PlanNYC: Brooklyn Greenway

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Brooklyn Greenway

In 1993, the Brooklyn Waterfront Trail was identified as a priority route in the Department of City Planning's Greenway Plan for New York City, which outlined a vision for a citywide 350-mile network of greenways. The Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway project area now spans 14 miles of Brooklyn waterfront.

When completed, it will provide a human scale connection between numerous waterfront communities now divided by highways and transit infrastructure. Benefits will include more waterfront access, better quality of life, healthier lifestyles, more diverse transportation options, and increased economic development, as more people find Brooklyn a desirable place to live or relocate their business.

The proposed Greenway will stretch from Sunset Park to Newtown Creek in Greenpoint. Within the 14 mile Greenway will be the Brooklyn Bridge Park and other large-scale redevelopments. In addition to the planning for the Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Brooklyn Navy Yard, the New York City Economic Development Corporation has recently focused on the planning and redevelopment initiative to help guide the future of Brooklyn Piers 7-12. On May 31, 2006, ownership of Piers 1, 2, 3, and part of Pier 5 was transferred from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to the Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation (BBPDC), a significant step in the completion of the project. A map of the greenway is linked on the right.

Opponents have filed suit against the Empire State Development Corporation for including shops, restaurants, a hotel and 1,210 condos to the Brooklyn Bridge Park plan. The ESDC insists that private fund are needed to maintain the project.

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Parts of Brooklyn Bridge Park to be Operational in 2009

Friday, July 11, 2008 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Finance

The Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation (BBPDC), a state-run entity overseeing the construction of the 85-acre development, announced that parts of public space on Pier 1 would be open in 2009. This news follows a recent announcement that the total cost for the park had increased from $150 to $300 million, with only $225 million of those funds allocated by the State and City. Piers 2 through 5 should be completed by 2012. The BBPDC made clear that park construction would take priority over residential construction in the area of development.

Renderings of Brooklyn Bridge Park Released

Wednesday, July 02, 2008 | Brownstoner | Topic: Environment

Earlier this week, new renderings were released for the future of Brooklyn Bridge Park. 17 acres of the park are expected to open in 2009 and by 2012 two-thirds of the park is expected to be open to the public.

Small Section of Brooklyn Bridge Park to Open This Summer

Thursday, June 12, 2008 | Brooklyn Eagle | Topic: Environment

The Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation has announced that it will open a small park area on Pier 1 near the base of the Brooklyn Bridge at the end of June. The opening will coincide with the unveiling of the East River Waterfalls, offering visitors views of one of the waterfalls and the Manhattan skyline. The park will have a beach area, benches and tables and a concession stand. Free shuttle service will bring visitors to the park from Brooklyn Hall.

Brooklyn Bridge Park Price Tag Increases

Friday, May 30, 2008 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Finance

The cost of the 1.3-mile park project has exceeded its original cost projection from $150 million to upwards of $300 million, says State Senator Marty Connor. Opponents of the park plan used the news of the cost increase to attack the inclusion of luxury condominium development on site. Project proponents, like City Council Member David Yassky, reiterated that the project would succeed. Brooklyn Bridge Park supporters also defended the luxury units on the basis of the $15 million park maintenance cost.

Recycled Materials to be Used at Brooklyn Bridge Park

Friday, May 16, 2008 | Brooklyn Eagle | Topic: Environment

Skanska, the construction company that has been contracted to construct the Brooklyn Bridge Park, will be using materials recycled from demolished sheds and buildings in the area to build the park. A spokesman for the company says that this effort is part of a commitment to sourcing locally as much building materials as possible, as well as trying to reduce negative neighborhood impacts.

Supreme Court Rules Againist Opponents of Brooklyn Bridge Park

Sunday, April 27, 2008 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Environment

The New York State Supreme Court ruled in favor of the state last week in a case brought by the Brooklyn Bridge Park Defense Fund against the development of luxury condo buildings in Brooklyn Bridge Park. The Defense Fund’s case was built on the argument that the inclusion of private residential units in the public park would violate the Public Trust Doctrine, which prohibits the encroachment of private uses on public open spaces. They also argued that the project’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) did not take into account the impact of increased traffic from the proposed Atlantic Yards development. The court dismissed both arguments, saying that the Public Trust Doctrine does not preclude residential uses adjacent to public open space and that the Atlantic Yards traffic impacts had been “sufficiently studied.” The project developer, the Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corp., plans to use fees paid by businesses and residents from the condominium buildings to pay for park maintenance.

