a bill that would allow the state to take Pfizer’s plant in Williamsburg by eminent domain in order to develop affordable housing on the site. Currently, Pfizer plans to shut down the plant and create a mixed-use development on the site. The company is concerned about Lopez’s bill, and notes that its current plans already include affordable housing.

Additional Rezoning Approved for Williamsburg

Thursday, March 27, 2008 | Gowanus Lounge | Topic: Land Use

The City Council approved a rezoning of Grand Street and surrounding 13 blocks in Williamsburg. The rezoning stipulates that most new buildings will not be able to exceed four to six stories. Some planned projects that exceed the rezoned height restrictions will have to reconfigured by the developers.

Many Property Owners Oppose New Williamsburg Rezoning

Tuesday, March 25, 2008 | New York Post | Topic: Land Use

Several property owners are upset with a “downzoning” plan by the city to limit new buildings to 5 stories in a 13-block area near Grand Street in Williamsburg. The owners say the city did not properly notify them of their efforts to rezone the area. The owners would be happy with a 7-story limit in the area. Although construction has begun on some sites, since 50% of the foundation has not been laid out, work would be forced to stop if the proposed building exceeds the height restriction. Community Board 1 initiated the rezoning in response to a proposal of a 14-story building on Grand Street. The City Council is expected to vote on the rezoning on Wednesday and the City Planning Commission says it went through the proper public notification process.

Power Plant on Brooklyn Waterfront Rejected by State

Friday, March 21, 2008 | New York Daily News | Topic: Waterfront

The state’s Board of Electric Generation Siting and Environment rejected plans by TransGas Energy Systems to build a power plant along the Greenpoint-Williamsburg Waterfront saying it was “not in the public interest.” While the energy company is still exploring their legal options, opponents to the power plant heralded the decision as a victory that will allow the creation of a 28 acre park along the waterfront.

City Planning Approves Downzoning of Grand Street in Brooklyn

Saturday, March 08, 2008 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Land Use

The Department of City Planning has approved a plan to downzone a 13 block stretch around Grand Street in Brooklyn in order to help preserve the neighborhoods low-rise character. Many in the community support the plan and are hoping to speed up the city’s public approval process. Community activists stress the importance of this zoning effort because the 2005 Greenpoint-Williamsburg waterfront rezoning did not include this stretch of commercial brick buildings. At least two new developments could be effected by a change in the zoning. The City Council is holding a hearing on the rezoning on March 19th.

Pool to Reopen In Williamsburg

Friday, February 15, 2008 | New York Daily News | Topic: General

The city unveiled plans to reopen the McCarren Park Pool in Williamsburg by 2011. The pool area has not been as a pool in 24 years. Discussions to reopen the pool have been in the works for many years, but the plans put forward by the city make it a reality. The $50 million plan will include fixing up the pool, developing a restaurant and recreation center as well as space for an ice skating rink.

Group Hopes to Gain Public Commitment to Maintain Local Parks

Thursday, January 24, 2008 | Brooklyn Downtown Star | Topic: Environment

Many local leaders called upon the public to take part in the construction and maintenance of green spaces and parks at a recent meeting led by the Greenpoint-Williamsburg Association for Parks and Planning (GWAPP). GWAPP representatives expressed the need for public participation as many projects in the area are undergoing construction as a result of Mayor Bloomberg’s commitment to green spaces. They would like to ensure that maintenance of the parks will continue even after Bloomberg’s term ends in 2009.

Home of Greenpoint Monitor Museum Under Threat of Eminent Domain

Monday, December 24, 2007 | AM New York | Topic: Land Use

An acre of land once slated for the development of Greenpoint Monitor Museum is now under threat of being seized by eminent domain. The land had been donated by an oil company to a local couple to construct this museum. The city is considering taking the property to develop the waterfront park along the East River. The Department of Parks and Recreation is working to incorporate the museum into their waterfront plans.

