Rowhouses along 50th Street in Proposed Sunset Park 50th Street Historic District. Image Credit: LPC.
On May 7, 2019, the Landmarks Preservation Commission held a public hearing on the proposed landmark designation of four historic districts in Sunset Park, Brooklyn: Sunset Park North, Sunset Park South, Sunset Park 50th Street, and Central Sunset Park. The four proposed districts encompass blocks that were found to be the most cohesive and intact concentrations of Sunset Park’s architecture, representative of its primary periods of development. If approved, designation would provide Landmark protection to over 539 buildings, the majority of which are rowhouses constructed between the 1890s and 1910s. (more…)
Image credit: GoogleMaps
The City Planning Commission approved the acquisition of 6,000-square-foot community garden and passive recreation lot to place under jurisdiction of the Parks Department. On July 16, 2017, the City Planning Commission issued a favorable report on a joint application filed by the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of Citywide Administrative Services to acquire private property at 237 Maple Street in the Prospect-Lefferts Gardens neighborhood of Brooklyn. The acquired property would be used for passive recreation and a community garden. (more…)
The City Planning Commission had refused recommendation to relocate sanitation garage on the 52nd Street Pier. On December 21, 2009, the City Council approved Brooklyn Community Board 7’s comprehensive plan to improve the Sunset Park waterfront, known as “New Connections/ New Opportunities – Sunset Park 197-a Plan.” The waterfront is zoned primarily for manufacturing uses and fell into disrepair in the 1960s and 1970s. The City owns most of the waterfront property.
CB7 began the planning process thirteen years ago. The 256- page plan sets forth recommendations to promote industrial redevelopment and job creation, while also preserving the waterfront’s existing commercial and residential uses. The community board recommended the proposed Bush Terminal Piers waterfront park, expanding bus and ferry service, and relocating a Department of Sanitation garage on the 52nd Street Pier to provide more public parking and open space. Sanitation objected to relocating the garage, however, because it adequately served the needs of Community Districts 7 and 10. 6 CityLand 155 (Nov. 15, 2009). (more…)
Community board puts forward its own plan to revitalize industrial waterfront. On October 7, 2009, the City Planning Commission heard testimony on Brooklyn Community Board 7’s plan to revitalize the Sunset Park waterfront. The plan is permitted under section 197-a of the City Charter, which authorizes community boards to propose a framework for future development in their districts. CB7 developed the comprehensive proposal over a thirteen-year period with input from local residents, businesses, and civic groups. The plan addresses a 2.5-mile stretch along the East River waterfront bounded by 15th Street to the north, the 65th Street Rail Yard to the south, the Gowanus Expressway/Third Avenue corridor to the east, and the pierhead line to the west.
The City owns most of the property on the waterfront, including the Brooklyn Army Terminal, South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, Bush Terminal Piers, and Brooklyn Wholesale Meat Market. The waterfront is zoned for heavy and light manufacturing, with pockets of small residential districts. The area served as a maritime and shipping center throughout the 20th century but fell into disrepair during the 1960s and 1970s. (more…)
The Dangler House being demolished on July 21st. Click for link to video. Image Credit: Council Member Chi Ossé/Twitter.
On July 21, 2022, the Jacob Dangler House at 441 Willoughby Avenue in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, was demolished less than two weeks after the Landmarks Preservation Commission held a public hearing to consider its designation as an Individual Landmark. Despite the attempt by Landmarks to save the Dangler House by commencing the designation process, the Commission has been criticized for not acting quickly enough. Could Landmarks have actually done more? (more…)