Progress on Brooklyn Bridge Park Noted By Park President

Saturday, April 19, 2008 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Land Use

Regina Myer, President of Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation, in an interview with the Brooklyn Papers has said that progress is being made on the park and that she hopes some sections will open next year. In addressing the budget for the park, Myer said that she is still reviewing the numbers to ensure that revenue generated from private, residential development will help pay for the maintenance of the park. Some are concerned that the park could be underutilized because of its distance from public transit and local development, but Myer is confident that the will be utilized by the public

Developer Wants to Put Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Monday, April 07, 2008 | New York Magazine | Topic: Waterfront

David Walentas has commissioned architect Jean Nouvel to design a pavilion for a historic carousel in hopes of donating the carousel to the City. Walentas would like the carousel, built in 1922, to be placed in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Walentas’ wife Jane has been restoring the carousel for the past 22 years. Regina Myer, President of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Authority, likes the carousel, however she is more concerned with making sure proper infrastructure gets built in the park first. It is unclear how long the developer will wait for the park to accept the carousel because others have offered to purchase it.

Brooklyn Bridge Park Battleground For Fight Over Waterfront Uses

Monday, March 24, 2008 | New York Times | Topic: Waterfront

The development of Brooklyn Bridge Park has turned into a battleground over the use of waterfront space in the City. Fred Kent of the Project for Public Spaces argues that the waterfront should be more European, with markets and restaurants, rather than simply open space. Kent and other opponents of Brooklyn Bridge Park argue that the park’s playing fields will be empty and only work to preserve the view for the controversial new condominiums being built at the north and south ends of the park. The park’s supporters believe that the variety of different kinds of park space available will attract thousands of people to the park. The park’s developers also say that the condos were necessary to fund the development of the rest of the park.

Construction Begins on Brooklyn Bridge Park Amid Lawsuits

Saturday, March 22, 2008 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Land Use

Demolition work has begun for Brooklyn Bridge Park although appeals remain in opposition to the housing located in the park. The Brooklyn Bridge Defense Fund had filed suit against the project citing flaws with the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and saying that private housing in a public park is illegal. In November 2006, a judge decided that the issue at stake was not a legal one but one of philosophy regarding private uses in public spaces. The Defense Fund appealed the decision and had its day in court this week to argue it case before an appellate court.

Environmental Concerns Require Changes at Brooklyn Bridge Park

Monday, March 10, 2008 | New York Post | Topic: Waterfront

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced concerns with Brooklyn Bridge Park’s plans to calm the East River – which would allow for a marina and water sports. DEC says that the current plan could alter currents and shade the river, which would harm marine life. DEC has asked the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) to make changes to the current proposal, which has already doubled costs due to other delays and rising construction prices.

New Chairman Named for Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy Board

Monday, February 11, 2008 | Brooklyn Eagle | Topic: Waterfront

David Kramer was recently made chairman of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy Board. Work on the waterfront park started this week. Kramer is the Principal of the Hudson Companies, a developer that has been influential in plans for DUMBO. Hudson Companies is also one of the remaining bids for Public Place, a site along the Gowanus. Public programming for the park will be a main responsibility for Kramer in his new position.

Ground Broken on Brooklyn Bridge Park

Wednesday, January 30, 2008 | New York Sun | Topic: Environment

Construction began on Brooklyn Bridge Park, a 1.3 mile park along the East River, on Monday. The first phase of the project, which is being overseen by Skanska USA, includes demolition of several buildings and removal of trees. Construction is expected to take nine months, and the completed park will run from Brooklyn Heights to DUMBO.

Brooklyn Bridge Park Project Over Budget

Wednesday, January 02, 2008 | New York Observer | Topic: Waterfront

The Brooklyn Bridge Park project is expecting to exceed its $150 million budget by several million dollars. Currently the state-run Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation is overseeing the project, but Mayor Bloomberg has asked that the City be given more control over the development. The City has also offered to contribute a large portion of the requisite funds.

Groundbreaking for Brooklyn Waterfront Park Expected in Early 2008

Monday, December 31, 2007 | New York Post | Topic: Waterfront

A groundbreaking ceremony for the waterfront park that extends from Brooklyn Heights to DUMBO has been announced for early 2008. The event will mark the beginning of the first phase of construction and will involve removing sections of four piers and razing the Purchase Building. The project has faced substantial delays over the past six years but officials say construction should start within the next few months.