Amendment to Williamsburg Rezoning Approved by City Planning

Wednesday, December 19, 2007 | Brooklyn Eagle | Topic: Land Use

City Planning approved an amendment to the Williamsburg zoning that will restrict building height in a 13-block area bounded by Berry Street, Fillmore Place, North Third Street, Hope Street, Marcy Avenue and South First Street. The area was left out of the 2005 rezoning of Williamsburg and Greenpoint because the land was not of high value. The amendment will impose contextual zoning and require that new buildings are constructed adjacent to old ones. The amendment must now be approved by Community Board 1, the Brooklyn Borough President, City Planning Commission and the City Council.

Eminent Domain Sought to Prevent Power Plant in Brooklyn

Thursday, December 06, 2007 | Queens Ledger | Topic: Land Use

Four elected officials from Brooklyn have introduced legislation in the State Legislature that would allow the use of state eminent domain powers to keep TransGas Energy from constructing a power plant along Brooklyn’s north waterfront. Though the energy company does not own the land, it does have the option to purchase it and has been vying for the rights to build a plant on the 8.4 acre site located between North 12th and 14th Streets. The intent of the legislation is take the decision out of the hands of the State Siting Board, the agency responsible for siting power plants. The Board has yet to make a decision on the case. Both the city and many elected officials from the area are opposed to the construction. The city is hoping to use the site as part of a 28 acre park that was included in the rezoning of the area in 2005. The State Legislature is not expected to take up the bill before it breaks for the holidays this month.

Eminent Domain Bill to Allow Greenpoint-Williamsburg Water Front

Thursday, November 29, 2007 | New York Daily News | Topic: Waterfront

On Thursday, State Assemblymember Joe Lentol is expected to introduce a bill that will allow the state to use eminent domain to seize 8 acres of TransGas Energy property. If approved, the highly anticipated Greenpoint-Williamsburg waterfront park will finally be developed.

Rezoning Yielding More Affordable Housing on Brooklyn’s Waterfront

Sunday, November 25, 2007 | New York Daily News | Topic:

The 2005 rezoning effort of Greenpoint/Williamsburg has proven successful in the creation of new affordable housing options, according to city officials. 3500 below market-rate housing units are expected along the formerly industrial waterfront in Brooklyn as developers take advantage of tax breaks, subsidies, and incentives if they build 20% affordable housing.

Delay for Greenpoint Park and Housing

Thursday, November 22, 2007 | Brooklyn Downtown Star | Topic: Economic Development

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced that the plan to turn an unused sludge tank into a park and affordable housing on the Greenpoint waterfront – part of the area’s recent rezoning – will be delayed until at least 2012. The DEP cited a lack of finances and delays related to the replacement of the sewage removal system.

Greenpoint Pencil Factory Gains Landmark Status

Saturday, November 03, 2007 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Historic Preservation & Landmarks

The Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) has decided to make the Greenpoint Eberhard Faber Pencil Factory and some of the surrounding buildings into a historic district. Many believe that the LPC designation is vital to Brooklyn’s industrial history because of ongoing commercial and retail redevelopment. The historic designation means that the buildings will continue to operate as residential and commercial spaces but the LPC must approve any changes to the buildings' facades. The City Council must give final approval.

LPC Scheduled to Vote on DUMBO and Greenpoint Historic District

Monday, October 29, 2007 | New York Sun | Topic: Historic Preservation & Landmarks

On Tuesday, the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) will vote on designating the DUMBO neighborhood and the area around the Eberhard Pencil Factory in Greenpoint as historic districts. If approved, they will become the 4th and 5th neighborhoods designated under Mayor Bloomberg. Also, the LPC will hold hearings on designating five buildings in the East Village constructed between 1886 and the 1920s as historic sites. Preservation groups have pressured the city to take action in the East Village through zoning changes and landmark designations to preserve the historic nature of the East Village.

City Utilizes Eminent Domain to Develop Park in Williamsburg

Friday, October 05, 2007 | The Real Deal | Topic: Waterfront

The city has taken the titles of 2 properties to create the Bushwick Inlet Park along the East River waterfront in Williamsburg. Construction of the park, which will be 28 acres and cost $100 million, is dependent upon the city successfully seizing three more properties on the waterfront. While a Brooklyn judge approved the use of eminent domain for the two properties, many expect acquisition of the remaining properties to be difficult.

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.

