Gowanus residents warn: Rezoning will lead to luxe high-rises

Opponents of plan decry potential loss of open sky in neighborhood

Gowanus Canal and Brad Lander
Gowanus Canal and Brad Lander

Gowanus residents made a last-ditch effort at a public meeting last night to derail neighborhood rezoning that allows for luxury high-rise buildings.

The meeting at P.S. 36 in Carroll Gardens was the final public hearing on “Bridging Gowanus,” a proposal to require major infrastructure investments before shiny new residential towers could rise. Representatives from Pratt Institute said many residents say they would be okay with some taller properties if the rezoning meets other goals.

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“I find it difficult to believe the majority of people who are actual residents of Gowanus would give up open sky for eight- to 18-story buildings. I would like proof,” Linda Mariano of Friends and Residents of Greater Gowanus said at the meeting, as cited by Brownstoner.

Council Member Brad Lander said the meetings served as a way to build a consensus about the rezoning. The City Council has yet to vote on the plan. Lander, as well as Representative Nydia Velazquez and City Council members Brad Lander, Steve Levin and Carlos Menchaca are behind the proposal. [Brownstoner]Mark Maurer