Landmarked Building to be Demolished for Brooklyn Greenway

Thursday, December 20, 2007 | Gothamist | Topic: Historic Preservation & Landmarks

Construction of the $150 million Brooklyn Bridge Park could begin next month if plans for demolishing a landmarked building are given the final approval. The $18 million construction phase will include knocking down the landmarked Purchase Building and removing parts of five piers if it is approved today. Supporters of the project believe that demolition of this building is essential for creating continuity of the park and allowing for views of the river. However, preservationists are opposed to destroying a designated landmark. The Empire State Development Corp. will decide on the proposal next month.

Development of Brooklyn Bridge Park Hopeful

Friday, November 30, 2007 | Brooklyn Eagle | Topic: Environment

Regina Myer, the Empire State Development Corporation’s appointee to lead the Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation, is expected to start her new position in two weeks. Some believe that construction of the Brooklyn Bridge Park is expected to start in early 2008 with the demolition of structures on Piers 1 and 5 and other surrounding buildings. Some in the community are hopeful that physical construction of the space will come to fruition by the end of 2008. There are still some concerns about what will happen with two unused structures in the park’s area – the Tobacco Warehouse and the Empire Stores. Some have expressed interest in converting the old Tobacco Warehouse into a cultural and arts center for the new park.

New Leader for Brooklyn Bridge Park Selected

Monday, November 26, 2007 | New York Daily News | Topic: Waterfront

The state is expected to appoint former Brooklyn City Planning Director Regina Myer to run the Brooklyn Bridge Park project. Some local leaders and community groups who support the project have accused the Spitzer Administration of stalling on the project ever since he took office in January. A group of elected officials were expected to send a letter to the state demanding that ground be broken by the start of the New Year. The Empire State Development Corporation has said that construction will begin in January and despite the delays is still expected to be completed in 2010. There is still a pending lawsuit to stop the building of new condos along the waterfront that would help finance the maintenance of the park.

No Action on Brooklyn Greenway;Awaiting Decisions

Thursday, November 15, 2007 | Brooklyn Eagle | Topic: Environment

The development of the Brooklyn Bridge Park and nearby Empire Stores has remained dormant since the removal of Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation President Wendy Leventer 7 months ago. Officials site several reasons for the delays including the Corporation’s failure to elect a new president, a critical lack of parking in the area, and the delayed construction of a residential tower which many in the community oppose. Others cite the shared ownership between they city and they stat as a reason for inaction. Both entities have funded the project, which will include the largest park development in Brooklyn in 135 years. The city and state jointly provided a $153 million grant for the park; however it the annual maintenance budget will be funded by city taxes.

Brooklyn Waterfront One of Nation's Most Endangered Historic Areas

Friday, June 15, 2007 | New York Daily News | Topic: Historic Preservation & Landmarks

The northern waterfront of Brooklyn, including the Greenpoint Terminal Market and the Brooklyn Army Terminal, has been placed on the list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has called for efforts to combine historic preservation with development, mimicking efforts in TriBeCa and SoHo where historic factories are either still in use or the buildings are preserved but used for other purposes. With increased freight traffic expected for the New York Harbor the waterfront area may be in high demand for redevelopment, leading to additional concern about the loss of historic sites.

Lease Agreement Approved for Brooklyn Bridge Park

Friday, May 04, 2007 | Brooklyn Eagle | Topic: Waterfront

Opponents of the plan to allow residential development on the city-state project for Brooklyn Bridge Park were disappointed when the Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation (BBPDC) approved a lease agreement for one of the development parcels on site. The approved lease has the apparent support of Governor Spitzer, a discomforting fact to many development opponents who believed the new governor would reform the Empire State Development Corporation's (ESDC) intention to fund park maintenance through revenue from residential development. The lease agreement only becomes official in the event that the three-member Public Authorities Control Board, on which Governor Spitzer has a seat, agrees to the lease later in May.

Access Points for Brooklyn Bridge Park Considered

Friday, April 13, 2007 | Courier-Life Publications | Topic: Waterfront

Reputable traffic firm Sam Schwartz PLLC released a study last week detailing suggestions for making pedestrian, automobile, and cycling access easier to the Brooklyn Bridge Park. In particular, the study focused on the northernmost and southernmost boundaries of the park, Old Fulton Street and Atlantic Avenue respectively. The study noted the traffic congestion from the Brooklyn Queens Expressway (BQE) on Atlantic Avenue, suggesting that the BQE eliminate exit lanes to the avenue. The study also called for more bicycle access points, modified bus routes near the park including shuttle service from subways, and possibly waterborne access. Schwartz's study was largely applauded, but some critics feel that it does not adequately address congestion problems likely to result from the 86-acre park.

