From left: Letitia James and Avalon Fort Greene

It’s the kind of problem New Yorkers long to have: too much parking. But in Downtown Brooklyn, garages on prime lots remain half empty — and the city is preparing to do something about it, the New York Times reported. The City Council Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises is scheduled to meet today regarding zoning changes that would reduce the number of parking spaces required as part of new residential developments in Downtown Brooklyn.

Currently, developers of new Downtown Brooklyn residential projects must include parking spaces for at least 40 percent of households. For example, the 600-unit Avalan Fort Greene on Gold Street has 250 parking spaces, one-third of which are being used. [more]

From left: Avalon Fort Greene, Brooklyner, DKLB BKLN and the Oro

The Department of City Planning is about to park some good news upon Downtown Brooklyn developers.

The Brooklyn Paper reported that a new City Planning proposal would reduce the number of parking spaces required in residential developments in Downtown Brooklyn and completely eliminate the mandate from below-market-rate buildings. The proposal will be presented within a few months. [more]