Community and preservationists comment on plan to construct 2.6 million sq.ft. of housing on former factory site. On July 31, 2007, City Planning held a public hearing on the draft scope of an environmental impact statement for the proposed transformation of the Domino Sugar Refinery into a large mixed-use development with 2.64 million sq.ft. of residential space, 120,000 sq.ft. of retail space, 100,000 sq.ft. of community facility space, and 1,450 below grade accessory parking spaces. The developer, Refinery Management LLC, a joint venture made up of Katan Group LLC and the Community Preservation Corporation, propose to make 30 percent of the residential space, or 660 units, affordable housing.

The site is located on the Brooklyn waterfront directly north of the Williamsburg Bridge. The developer plans to demolish most of the buildings on the site to make way for the new development. The plan would, however, adaptively reuse the Refinery building. Comprised of the Filter, Pan, and Finishing Houses, the Refinery is currently under consideration for landmark status. On June 26, 2007, Landmarks held a public hearing on the designation but has not yet set a date for a vote. 4 CityLand 95 (July 15, 2007). If designated, Landmarks would need to approve any construction plan for the designated buildings. (read more…)