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?

Bloomberg Focusing on Unfinished Agenda Items with 1000 Days Left

Sunday, April 01, 2007 | New York Times | Topic: Politics & Government

With 1,000 days left in office, Bloomberg is focusing in on a list of unfinished agenda items. According to the New York Times these items include certain mass transit development, creation or preservation of 125,000 residential units, identifying contaminated land which could be the site of future development, and providing recreational opportunities along the New York waterfront. Other goals include completing a series of rezoning in Manhattan and the outer boroughs and completing large projects which have already begun such as Brooklyn Bridge Park and Atlantic Yards. The mayor’s goals are driven by his determination to prepare New York for long-term growth and economic development.

City Offers Unique Partnership in Hopes of Expanding Ferry Service

Thursday, March 29, 2007 | New York Times | Topic: Waterfront

With ferry services to Ellis Island and the Statute of Liberty up for bid the city has put out an offer to partner with any new provider, sharing its expertise and resources in return for agreement to expand service beyond the current stops. The city hopes create a unified Harbor District by including service to waterfront areas that are planned for redevelopment such Governors Island and Brooklyn Bridge Park. The National Park Service operates Ellis Island and the Statute of Liberty, and will be the one accepting bids, but has not focused on expansion of services. However the National Park Service has said that they do not object to the city’s proposal and they do not see it interfering with the bidding system.

Brooklyn Bridge Park Plan Unnecessarily Expensive, Say Critics

Thursday, March 15, 2007 | Metro New York | Topic: Finance

Park advocates and critics of the plan for the Brooklyn Bridge Park are complaining that the annual budget for the park is exorbitantly high at yearly maintenance costs of $245,000 an acre. Such a figure compares to the Central Park Conservancy's expenditure of $32,000 an acre. According to critics, the high projections are because the Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation, a subsidiary of the Empire State Development Corporation, is attempting to justify the construction of 1,200 condominiums intended to pay for park maintenance. With the departure of a few of Governor Pataki's appointees to the ESDC, some wonder if Governor Spitzer will reconsider the park's budget.

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."

Turnover at Brooklyn Bridge Park Project

Thursday, March 08, 2007 | New York Post | Topic: Politics & Government

The president of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corp was fired from the Empire State Develop Corporation (ESDC) yesterday as part of a string of changes at the agency as it transitions from the Pataki to Spitzer administration. The Brooklyn Bridge Park project had been under recent scrutiny with rumors that the project may be running well over budget. The consulting firm AT Kearney is currently investigating all ESDS operations to determine areas of frivolous spending at the request of the Pataki administration.

Critics Doubt Brooklyn Bridge Park Budget is Sufficient

Monday, February 26, 2007 | New York Daily News | Topic: Finance

NYC Park Advocates believes that the city is grossly underestimating costs for Brooklyn Bridge Park, which may be up to double the current $150 million budget. Supporters of the project admit that costs may run over the current budget given the national trend of rising construction costs, but do not believe it will be by such a significant magnitude. Maintenance costs of the park will be paid for by luxury condos that are to be built on one end, in itself another controversial plan. New budget figures are to be released next month when the park’s design plans are complete.

A Halt to the Brooklyn Bridge Park Plan

Monday, February 19, 2007 | New York Post | Topic: Waterfront

Plans to construct the Brooklyn Bridge Park, an 85-acre city-state project along the Brooklyn Greenway, have come to a temporary halt as the site is currently home to forensic experts sifting World Trade Center rubble for human remains. The delay has upset Brooklyn Council Member David Yassky, who expressed frustration at the park's progress. The latest phase of the 20-year project was supposed to occur three years ago, after Mayor Bloomberg and Governor Pataki announced the initiative in 2002.

The Modern New York Envisioned by Robert Moses

Friday, January 19, 2007 | New York Sun | Topic: Waterfront

The Museum of the City of New York, Columbia University, and the Queens Museum will feature an exhibit on Robert Moses’s legacy on modern New York at the end of January. The surge of waterfront development in New York, especially in Brooklyn, has cause many urban planning observers to renew assessments of Robert Moses’s impact on the City’s evolving vision. To some, the comprehensive waterfront development that New York is now experiencing would not have been possible without Moses’s Belt Parkway project in the 1930’s.

