15th st
6thave
The Park Slope Courier calls bullsh!t on the BSA’s recent gift to developers in the South Slope who’ve done nothing but flout the law and give the finger to the community. While finding that neither 400 15th Street (top) nor 639 6th Avenue (bottom) had its foundation substantially complete–the condition for being vested under the old zoning laws–the Board only confirmed the public perception that it is in developers’ pockets by allowing the projects to go forward under claims of hardship. Basically, the developers got a free pass because the Board was worried that they wouldn’t make enough money if they had to play by the rules. Grassroots community groups weren’t the only ones who opposed the variances. “Clearly the foundations were not advanced in both cases, and we felt they should not have been vested,” said John Keefe, a representative from Assemblymember James Brennan’s office, who testified against the developers’ requests.
Park Slope Zone Busting! [Park Slope Courier]
Brooklyn Olympic Sport: Beat the Downzone [Curbed]


What's Your Take? Leave a Comment

  1. Was Park Slope in a rough way 25 years ago? Yeah, but nearly all of Brooklyn was, at least Brownstone Brooklyn. The whole city was less populated, more dangerous and depressed. Park Slope has turned around as the city turned around–yuppies have been moving in for 30-40 years, but the real change came as the city improved. The neighborhood did not need new, out of proportion, ugly and cheap-looking, overpriced condos to bring in amenities. I think these out of context buildings are really going to hurt the blocks and neighborhoods that have them as the market slows down. People will be choosier and they won’t choose crap.

  2. mimimi,
    Sorry if you took my last statement as a threat. It was not meant in any way to be. It was a statement of fact. The Developer (Mr. Isaac Katan) has a history of bad developments and laws suits up the wazoo. Also I have been told from people with first hand knowledge that the job at 162 16th is truly a disaster waiting to happen. So pleased do not take my words as a threat, just as a statement of fact and a word of warning to anyone who is foolish enough to buy anything from Isaac Katan.

  3. Not understanding something, Jake. I respect your history in the Boro and your insight on PS proper…but in our area in the past 3 years, real estate prices are up (my house has doubled in value), new restaurants have opened and amenities are trickling in. While some more of the good will be on its way, close to 300 luxury condos have/will be on the market this year. Taxes will go up, schools will become even more crowded, infrastructure will be overly taxed…and yes, we’ll lose some parking (big deal). Seems the good doesn’t always outweigh the bad. Especially when it comes at the price of property owners with damaged homes, workers injured or killed, developers breaking the law, renters displaced and only high priced condos glutting the market. What am I missing here?