Brooklyn Bridge Park Corp. unruffled by Pier 6 opposition

Despite fierce community opposition to two planned buildings at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 6, the Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation board is forging ahead.

Opposition to the buildings, for which 14 possible designs were unveiled yesterday, hinges on two major factors: nearby residents’ stance against the affordable housing that would occupy part of the proposed towers, and a belief that additional building should not be permitted on the park’s green space. With regard to the former, some neighbors expressed concerns that affordable housing would bring down property values, while the influx of newcomers would increase crowds in the park and cramp local public school P.S. 8, they say.

“This park has already become an icon, and now people are complaining it’s too crowded,” board member Joanne Witty said in the Wednesday meeting, speaking to the park’s current funding model, which requires that the park be self-sustaining.

“In the absence of a government funding commitment, housing is the best option to provide the funds necessary to build and maintain Brooklyn Bridge Park,” added Alexandra Bowie, president of the Brooklyn Heights Association.

The board ultimately voted down a motion to reevaluate the planned towers, but did agree to an updated environmental review for Pier 6. In the meantime, a looming lawsuit looking to block the additional housing development leaves the board unable to issue a final decision on Pier 6’s future. [Curbed] — Julie Strickland