Brad Lander
Gowanus Open House Reveals Proposed Rezoning Faces Optimism, Opposition
Sadef Ali Kully |
‘They heard us for the most part but they did not get everything right. And that is what this part is about.’
‘They heard us for the most part but they did not get everything right. And that is what this part is about.’
The city’s framework leaves big questions to answer, forces major issues off the table altogether, and triggers legitimate doubts about the unintended consequences of a rezoning. It also could be a genuine attempt to fashion the neighborhood everyone wants.
Brooklyn’s District 15 is trying to chart a new path toward equity with an ambitious plan to end admissions screens for middle schools. The reaction to the plan highlights the complexities of choice and process the rest of the city might someday face.
What does it mean to take into account “fair housing” concerns as the city implements Housing New York and as it pursues neighborhood rezonings?
Lots of new laws and major new programs. A few points of public tension but no vetoes. If that’s the recipe for progressive change in New York, is the same mix going to exist over the next four years?
The potential rezoning of the Brooklyn neighborhood creates uncertainty about much—but, at least for the residents who gathered for an open house, not about what problems need attention.
The documents, released ahead of a public meeting planned for Thursday, describe in what ways city agencies agree and disagree with community recommendations.
The coalition has made it clear: one of their priorities for immediate investment is the long-shuttered Gowanus Houses Community Center.