A Second Look at Greenpoint-Williamsburg

Monday, May 14, 2007 | AM New York | Topic: Housing

While Williamsburg is most frequently thought of as a location for wealthy hipsters and young professionals, a very different population still dominates a large portion of the neighborhood. Forty-seven percent of the population in Williamsburg-Greenpoint is actually on public assistance, a fact that seems more plausible when walking around the more ethnically diverse sections of the neighborhood. Continuous construction of luxury housing is forcing out many of the original residents as landlords are eager to raise rents.

Williamsburg Power Plant Has New Plan

Saturday, May 12, 2007 | Brooklyn Eagle | Topic: General

TransGas Energy Systems has renewed its request with New York State to build a power plant on the Williamsburg waterfront near the Bushwick Inlet. However, the Department of Parks and Recreation has plans to build a 28-acre park on the same lot. TransGas has renewed its request, backed with a revised plan claiming that the company will build most of its plant underneath a park that it will build for the city, free of charge.

State Considering Plans for Bridge in Greenpoint

Friday, April 20, 2007 | NY1 | Topic: Transportation

A 68-year old bridge in Greenpoint, known as the Kosciuszko Bridge, could be torn down, according to the state’s Department of Transportation. The state is considering six options for the bridge, all announced at a local community meeting, which has reached such a state of disrepair that motorists are increasingly worried for their safety. Additionally, the bridge’s narrow lanes, restricted vision, and old infrastructure make it insufficient for its task of serving as a conduit between Newtown Creek and the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The state will employ its powers of eminent domain should it decide to tear down the bridge in the hopes of building a replacement.

More Building in Brooklyn, More Landmarks Under Pressure

Friday, April 06, 2007 | Municipal Art Society | Topic: Historic Preservation & Landmarks

This report by the Municipal Arts Society (MAS) studies the relationship between the record number of demolition permits issued in 2006 for the borough of Brooklyn with the ten areas of rezoning that the Bloomberg Administration has generated. The MAS believes that historical landmarks in Brooklyn are in critical need of preservation as the "building boom" continues in the borough. In 2005 alone the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce estimated that planned redevelopment in the borough reached 13 million square feet. With both demolition and building permits on the rise, who will protect Brooklyn's historical landmarks?

Concerns That Expansive Underground Oil Spill May Exist in Williamsburg

Monday, April 02, 2007 | Gowanus Lounge | Topic: Environment

Previous speculation on fears of an underground oil spill in Williamsburg had centered on the probability that a nearby ruptured oil tank had spilled into surrounding land. However now the blogs Gowanus Lounge and Brookklyn 11211 have raised the possibility that the spill may have originated at the more distant Bayside Oil site, and been carried by underground waterways. If true, this could imply that a much larger area of land has been contaminated than originally speculated.

Fears of Oil Spill underneath Williamsburg

Friday, March 23, 2007 | Gowanus Lounge | Topic: Environment

The blog Gowanus Lounge is asking whether an area of the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, bordered by North 7th and 11th on Roebling Street, is the site of an underground oil spill. The fears are based on possible industrial uses on the site between 1920 and 1959. As the area makes way for more residential developments, a sense of urgency is growing about performing an extensive government review of the depth of an underground oil spill in the neighborhood.

Catalyst for Growth: A Failed Olympic Bid

Sunday, March 18, 2007 | Crain's New York Business | Topic: Economic Development

New York's loss to London in its attempt to host the 2012 Olympics has steered the city onto a path of economic development and rebuilding, according to Crain's New York Business. The article details how many current development projects in New York, particularly those situated on prime waterfront property and suited for transportation sites and housing, are fruits of the failed bid. Deputy Mayor Daniel Doctoroff, who worked with Yale urban planner Alex Garvin, engineered a plan to redevelop underutilized land in the city for the Olympics. The plan, according to Doctoroff, is now informing the city's sustainable growth plan for the year 2025.

