Read It: BP Releases 57-Page Gowanus Rezoning Recommendation

Park Slope NY

30 August, 2021

3:04 PM

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GOWANUS, BROOKLYN — Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams has officially released his recommendation to approve the Gowanus Rezoning, with a long list of conditions. Adams — who, as the Democratic nominee, is also heavily favored to become the city's next mayor — put out the 57-page advisory decision Friday, three weeks after he first announced his support would hinge on public housing repairs and 37 other conditions The borough president underscored his commitment to the New York City Housing Authority developments when releasing the final recommendation. "As we look to re-envision the Gowanus community, public housing residents cannot be left out of the equation," he said in a release. "For too long, we have neglected people living in NYCHA, forcing them to live in substandard conditions. By leveraging public and private investment in the area, we can finally fulfill the City's commitments to our NYCHA residents and ensure they have a real voice." Fully funding repairs at two NYCHA complexes in the 80-block rezoning area has long been at the center of activists' demands for the Gowanus Neighborhood Plan, which started its journey through the city's review process in June after a months-long legal battle. Both Council Members Brad Lander and Stephen Levin have said their votes will hinge on the $274 million NYCHA funding and other demands. Also included in Adams' recommendation is a demand for a public comfort station at St. Mary's Park, an accessible entrance at the Union Street subway station and investments from the city in new school seats, childcare, street safety improvements and stormwater management infrastructure. He also asks for "Proactive and preventive measures to protect this community from canal pollution and sewer overflows," another sticking point for those living near the toxic Gowanus Canal as it undergoes a federal clean-up. The borough president's support comes after a split vote from local community boards for the rezoning, known as the Gowanus Neighborhood Plan, earlier this summer. The rezoning most recently faced a hearing with the City Planning Commission, who will be next to vote on the plan. Find Adams' full recommendation here: Borough President Gowanus Rezoning Recommendation by Anna Quinn on Scribd