Speaker Quinn announced support prior to Council vote. On June 10, 2009, the City Council approved Two Trees Management Company’s mixed-use development project adjacent to the Brooklyn Bridge in DUMBO, Brooklyn. The project will provide the neighborhood with a 45,000 sq.ft. middle school and approximately 300 new housing units, 20 percent of which will be permanently affordable.

Residents, neighborhood associations, and community groups opposed the project. In response, the City Planning Commission reduced the project’s height and increased its distance from the Brooklyn Bridge. 6 CityLand 69 (June 15, 2009).

Before the Council voted, Speaker Christine Quinn voiced her support for the project. She said it would “change DUMBO for the better,” and that after visiting the site, and walking the bridge with the project’s proponents and opponents, she believed it would have minimal impacts on views of the bridge.

At the full Council meeting, Council Member David Yassky, whose district includes DUMBO, reiterated his opposition, emphasizing that the project was too large, and would likely impact views from the bridge.

The Council approved the project by a 41-10-1 vote. Joining Yassky in opposition were Council Members Avella, Barron, de Blasio, Gentile, Gerson, Gioia, Liu, Mendez, and Vallone, Jr.

Council: Dock Street-DUMBO Development (June 10, 2009).