Greenpoint-Willamsburg Rezoning: 2 Years Later

Wednesday, March 14, 2007 | NY1 | Topic: Housing

Nearly twenty-three months after the rezoning of Greenpoint-Williamsburg, which opened the doors to real estate developers, city officials returned this week to address citizen concerns about perceived displacement of lower and middle-income residents from the neighborhoods. Some point their frustration to the fact that the rezoning only mandated the construction of affordable housing units on the waterfront but failed to do so inland. One and two family homes are being turned over to developers in some cases to make way for condominium projects. In the meantime, the city's Department of Housing Preservation and Development has established a legal fund for citizens who have been displaced by the rezoning.

Attorney General May Sue for "Toxic Footprint" in Greenpoint

Friday, February 09, 2007 | WNBC.Com | Topic: Environment

Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has threatened to sue Exxon Mobil and other companies for the pace of their work to clean up the subterranean area of Greenpoint where over 9 million gallons of oil have been extracted since 1990 when Exxon spilled along the waterfront. Exxon maintains that its remediation is occurring according to project milestones, but Cuomo and some area residents believe that the clean up is not going quickly enough.

A Survey of Residential Condominiums

Thursday, February 08, 2007 | New York Sun | Topic: Economic Development

In this New York Sun article author Michael Stoler explores the residential condominium potential throughout the entire city, listing major projects and contributing to a forecast of the future market for residential condominium development. The article distinguishes between large and small residential development sites the former of which fetch as close to $400 per square-foot in Manhattan. According to the author, the West Chelsea High Line district is one of the "hottest" residential areas of the city, capturing as much as $300 per square-foot. Other "hot" areas in the city include major sections of the Upper East and West Sides, and the University Heights section of the Bronx. Some real estate experts, including SJP's Residential Mr. Goldman, caution against real estate sellers in outer boroughs in places like Long Island City and Williamsburg selling properties higher than their land prices dictate.

Brooklyn: King of Building in 2006

Tuesday, February 06, 2007 | New York Post | Topic: Economic Development

According to 2006 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the city issued more building permits in Brooklyn than in any other borough of New York. 9,191 permits toppled the previously held permit record. Brooklyn Borough President Markowtiz and Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce President Kessler attribute the spike in Brooklyn building in part to the rezoning of Greenpoint and Williamsburg from industrial to residential. Analysts also point to the high building prices in Manhattan as a factor. Permits issued rose in every borough except for Staten Island.

Developer of Greenpoint Waterfront Cited for Violations

Friday, February 02, 2007 | The Real Deal | Topic: Economic Development

On the area previously occupied by the Greenpoint Terminal, developer Joshua Guttman is facing 434 criminal charges from the District Attorney in Brooklyn for deficiencies on the terminal docks in 2006. The alleged violations predate the 10-alarm fire at the site in Greenpoint in June 2006. Concerns over Guttman's developments precede speculation about the designs for the Greenpoint waterfront, which was rezoned by the City to allow for higher residential buildings in a traditionally manufacturing area. Guttman's pre-trial hearing is scheduled for February 16.

Chemical Company to Close in Brooklyn; Chance for Housing?

Wednesday, January 24, 2007 | Crain's New York Business | Topic: Housing

The chemical company giant, Pfizer, has announced that it will phase out the organization’s historical plant in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and eliminate 600 jobs by 2008. The news came as great surprise to many public officials, including Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, who believes that the company should continue its obligations to the Brooklyn community. One of Markowitz’s suggestions is for Pfizer to work with the city to coordinate affordable housing on site. Such a move would require a rezoning of the area, which is currently zoned for manufacturing.

A Critic’s View of Greenpoint-Williamsburg Construction

Wednesday, December 13, 2006 | Brooklyn Rail | Topic: Economic Development

In a piece highly critical of the current pace of building development in the newly rezoned Greenpoint-Williamsburg area, The Brooklyn Rail challenges the notion that new construction is healthy for the neighborhood. Pointing to issues of construction danger, affordability, and demographic trends, the article rekindles the traditional feud over economic development strategies between Robert Moses and Jane Jacobs. In light of Mayor Bloomberg’s sustainability plan, the article asks if Greenpoint-Williamsburg is prepared to house a likely influx of immigrants and artists in the coming years.

