PlanNYC: DUMBO Rezoning

Feedback

Community District

Find the planning projects in your community district.

All Projects

QUICK LINKS

DUMBO Rezoning

The NYC Department of City Planning received a petition for comprehensive rezoning in October 2003. The plan would rezone Brooklyn's DUMBO neighborhood from M2 & M3 to mixed use. The details are still emerging, but key community concerns include: ensuring new developments fit into the neighborhood; preserving waterfront access; retaining some light industry; and encouraging affordable housing.

sorted by date | sort by source | sort by topic

DUMBO Residents Urging City Planning To Expand Plans

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

Some residents and elected officials are urging the Department of City Planning to expand their rezoning plans for DUMBO in an effort to block a major residential development from being built by developer David Walentas. Currently, the city’s rezoning plan stops short of Dock Street where Walentas plans to build. An alternative community plan was unveiled by the DUMBO Neighborhood Association. City Council Member David Yassky has offered his support for the community plan since he opposes the Walentas project.

Residential Rezoning in DUMBO Supported by Community

Tuesday, March 04, 2008 | New York Observer | Topic: Land Use

The Department of City Planning is planning to rezone about 12 blocks of the DUMBO neighborhood to allow for residential conversions of manufacturing and warehouse buildings. Purnima Kapur, director of DCP’s Brooklyn borough office, believes that this rezoning could result in upwards of 1,000 new residential units. The plan is largely supported by area community groups, one of which has developed its own re-zoning plan that is similar in nature but expands the rezoning area to 25 blocks.

City Releases DUMBO Rezoning Earlier Than Planned

Tuesday, March 04, 2008 | Brooklyn Eagle | Topic: Land Use

The Department of City Planning released its draft proposal for the rezoning of DUMBO. The plan covers 12 blocks and includes height restrictions and a balance of residential, commercial and retail uses. The release was earlier than planned because the DUMBO Neighborhood Association (DNA) presented its own alternative zoning proposal last week. The DNA proposal covers 25 blocks and places more restrictions on height and floor-area ratios. The DNA plan would also place these restrictions on a controversial residential development by David Walentas near the Brooklyn, which the City Planning proposal does not touch. While most of DUMBO was designated a landmark last year, the desingation does not have any implications on new construction; it only prohibits tearing down of old buildings as of right.

DUMBO Plans Revealed to Select Group

Friday, February 29, 2008 | Brooklyn Eagle | Topic: Land Use

The Department of City Planning revealed its preliminary plans for the rezoning of DUMBO to a select group of council members, community board members, local residents and property owners. The closed-door meeting marks the beginning of a long process of discussions between the city and the various area interest groups about the future plans.

Brooklyn Apartment Complex Proposal Meets Local Opposition

Saturday, December 22, 2007 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Land Use

David Walentas has released updated plans for an apartment complex next to the Brooklyn Bridge. The new plans which are smaller in scale offer kickbacks such as a public middle school and 80 units of below market-rate rental apartments. Additionally, the developer proposes to use design techniques enabling the project to be DUMBO’s first LEED certified building. However, local groups in DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights, such as DUMBO Neighborhood Association oppose the project citing “out-of-scale, high density and historically insensitive development.”

Community Lead Efforts to Stop Building on Dock Street in DUMBO

Sunday, November 25, 2007 | Brooklyn Eagle | Topic: Land Use

The Brooklyn Heights Association, DUMBO Neighborhood Association, and the Fulton Ferry Landing Association are sponsoring a petition in opposition of Two Trees Development’s plan to build an 18 story building on Dock Street. Although many in the neighborhood oppose the new development because of its potential to obstruct views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Two Trees has agreed to build space in the mixed use building for a new middle school.

DUMBO Landmarking Has Support at Commission Hearing

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

At a public hearing before the Landmarks Preservation Commission, residents, community organizations and a major developer spoke in favor of preserving DUMBO as a historic district. Many residents and neighborhood groups say that they are worried that new large -scale developments will overwhelm the 19th Century architecture of the neighborhood. The LPC did not receive any testimony against landmark status during the public hearing. The Commission is expected to make a decision on the proposed historic district by year’s end.

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.

Landmark Status Possible in DUMBO

Saturday, October 13, 2007 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Historic Preservation & Landmarks

The city’s Landmark Preservation Committee (LPC) recently agreed to discuss a proposal to establish a DUMBO Historic District. This would be the first step towards preserving the old industrial hub of Brooklyn, considered by many to be one of the city's key waterfront warehouse areas. Under a Landmarks designation, historic warehouses would be preserved, but not completely protected from renovation. The first hearing of the LPC will be on Oct 30th.

Strong Resistance to Apartment Tower in DUMBO

Monday, August 13, 2007 | New York Post | Topic: Land Use

Council Member David Yassky of Brooklyn is trying to block plans by developer David Walentas to build a large 16-story rental tower adjacent to the Brooklyn Bridge. Opponents believe the $200 million development would compromise scenic views of the historic bridge. Supporters of the project cite plans to create a middle school as a part of the construction.

