Despite Brooklyn Bridge Park’s fieldhouse modifications, critics say they’re not enough

The fieldhouse planned near Pier 5 in Brooklyn Bridge Park has undergone changes in design, but critics say they don’t go far enough, the New York Daily News reported. Modifications include making room for other sports and fewer fixed seats for cycling spectators.

The main modification for the cycling track includes its elevation on support beams, which will open up 25,000 square feet for other sports to be played on movable equipment.

As for seating, what was originally proposed for a total of 2,499 fixed seats for bicycle track races has been scaled back to 1,200. However, there will still be room for a total of 2,000 cycling enthusiasts through temporary seating and standing room areas.

Traffic in the neighborhood remains a concern. The modifications don’t include the creation of parking, and even with a scaled back number of spectators, the amount of cars flocking to the stadium could be a “potential nightmare,” according to Jane McGroarty, the president of the Brooklyn Heights Association.

As previously reported, the fieldhouse has received funding from a $40 million donation made by philanthropist Joshua Rechnitz. The fieldhouse proposal awaits approval from the park board and the state. [NYDN]