Why are we raising our voices? With developers running out of plots containing 1-story businesses and crumbling warehouses, Abraham Waldman and Rogers Equities want to demolish 3 houses built before 1900 and 1 building from the 1930s to construct yet another 13-16-story, luxury high-rise building that will also replace 2 back yards measuring 31 feet by 51 feet. They can’t fill the luxury high-rise buildings already in the area, but that never stops real estate money.
These 4 historic buildings:
Will become yet another outsized, self-contained, block of concrete for rich people who will further strain neighborhood resources.
The developer’s grand promise of a French boulevard that dazzled the City Council and various community boards has proved to be false, as we now live with loss of affordable housing, higher prices in local businesses (if they survive), flooding from an inadequate sewer system, increased subway crowding, more demand for few parking spaces, more competition for space in local schools, and a barren streetscape. There is also growing concern about building on contaminated soil from past industry in the area and a number of these luxury high-rises now have to perform remediation measures to protect from toxicants.
Developers promise that some apartments will be put aside for residents who can’t pay market rate, but amenities might be extra, excluded, or never available. Plus, we all remember the high-rise in Manhattan that made people paying affordable rent enter the building though a separate “poor door” and had restricted access to amenities.
This is what developers promised:
It looks lovely, but this is what we got.
The Longview, situated next to a UHaul lot, offers available apartments that range from $3,685-7,560/month and is advertised as steps away from Park Slope. Steps? Facilities include a doorman, roof deck with BBQs and wet bar, dramatic views of Manhattan, Fitness Center, Billiards Room, Movie Theater with Private Bar, Co-working Lounge, Private Dining, and Children’s Room. Why would residents leave the building and patronize any local businesses? 544 Carroll Street has a top rent of $25,000/month and the unit is rented!
We already lost 1 grocery store because the landlord wanted more money and its replacement has upped the prices considerably. Of course, the rich renters will just place Instacart orders at Whole Foods, but what about the rest of the community?
The promised retail stores, so charmingly shown in the developer’s brochure?
What we got are underground parking garages and retail space so expensive that only a large hospital or corporation can afford to move in and make it a private space.
Imagine having to walk home in such a deserted landscape or trying to find a stoop where you can sit for a minute.
We are losing what makes Gowanus special, as city officials who don’t live here and greedy developers pave over a vibrant neighborhood while placing more demands on inadequate infrastructure. If you wish to join us in saying No More, click on the Take Action page. Your block could be next.