The Next Step for Dock Street
The Walentases’ dream of building a large mixed-use development on Dock Street in Dumbo near (too near, opponents say) the Brooklyn Bridge got a boost last month when the Department of Education included the public middle school component in its five-year capital plan— a move cheered by many parents of small children in the area….
The Walentases’ dream of building a large mixed-use development on Dock Street in Dumbo near (too near, opponents say) the Brooklyn Bridge got a boost last month when the Department of Education included the public middle school component in its five-year capital plan— a move cheered by many parents of small children in the area. Plenty of locals and preservationists, however, continue to oppose the 400-unit project, mostly on the grounds that it crowds the historic Brooklyn Bridge. All sides will get a chance to air their views two weeks from now at the first of what is bound to be a long series of public hearings on the project. On December 17, Community Board 2 will host an event at the LIU Health Sciences Center, Room 107, at 6 p.m. that will specifically consider the school proposal as well as a mix of zoning amendments and special permits needed to proceed with the development.
Update: Let’s see where readers come out on this.
DOE: It’s Time to Examine Dock Street [Brownstoner] GMAP
Two Trees Plans Mixed Use Building Next to Bridge [Brownstoner]
Dock Street Plans (Marina and All) Go 3D [Brownstoner]
Dock Street Protesters: 20% There on Signatures [Brownstoner]
I don’t own property in the immediate area and my interest is only in preserving the beauty of the promenade and views of the bridge. The building is simply too large and too close to the bridge.
I am a parent with a child in public school in the district and I am well aware of the need for middle schools in the area. But what we need is a quality middle school to serve district 13 children and it is not clear if the school proposed for the Dock street development will serve those children or if it would be city-wide.
And again, if if it is for district 13, there are other better options. We don’t have to choose between a negative impact on our neighborhood and a quality middle school for our children.
All you need to do is walk around the surrounding neighborhoods of the bridge and try and imagine a building of this size next to it. It’s ridiculous! 19 stories 30 ft. from the bridge! Please have some vision. This area is defined by this bridge. This an aggressive condo development with a school added as a means to get it done. The Verizon building is a perfect example of people without vision of proper urban development. Let’s not do it again. The bridge not harmed by this development?? You must never leave your apt or walk over the bridge or appreciate anything about this unique area we live in. See through the BS and vote against this development.
I think the argument of “crowding” the Brooklyn Bridge is a a false one. The iconic character of the bridge would not be harmed in any way by this building or any other buildings built around here. The bridge’s presence is much “bigger” than that.
By the way, what’s with the W. Bush attitude of the poll? “You’re either for us, or against us.”
I don’t know enough information to form such a cut-and-dry opinion.
If the School Construction Authority and the Education Department are willing to invest in this location I can’t imagine why the neighborhood groups would want to second guess them. Perhaps those opposed send their children to private school or perhaps, they seek to keep the children in the nearby projects out of the neighborhood. I can only think of bad reasons not to support this new school. And yes, of course folks in nearby buildings may have their views blocked but that’s life in the big city. They are being disingenuous by claiming they oppose the project because it hems in the Brooklyn Bridge -of all things! The mighty Brooklyn Bridge somehow diminished by a condo on Dock Street.
P-D, I suggest you re-read the first sentence. I am surprised that this thread has resulted in so few posts. Maybe everybody is keeping their powder dry and cards close to their chest (and other metaphors as appropriate) until the public hearings.
This isn’t a school – it is a condo development with a school in it. Nice try at reframing the issue…
I usually side with the preservationists, but in this case I believe they should back off and help get this school built. There is a critical lack of schools in the area. We need this badly.
“So why are some groups still opposing the plan?”
sam, I’m not opposed to this project and warmly welcome a high quality, green middle school in the area (lets hope the Wallentas stick to their promises). I think perhaps the greatest opposition comes from those living across the street from the project who will lose their panoramic views of Manhattan and have to deal with the construction.
Obviously other preservationists are opposed to the project based on the perceived negative impact in terms of the proximity of the building to the Bridge. While some might have a horrific vision of another monstrosity of the likes of the Verizon building on the Manhattan side of the Bridge, I’m expecting and hoping such an impact is minimal.
The proposed building is no great shakes but I don’t understand how one can say that it crowds the Brooklyn Bridge. That is just silliness. Brooklyn is a city, it is not a farming community.
Plans for a new public school at the base of the building is what local parents have been longing for. So why are some groups still opposing the plan? Force of habit? This is obviously good for the community and good for the children who rely on public schools for their education.