Condo Plan in Brooklyn Bridge Park Finds Strong Opposition

Tuesday, January 16, 2007 | New York Post | Topic: Economic Development

Developer Robert Levine’s plans to construct 400 luxury condominiums inside the Brooklyn Bridge Park, a city and state-planned redevelopment of 85 acres of waterfront greenway in Brooklyn Heights, have led opponents to decry Levine’s projected $674 million gross revenue from the project. Opponents also object to the Empire State Development Corporation’s (ESDC) allowance of the condo plan, the agency Levine turned to upon circumventing the city’s rezoning procedure. The ESDC maintains that the profit from the deal is a necessary tool to help finance and maintain the park.

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.

New York Supreme Court Upholds Condo Plans In Brooklyn Park

Tuesday, November 28, 2006 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Waterfront

State Supreme Court Justice Lawrence Knipel upheld the Empire State Development Corporation's plan to added shops, restaurants, a hotel and 1,210 condos to the proposed 1.3-mile Brooklyn Bridge park. ESDC insists that private funds are needed to maintain the 77 acre site. Opponents vow appeal.

Advocates for Parks Place Hope in Governor-Elect Spitzer

Friday, November 17, 2006 | Gotham Gazette | Topic: Environment

Some open space and conservation proponents are hopeful that the newly elected Congress and NY governor will protect New York’s public parks from encroachment by private developments. Advocates point to Governor-Elect Spitzer’s history in the NY Attorney General’s office for this inspiration. Spitzer maintains that he will uphold Governor Pataki’s open space initiatives. The article mentions the possible impact of New York’s recent political changes on projects like Governors Island, the Brooklyn Greenway, and the Hudson River Park.

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.

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.

Brooklyn Political Officials Priorize Park Before Development

Thursday, November 09, 2006 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Land Use

Elected officials in Brooklyn urged Charles Gargano, the chairman of the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC), to build open space at the Brooklyn Bridge Park waterfront development before building high-rise condominiums. In a joint letter, the officials maintained that the project should delay on developers until it is certain that revenue-generated from private developments are needed to aid in providing revenue for maintenance of the project.

Candidate Sounds Off On Planning Projects

Friday, October 13, 2006 | Courier-Life Publications | Topic: Politics & Government

A local Brooklyn paper reports on a recent campaign visit to the borough by Republican gubernatorial candidate John Faso. The candidate discussed the Atlantic Yards development and Brooklyn Bridge Park, giving both projects favorable assessments.

Improving Access To The Brooklyn Waterfront

Thursday, October 05, 2006 | Metro New York | Topic: Urban Design & Architecture

The Downtown Brooklyn Waterfront Local Development Corporation held the first in a series of planned public meetings to get input on how to improve access to Brooklyn Bridge Park. The LDC is conducting a $1 million study of alternatives for getting New Yorkers to the 1.3 miles of meadows, basketball courts and kayak launches that will replace a rusting industrial waterfront.

Finding Support for the Park Boom

Monday, August 07, 2006 | Gotham Gazette | Topic: Environment

Parks commissioner Adrian Benepe has predicted that 2006 will be the biggest year for parks construction in New York City since the 1930s. Increasingly the city and state expect private groups to come up with the money to operate new parks.

Debate Continues For and Against Housing at Brooklyn Park

Saturday, July 22, 2006 | New York Times | Topic: Land Use

When is a park not a park? And how far should government go in granting concessions to developers — in this case, allowing profitmaking housing on public land — to subsidize nonessential public services?

Critics Fight With City and State Against Condos

Thursday, June 22, 2006 | New York Sun | Topic: Waterfront

Park activists squared off against lawyers for the city and state over the current plan for transforming the desolate piers and waterfront space into parkland. Debate focused on plans to put in condos, which critics believe will prevent the park from being a real public park.

Moving Forward With Brooklyn Bridge Park

Wednesday, May 31, 2006 | NY1 | Topic: Waterfront

Moving the Brooklyn Bridge Park to the next Phase of development, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Governor George Pataki announced the transfer of several piers to the Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation.

Fences Stay Up At Piers

Saturday, May 27, 2006 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Waterfront

The Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation has changed their minds and decided that they will not open fenced-off piers between Atlantic Avenue and the Manhattan Bridge despite earlier announcements, solicitations for ideas, and money from the City Council.