Council Says Tax Breaks Only In Return For Affordability

Thursday, November 30, 2006 | New York Times | Topic: Economic Development

Members of the City Council are criticizing the Bloomberg administration’s plan to revise a popular tax break for housing developers saying it is too generous. The Council members’ alternative plan would go further than the Mayor’s proposal and give the tax break only to projects in which at least 30 percent of the apartments are affordable to low- and moderate-income New Yorkers.

Accomodating The City's Projected Growth

Sunday, November 26, 2006 | New York Times | Topic: Land Use

The Bloomberg administration plans to unveil its plan for accommodating the city’s growing population over the next 25 years and the municipal services that nine million or more New Yorkers will require. Among the City’s goals is to reclaim over 1,700 acres of polluted brownfields and transform them to developable land. Many expect the Mayor to propose more zoning changes such as those already enacted on the far West Side of Manhattan and Greenpoint/Williamsburg.

Artists: Displacers or Displaced?

Tuesday, November 21, 2006 | Gotham Gazette | Topic: Economic Development

A recent conference at the Pratt Center focused on Art in the Contested City, exploring the nexus of art, culture, and urban development. New York City is in the midst of a citywide discussion about the economic implications of bringing artists into a neighborhood. While some fear that artists simply displace lower-income residents and maintain illegally converted industrial space for their work, others laud the ability of artists to develop the cultural and economic potential of a neighborhood. This article explores the myths and realities of artists in New York.

Residents of Greenpoint-Williamsburg Weigh In on Rezoning Progress

Monday, November 06, 2006 | New York Times | Topic: Land Use

The City’s rezoning of Greenpoint-Williamsburg 18 months ago is leaving many local residents disappointed. The Department of Buildings alone has received 337 complaints about construction in the area. Against a myriad of charges of over-development, shortage of affordable housing, and unsafe construction conditions, the City responds that plans are on schedule. Advocates and long-time residents continue to argue with officials over Greenpoint-Williamsburg’s pace of progress and degree of City supervision and planning.

Panel Discusses Affordable Housing for Artists

Thursday, October 26, 2006 | Brooklyn Downtown Star | Topic: Economic Development

A recent panel discussion in Williamsburg debated whether Greenpoint-Williamsburg’s recent residential rezoning and housing boom is displacing area artists. Several strategies were discussed to create innovative affordable housing policies for the “creative classes.”

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.

Finding Space For New Housing

Thursday, September 14, 2006 | Courier-Life Publications | Topic: Housing

A study commissioned by the city’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC) proposes creating thousands of units of housing built on platforms above existing highways and rail yards. The study – which has not been officially released – has implications all over the city. A local Brooklyn paper discusses potential sites in that borough.

Parts Of Brooklyn Rezoned For Residential Use

Monday, June 26, 2006 | NY1 | Topic: Housing

A former industrial site in Greenpoint-Williamsburg, Brooklyn, will soon be the location of mixed-income housing, now that the city's expanded rezoning program has turned it into a residential area.

Impact from Olympic Bid Still Being Felt

Thursday, May 11, 2006 | New York Sun | Topic: Economic Development

New York may have lost its bid to host the 2012 Olympics nearly a year ago, but the effects of the planned developments surrounding the proposal are still being felt, especially in the outer borough areas where much of the development was proposed.

Finding Space For New New Yorkers

Monday, April 17, 2006 | Gotham Gazette | Topic: General

Since 1990, New York has absorbed an additional 800,000 residents since 1990 and needs to find ways of accommodating them. A number of large transportation projects, rezonings in the Greenpoint/Williamsburg area, and development in Flushing are all expected to help the city adapt to its new residents.

More Parks in Greenpoint and Williamsburg?

Wednesday, April 12, 2006 | Queens Ledger | Topic: Land Use

Last week, the Parks Department held two public forums to field suggestions for an upcoming waterfront park in the Greenpoint/Williamsburg area. During the second meeting, discussions over the park's amenities and characteristics became heated between Parks Department officials and upset residents.

Seven to Save

Thursday, March 23, 2006 | PICCED | Topic: Historic Preservation & Landmarks

Williamsburg rezoning plans cited as a problem in The Preservation League of New York State's Seven to Save list that was recently released.

