Pols Push Dermot on 29 Flatbush
On Tuesday Councilwoman Letitia James, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, State Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries and District Leader Lincoln Restler sent a letter to the Dermot Company, which is developing the 42-story tower at 29 Flatbush, requesting that Dermot “provide a comprehensive presentation on plans for 29 Flatbush at an upcoming meeting of Community Board 2.” The…
On Tuesday Councilwoman Letitia James, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, State Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries and District Leader Lincoln Restler sent a letter to the Dermot Company, which is developing the 42-story tower at 29 Flatbush, requesting that Dermot “provide a comprehensive presentation on plans for 29 Flatbush at an upcoming meeting of Community Board 2.” The electeds are also angling for a few other things from the developer:
• Increasing the density of affordable housing
• Designating space for a community facility
• Setting benchmarks for awarding % of total contractor dollar value to MWBEs
• Setting benchmarks for awarding % of total contracts to MWBEs
• Setting benchmarks for hiring individuals who live in the surrounding area
“We recognize that this tower can be built ‘as of right’ and would comply with the existing zoning regulations,” the letter continues. “Yet we believe that for Dermot and 29 Flatbush to be embraced by our community, there must be an open dialogue with our constituents about shared objectives for this site.” Click through to read the full text.
More Details on 29 Flatbush [Brownstoner]
Ground Broken at 29 Flatbush Avenue [Brownstoner]
29 Flatbush Finally Coming Together? [Brownstoner] GMAP DOB
Signs of Life at Dermot’s 29 Flatbush? [Brownstoner]
Dermot Plans High-Rise Rental Near BAM [Brownstoner]
I admittedly have not been following this development as closely as many of the commentators above, however it seems that this will be an as-of-right building once the TDR from the adjacent lots is factored in. With that in mind, I concur with everyone who suggested that these developers would not be required nor inclined to needlessly give away ROI, but there is always a number…
If the city really wants to see more altruism on this site, they might consider granting an additional FAR boost. That way, the developers could increase their ROI enough to offset the real and perceived costs of whatever “do-good” features the city is seeking. There doesn’t need to be any talk of “extortion, veiled threats, the mob, or whatever…” this is simply a business transaction, and there is always a number.
Yes, Brownstoner webpeople, please remove the comment by Invisible. It is racist and offensive.
Can’t you add that little button people can click when they find a comment is offensive? That would be wonderful!
Gee I wonder what invisible is trying to say. Is that how s/he speaks or is this tirade referencing a particular group of persons?
dear rich people,
you haz money, we wants it. we shall kindly ax that you gives us money or we shall do sum nazty shit. we shall mention that we haz power over all much rich people and if you does not gives us money we shall make all rich people not buy your building. also, we have guns.
kindly, gently and sincerely,
people who want money
Really!!?? You dont know whats offensive, “its ok to ask”?
Are you kidding? Did you read the letter? They arent simply asking for a “presentation”
With ZERO legal, zoning or administrative right to ask, 3 ELECTED OFFICIALS, from the City Council, State Senate and Assembly “request” additional – “affordable housing, community facility”, and setting “benchmarks for ” awarding contrats to MWBEs and hiring local people. And these ELECTED OFFICIALS immediately follow their “request” with gentle reminder that for good “community” relations there should be open dialogue and “shared objectives” for the site.
Apparently some of you people are practiced in the art of subtly – so I’ll translate it into regular english….The ELECTED OFFICIALS are saying = here are our demands for YOUR BUILDING, for which we have no legal power over your proposal BUT meet our demands (or at least negotiate and give us some) OTHERWISE we will make your life a living hell….cause we are government ELECTED OFFICIALS.
Ladies and Gentleman – this is akin to extortion….You know when the Mob does it, they also claim that your payment is made to “keep good relations in the community”
Listen Kids,
They’re not in the wrong for asking. You don’t get if you don’t ask.
I’m personally getting tired of all of these monster buildings. The next thing you know, they’ll be sticking in a 110-story building at Ashland and DeKalb where the parking lot is!
Although, I’ll admit it: I was a little nervous seeing that huge Ratner rental building going up so fast on DeKalb across from LIU…it looked ugly but now, at night, out our windows, it does look nice with all the lights sparkling in the windows. I’m just glad we don’t live near it…it just part of a more distant view for us thank goodness!
Not sure what people find so offensive about the letter. Dermot has undertaken a major development in the middle of a dense urban environment and the folks in the neighborhood, who are both taxpayers and voters, want to know what is going on. Many of those taxpayers and voters are interested in opportunities for MWBEs. Their representatives, being responsive and responsible, ask. I also happen to think that Community engagement makes good developments better – it does not matter whether the development is “as of right†or not.
I usually like lincoln, but this is slimy. I have a suggestion – lincoln, tish and hakeen should open up their privately owned property for community uses as well. Let everyone who wants to, come into their houses and use their restroom and sit on their couch. I know that legally they are not bound to do this, but it would really go a long way in showing their constituents that they care about their needs. If you’re going to demans that others give away parts of their property for free, you should be willing to do the same.
“As of right” is as of right.
Dermot is asking the community for anything more than what the law affords them, why should the community demand from Dermot more than what the law requires of the developer?