Borough Civic Groups and the Sierra Club File Suit

Wednesday, May 17, 2006 | New York Post | Topic: Land Use

Nine borough civic groups and the Sierra Club filed suit on Wednesday against the Empire State Development Corporation. They are suing to halt the construction of the park unless the 1,200 luxury condo units are removed from the plan.

Interview With ESDC Chairman

Wednesday, May 17, 2006 | Metro New York | Topic: Politics & Government

Interview with Empire State Development Corporation Chairman Charles Gargano. He talks about several projects going on and his vision for New York City.

Public Hearing Shows Variety of Opinions on the Plan

Saturday, March 11, 2006 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Land Use

At a public hearing, Councilman David Yassky voiced his opposition to the Mayor's plan for Redhook. This sparked lively debate between both sides of the plan.

Pay-Your-Own-Way Parks

Monday, February 27, 2006 | New York Observer | Topic: Waterfront

In the city, more and more waterfront parks are being planned under the pay-your-own way mantra. Driving this strategy is the cost of operating these parks—and the desire to create massive development nearby to help fund their construction and maintenance.

Booklyn Greenway: 14 Mile-Long Open Space

Wednesday, February 22, 2006 | Metropolis Magazine | Topic: Land Use

For many, Brooklyn's waterfront screams opportunity: high-rise condos with great views of Manhattan. For Brooklyn's communities, the development presents a different opportunity: the creation of the biggest public access park since Central Park was formed in 1853 that will have a real impact on the resident's quality of life.

Brooklyn Bridge Park OK'd

Thursday, February 09, 2006 | New York Post | Topic: Waterfront

With the $150 million Brooklyn Bridge Park plan gaining final approval yesterday, officials say that, within months, they'll begin accepting proposals from developers interested in building the hotel, condos and commercial ventures that will pay for the park's upkeep.

Greenway up and running

Monday, January 16, 2006 | New York Daily News | Topic: Economic Development

A long dormant plan to create a greenway along Queens' East River waterfront got a jump-start last week with the announcement that funding for the project has now been secured. City Councilman Eric Gioia (D-Sunnyside) is providing $500,000 in city money for the project, and the city's Parks Department was able to secure an additional $2.6 million in federal funding.

Residents Upset by Potential Blocked Views in Planned Park Development

Tuesday, November 01, 2005 | New York Daily News | Topic: Urban Design & Architecture

Brooklyn residents are upset that views of Manhattan could be blocked by the planned residential developments in the planned Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Ratner Executive Explains Contributions to Community Group

Saturday, October 22, 2005 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Land Use

A Forest City Ratner executive defends the corporation's contributions to Brooklyn United for Innovative Local Development (BUILD) as part of its plan of community involvement.

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.

Re-imagining Brooklyn's inner core: Atlantic Yards and Brooklyn Bridge Park

Saturday, October 01, 2005 | Project for Public Spaces | Topic: Waterfront

This two-part essay proposes remaking the Flatbush/Atlantic Avenue/4th Avenue intersection as the "Crossroads of Brooklyn" and proposes principles for designing the Brooklyn waterfront near Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Citizens have their say over park plan

Saturday, September 24, 2005 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Waterfront

At a public hearing, community members voice concerns over building size and obstructed views associated with the planned commercial and residential developments along the proposed Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Conflict in Brooklyn Heights over park

Saturday, August 20, 2005 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: General

Community groups in Brooklyn Heights disagree over plans for high-rise condominiums in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Brooklyn Bridge Park to feature 1,200 condos

Sunday, August 07, 2005 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Housing

The Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corp. announced a draft plan for a 1.3 mile park which would include 1,200 units of market rate condos.

Brooklyn greenway plan gets big boost

Tuesday, March 29, 2005 | New York Daily News | Topic: Finance

The Brooklyn Greenway Initiative got a boost from $18.25 million in federal transportation funds that were earmarked for the project by Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-Sunset Park). $10 million will go to the Sunset Park waterfront toward a 22-acre park between 45th and 51st Street. It also will go toward building a greenway through the park that will run from the Red Hook waterfront to the Shore Parkway path. The remaining $8.25 million is earmarked for portions of the greenway in Red Hook, Greenpoint and around the Navy Yard.

Greenway glitches

Tuesday, January 04, 2005 | Gotham Gazette | Topic: Environment

As the Brooklyn waterfront changes, there are many competing visions for how it should evolve. These range from preserving the working waterfront and encouraging water-borne transportation to current city proposals for housing, parks, and a cruise ship terminal. These changes could provide opportunities for the creation of a green pathway, as well as obstacles.

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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