Public Funds For Displaced Businesses

Tuesday, March 07, 2006 | City Limits Weekly | Topic: Politics & Government

Displaced manufacturing businesses in the Greenpoint-Williamsburg area have been tossed a lifeline in the form of $4 million that will be used to help them move to the Industrial Business Zone that has been designated as a safe space for businesses by the Bloomberg Administration due to its permanent industrial zoning.

Upzone the Old Kedem Winery Site?

Thursday, March 02, 2006 | Other | Topic: Land Use

Attorneys and architects for the Rector Hylan Corporation presented their case for upzoning the old Kedem Winery Site. Advocates view this spot as "an extension of the Schaffer district" while others fear that such a rezoning would run against the goal of creating more affordable housing.

Williamsburg and Greenpoint Put On Group's "7 To Save List"

Wednesday, February 22, 2006 | New York Daily News | Topic: Land Use

The Preservation League of New York has placed the factory buildings of Williamsburg and Greenpoint on its annual "7 to Save" list. Citing the neighborhoods' extensive history some critics feel that many of the buildings deserve protected status from the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission.

Brooklyn Waterfront History in Jeopardy?

Wednesday, January 04, 2006 | Gotham Gazette | Topic: Historic Preservation & Landmarks

Preservationists are concerned about the acquisition of historical industrial buildings on the Brooklyin Waterfront by developers. Of particular concern are the Austin Nichols Warehouse, the Domino Sugar Factory, and the Con Edison Power Plant.

New York in building boom of historic scale

Friday, December 30, 2005 | New York Sun | Topic: Housing

The number of permits issued for new private residential building units may reach 28,000 for 2005 -- 10 percent more than in 2004. The pace of new construction rivals prior booms in the 1920s, the period after World War II, and the 1960s.

Overdevelopment: planning, not rezoning, is the answer

Tuesday, October 18, 2005 | Gotham Gazette | Topic: Land Use

On the topic of rezoning as a planning tool -- particularly in light of recent neighborhood downzoning proposals -- Tom Angotti writes, "the real problem with downzoning to stop overdevelopment, or upzoning to encourage development, is that they both avoid any serious planning...They don’t allow local residents and businesses to address serious concerns they have with everything from housing needs to traffic, because zoning regulations are limited to use and density controls."

Affordable Housing Development Opens in Brooklen

Sunday, October 16, 2005 | NY1 | Topic: Housing

Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced Friday the first affordable housing development of the Greenpoint-Williamsburg redevelopment project. As many as 140 of the development's 350 apartments will be set aside for low-income and working families.

In a fast-growing city, some neighborhoods say slow down

Monday, October 10, 2005 | New York Times | Topic: Land Use

Since 2002, downzonings for about 3,600 blocks have been approved or are under review. While downzoning may help "preserve neighborhood character," does it undermine efforts to add affordable housing to the city?

Mayor announces waterfront development in Williamsburg

Friday, October 07, 2005 | Other | Topic: Economic Development

Mayor Bloomberg announced funding for Palmer's Dock, the first waterfront development resulting from the re-zoning of Greenpoint and Williamsburg. The mayor also announced completion of a low-income rental building at Schaefer Landing in Williamsburg.

Williamsburg and Greenpoint rezoning challenged by local industry

Tuesday, October 04, 2005 | New York Daily News | Topic: Land Use

New zoning laws for Williamsburg and Greenpoint, which allow 40 story residential buildings, are challenged by the occupants of a 19 block industrial "island" as being unresponsive to their businesses' growth needs.

Study advocates rezoning manufacturing areas for housing

Wednesday, June 01, 2005 | Manhattan Institute | Topic: Housing

A new study from the Manhattan Institute argues that New York City has a glut of manufacturing space, and that these areas should be rezoned for housing and mixed use development.

Zoning instead of planning in Williamsburg and Greenpoint

Tuesday, May 17, 2005 | Gotham Gazette | Topic: Land Use

Five years ago, the Williamsburg and Greenpoint communities developed their own 197-a plans. But the city has not upheld its end of the bargain. City agencies took no action on the plans after City Council approval in 2001 and the recently adopted rezoning bears little resemblence to the communities' plans. Tom Angotti argues this is standard practice in New York City--where zoning is substituted for true land use planning.