Historic Designation Sought for DUMBO

Sunday, June 03, 2007 | New York Times | Topic: Historic Preservation & Landmarks

DUMBO has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1997, but preservationists are now seeking to make it an official historic district in order to limit the types of buildings which can be constructed and the alterations which can be made. The move is being made to attempt to preserve the character of the neighborhood, which residents believe is being destroyed with the construction of a series of luxury high-rise apartment buildings. The Landmarks Preservation Commission expects to place the issue on the calendar soon, which would temporarily prevent developers from making any additional changes. Opponents of the designation say it could prevent developers and others from investing in the neighborhood.

Landmarks Commission to Consider Designating Dumbo a Historic District

Thursday, April 19, 2007 | Brooklyn Eagle | Topic: Historic Preservation & Landmarks

The Landmarks Preservation Commission was set to discuss potentially designating DUMBO a landmark-protected neighborhood at a public meeting to be held this morning, April 19th. Several city officials have expressed support for the proposal. There have also been petitions to rezone the neighborhood, with some calling for additional mixed-use development while others would rather limit the number of large-scale projects.

Neighborhood Improvements to Come to DUMBO

Monday, March 12, 2007 | New York Post | Topic: Land Use

The DUMBO Improvement District, along the Brooklyn waterfront between the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges, has plans to "spruce up" the area to accommodate more modern uses than its industrial past allows. The plans include improved signage for visitors to the Brooklyn Bridge footpath, opening the arch under the Manhattan Bridge again, adding trees, introducing a farmer's market, and repairing damaged streets. According to Tucker Reed, the executive director of the DUMBO Improvement District, the point of the improvements is "about preserving the historic fabric of the neighborhood and adapting it to current use."

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.

DUMBO Developer Wants to Close Door on Duane-Reade Chain

Friday, November 17, 2006 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Economic Development

Developer David Walentas, who controls close to 75 percent of the property in DUMBO, is trying to prevent the pharmaceutical chain, Duane-Reade, from becoming a tenant in the neighborhood. Advocating for a more local “mom and pop” neighborhood feel than a large service chain provides, Walentas is establishing a record in DUMBO of opposing the entry of large chain stores. Even with less-than-market rents, many wonder if locally-owned firms can compete.

Changes To Tax Break Under Fire

Thursday, October 12, 2006 | New York Sun | Topic: Housing

The Bloomberg administration’s recommendations for changes to a housing construction tax incentive are being criticized by affordable housing advocates and real estate developers. Advocates say the changes won’t go far enough in encouraging the construction of affordable units, while developers fear the changes could reduce profits and hinder the market. The $400 million a year program was created in 1971 to spur housing construction at a time when the market was stagnant. The task force was created to update the program to reflect today’s market conditions and to encourage the creation of affordable units.

City To Overhaul Housing Tax Break

Wednesday, October 11, 2006 | New York Times | Topic: Housing

A task force led by Housing Commissioner Shaun Donovan has recommended a major overhaul to a significant tax break program for housing developers. The Mayor has accepted the proposed changes to the 421-a program which grants a multi-year exemption from increased property taxes which result from new housing construction. The proposed changes focus on promoting the creation of affordable housing. The changes, which require approval from the City Council and the State legislature, could have significant impacts on lower Manhattan which the task force has recommended be excluded from receiving the benefit unless developers contribute to affordable housing projects.

Councilman Proposes Shift of Condos from Brooklyn Bridge Park Inland to DUMBO

Saturday, October 15, 2005 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Housing

Councilman David Yassky proposed the shifting of planned condominiums from the southern end of Brooklyn Bridge Park to DUMBO while retaining their funds for the park. The proposal has met resistance from community groups seeking to rezone DUMBO to limit building height.

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.

David Yassky, Gifford MIller push DUMBO rezoning

Saturday, March 26, 2005 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Land Use

In a letter sent March 16, City Council member David Yassky urged Department of City Planning officials to accelerate its rezoning plan for the DUMBO neighborhood. "Unfortunately, the city's zoning of the area has yet to catch up with the progress of the community," Yassky writes in the letter.

Zoned out: The cult of growth and the death of Brooklyn

Wednesday, February 02, 2005 | New York Press | Topic: Economic Development

Brian Ketcham and Christopher Ketcham argue that, while city planners have emphasized economic development in Brooklyn, they have lost sight of the big picture. As a result, they have neglected their responsibility to identify and mitigate problems created by that development. The authors call for better transportation planning in Brooklyn (and citywide) and recommend East River bridge tolls in order to fund these initiatives and reduce the number of drivers cutting through downtown Brooklyn to reach Manhattan.

DUMBO neighbors are not happy about four planned buildings

Wednesday, November 12, 2003 | New York Daily News | Topic: Land Use

Four residential towers, between 14 and 20 stories, are planned for the 3-acre lot at 85 Jay Street. Neighbors with waterfront views are not happy about it and call on the Department of City Planning to consider the neighborhood context in rezoning.

P l a n N Y C | Planning Information Portal

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