Author: Halden

How Will Developers Treat Historic Buildings in Bushwick and Ridgewood?

Nice to see that someone is thinking about historic buildings in Ridgewood and Bushwick.

There is a lot there, and although some of it is designated (mainly in Ridgewood) there is a lot that isn’t. As Wyckoff Heights notes, a lot of the neighborhood on the Brooklyn side is zoned R6, and lacks the contextual height limits of the R6B zone on the Queens side. The density differences between R6 and R6B are usually marginal, but the potential impact on a neighborhood of relatively uniform lower-height buildings can be huge. This issue was called out in a 2011 preservation plan that my students did for Bushwick Avenue. The studio focused on the westernmost end of Bushwick (primarily the avenue itself), but identified the disparity of existing building heights vs. allowed zoning as a looming problem [pdf]. To the west, Bed-Stuy has largely been “contextually” rezoned, as has Ridgewood. But the heart of Bushwick is ripe for pop-ups and finger buildings galore.

New new Domino Plans Revealed

03/03/2013 | Comment

Cheap sugar

Taller… and cheaper?


In case you missed it, the new new Domino plans went public late this evening. There is a lot to digest here, including taller buildings, a lot more architecture, more open space, a whole new street, a lot more commercial space, a little less residential space, the same amount of affordable housing. And, according to the Post headline writers, Two Trees has really figured out how to economize on construction costs.

Like I said, a lot to digest here. But in the end, it comes down to a question of: is it better?

MTA To Launch Full-Line Review of G Train

After two state senators and various other elected officials lobbied on its behalf, the G train will receive some special attention now through June 2013 as it undergoes a thorough inspection of ongoing service issues.

Squadron, Dilan and the Riders Alliance get some traction on improving the crosstown local. It is only a study, but getting the MTA to admit that they have a G train is the first step.

Upper East Siders Boo Quinn Over Trash Plan

“Don’t expect us to vote for you!”

“That’s fine,” Quinn snapped.

Meanwhile, City Council Comptroller John Liu, who has previously supported the plan, flipped his position at the forum because of Hurricane Sandy-related issues.

“It doesn’t make sense to proceed while turning a blind eye to that simple fact,” he said.

Former City Comptroller Bill Thompson and Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, who voted in favor of the 2006 plan, said concerns over flooding left them both on the fence, and said they both planned to visit the site.

At a forum on the Upper East Side, Christine Quinn reiterated her support for an equitable solid waste plan – one that will greatly lessen the burden on neighborhoods like Greenpoint and East Williamsburg by distributing residential waste handling throughout the city. Upper East Siders don’t like it because it means a marine transfer station on their waterfront near Asphalt Green.

Quinn stood her ground (the plan also puts a marine transfer recycling plant in her district), while John Liu has dropped his support. Thompson and de Blasio used to support the plan, but now want to visit the proposed marine transfer site. Because they have that much expertise.

Meanwhile, Greenpoint’s new Congresswoman, Carolyn Maloney, sponsored the forum. It would be interesting to hear what she thinks about the issue, affecting as it does both ends of her district.

UPDATE: Azi Paybarah a Capital NY has a much more in-depth article (which implies that de Blasio is not on the fence, but has already flipped – though at least he recognizes that the facility needs to be sited in Manhattan).

Skinny Dennis

Coming soon to the former Barberry/Zipe Zape spot:

The location has operated as a bar since 1939… “These walls have been watching people drink for 70 years,” Mack rhapsodized at the bar’s opening last night. “We’re keeping them for a new generation.”

This bar also used to have a fantastic Deco bar from 1939. Unfortunately, one of the recent owners (but not these guys) tore that out.

PS – no relation.