Greenpoint-Williamsburg rezoning and PILOT legislation approved

Thursday, May 12, 2005 | New York Times | Topic: Land Use

The City Council voted to approve the Greenpoint-Williamsburg rezoning as well as legislation requiring City Council approval of spending payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) funds.

City Council committee approves Greenpoint-Williamsburg rezoning

Tuesday, May 03, 2005 | New York Times | Topic: Land Use

The City Council's Land Use Committee unanimously approved the Greenpoint-Williamsburg rezoning plan. The full City Council is expected to appove the zoning next week.

How City Council may kill affordable housing

Tuesday, April 19, 2005 | New York Daily News | Topic: Land Use

Julia Vitullo-Martin argues that, by bowing to demands to both mandate affordable housing and limit building heights, the City Council ensures that the Greenpoint-Williamsburg neighborhoods will never be developed to their full potential. This will actually reduce the amount of affordable housing in the neighborhoods: "it's the density of the bulkier buildings that will pay for the affordable units and for public access. No density, no subsidy."

Waterfront housing woes

Monday, April 11, 2005 | City Limits Weekly | Topic: Housing

This is a summary of the April 4th City Council hearing on the Greenpoint-Williamsburg rezoning. Testimonies addressed concerns about open space, building heights, and zoning out light industrial uses. But, as has been reported elsewhere, the central concern was affordable housing.

City Council threatens to block plan to rezone in Brooklyn

Tuesday, April 05, 2005 | New York Times | Topic: Housing

City Council members are steadfast in their demand that the Greenpoint-Williamsburg rezoning plan include more affordable housing. As it currently stands, developers could get a height bonus on their buildings if they set aside up to a quarter of the apartments as low-cost units, designating half of them for residents of the community. City Council members want a guarantee that 40% of new housing will be affordable.

Hipsters defend Brooklyn

Sunday, April 03, 2005 | | Topic: Land Use

In 2000, community leaders in Greenpoint-Williamsburg asked city officials for a rezoning to increase residential housing and prevent a Con Ed power plant from moving it. Now that the neighborhoods are booming, City Planning has come up with a rezoning proposal. But, according to residents, the new plan ignores the neighborhoods' 197-a plans. It allows too-high condos, it converts too many blocks from manufacturing to residential and mixed-use, and creates too little affordable housing.

Greenpoint-Williamsburg rezoning hits housing snag

Thursday, March 24, 2005 | New York Daily News | Topic: Housing

As the plan to rezone Williamsburg and Greenpoint nears a critical vote, City Council member David Yassky vowed to send it back to the drawing board to include more affordable housing. The plan currently has incentives for developers to make 15% to 25% of those units affordable for low- and middle-income residents, but critics are looking for a program guaranteeing that 30% to 40% of housing units are affordable.

Waterfront Rezoning And Its Shortcomings

Wednesday, March 23, 2005 | Gotham Gazette | Topic: Waterfront

Carter Craft argues that, while the Greenpoint-Williamsburg rezoning plan is good for the waterfront, it ignores the area's manufacturing history and lacks vision and clarity when it comes to water-based transportation. He suggests that a public waterfront entity that oversees waterfront planning and development would help ensure the waterfront belongs to all the city's residents.

Williamsburg reinvented

Sunday, March 20, 2005 | New York Times | Topic: Land Use

Greenpoint-Williamsburg is going to get bigger. Like a whole town bigger. Imagine all the owner-occupied housing stock of a town like Princeton, N.J., moved to this part of Brooklyn. Twice.

Developers: Race you to the top

Sunday, March 13, 2005 | New York Daily News | Topic: Land Use

At least seven high-rise apartment buildings are going up in Williamsburg and Greenpoint in an effort by developers to build before zoning changes take effect. "It's going to be just hideous, like a huge NYU dormitory was dumped into the neighborhood," said Marisa Bow, who lives in the neighborhood.

Transgas bids $700M for proposed site for Jets stadium

Tuesday, February 22, 2005 | New York Times | Topic: Finance

TransGas, an energy company, has offered to pay $700 million for the west side railyard and a platform over the tracks. That's $100 million more than Cablevision's bid. But TransGas wants the MTA's help in getting approval for the company's plans to build an electric power plant on the waterfront in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, along with a contract from the authority to buy power from the company for the next 20 years.

'Finger' building a big sore point

Thursday, February 17, 2005 | New York Daily News | Topic: Land Use

On the eve of rezoning, a Williamsburg building that will rise more than five times higher than the tallest rowhouse on a quiet residential street has outraged area residents.

Study urges city to require building of low-cost housing

Tuesday, February 15, 2005 | New York Times | Topic: Housing

A new study by researchers at New York University recommends that the city require developers to include lower-cost apartments in large apartment buildings in fast-growing neighborhoods. Here is a link to the report entitled, Reducing the Cost of New Housing Construction in New York City.

Demand on housing plan

Tuesday, January 18, 2005 | New York Daily News | Topic: Housing

David Yassky and housing advocates call for more afforable housing in the city's Williamsburg-Greenpoint plan. The plan currently includes incentives to make 15% to 25% of the housing for low- or moderate-income residents, but Yassky says City Council will not support the plan at that level.

American Planning Association NY Metro Chapter Greenpoint-Williamsburg rezoning position (PDF)

Saturday, January 01, 2005 | American Planning Association, NY Chapter | Topic: Land Use

This four-page document is divided into the following sections: Use, Bulk, Waterfront Access Plan, Parks Distribution, Inclusionary Housing, and Other. Overall, the APA is complimentary, calling it a "stellar" plan, but they have some recommendations.

1) The APA asks City Planning to retain more existing manufacturing zones and to work with other city agencies to provide incentives to light manufacturing companies in the area.

2) The APA recommend that heights in the upland neighborhood (away from the waterfront) be limited and that the widths of tall waterfront buildings be limited to provide better waterfront access and sight-lines.

3) The APA recommends that the waterfront esplanade be managed by an Improvement District in order to monitor adjacent development .

4) The APA calls for additional open space in the Greenpoint neighborhood along Newtown Creek.

5) A larger population means increased demand for city services. Don't forget to plan for schools, fire/police protection, and transit.

Inclusionary Zoning's Big Moment

Saturday, January 01, 2005 | City Limits Weekly | Topic: Housing

This City Limits article explains an affordable housing policy that has been requested by residents of Greenpoint/Williamsburg and Hell's Kitchen as part of the rezoning plans in those neighborhoods: inclusionary zoning. This policy requires that a portion of the new construction would be affordable to the neighborhood's longtime residents, reducing displacement.

Zoning out manufacturing is an economic mistake

Friday, November 14, 2003 | Center for an Urban Future | Topic: Economic Development

By allowing Greenpoint-WilliamsburgÃ¢â‚¬â€where manufacturing, warehousing and transportation uses have traditionally blended with retail, housing and officesÃ¢â‚¬â€to be overtaken by more expensive, less diverse type of mixed use, city officials are making an economic mistake that they might never be able to reverse. This is because Greenpoint-Williamsburg is just the type of neighborhood in which light, clean, specialized industry can thriveÃ¢â‚¬â€helping to make the city's economy more diverse and more competitive overall.

Greenpoint 197-a Plan

Wednesday, October 14, 1998 | Other | Topic: Land Use

The process of rezoning of Greenpoint and Williamsburg was initiated by the communities submitting 197-a Plans. Greenpoint's 197-a Plan, completed in 1999, has several key goals: to revitalize the waterfront, develop the connection between the waterfront and the Manhattan Avenue shopping district, build upon the neighborhood's mixed-use character, improve mass transit, and clean and renew Greenpoint's environment.

Williamsburg 197-a Plan

Thursday, October 01, 1998 | Other | Topic: Land Use

The process of rezoning of Greenpoint and Williamsburg was initiated by the communities submitting 197-a Plans. Williamsburg's 197-a Plan, completed in 1998, had 5 primary goals: "Conform Waterfront Development to Adjacent Neighborhoods", "Increase Waterfront Access and Public Open Space", "Promote a Clean and Safe Living and Working Environment", "Promote Local Economic Development", "Support and Strengthen Existing Diversity".

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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