Judge OKs Blocking Iconic NYC Views

Rules in favor of developers that are building private condos in public park.

The Brooklyn Bridge Park offers great views of the Brooklyn Bridge. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

This is your first of three free stories this month. Become a free or sustaining member to read unlimited articles, webinars and ebooks.

Become A Member

Last week, organizers in New York lost their battle to save iconic views of the Brooklyn Bridge from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade.

A judge ruled in favor of developers, allowing them to continue construction of Pierhouse, a hotel and condominium complex that obscures some views of the bridge. Operators of Brooklyn Bridge Park, where Pierhouse is located, say such development is necessary to keep funding flowing for the park.

The New York Times reports:

In his ruling on Friday, Justice Knipel acknowledged that the current construction, which is nearing completion, leaves “an indelible impression” of overwhelming the promenade’s historic space and view.

Still, he concluded that the government made “a conscious decision” to allow the project to be built at its current height “for reasons relating to economic sustainability,” that rooftop “appurtenances” containing mechanical equipment may legally exceed that limit and that because opponents failed to file their challenge within the time allotted by law, construction could proceed.

Those who filed the lawsuit (and gathered over 6,000 signatures on a petition) aren’t happy.

“Clearly at stake here are iconic views that should’ve been protected,” Steven Guterman, president of Save the View Now, told the Times. “The government has decided to go ahead and ignore the will of the people and used a technicality to allow a developer to reap hundreds of millions of dollars.”

The park is part of a neighborhood makeover story that has been controversial over the last several years. Regina Myer, president of the nonprofit Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation, which operates the park, says that the development revenue is critical to the park’s sustainability.

Myer issued a statement after the ruling:

“Since the park’s inception in 2002, its funding plan has been straightforward: revenue from development sites within the project’s footprint supports the park’s long-term maintenance and operations. Without those sites, there would be no Brooklyn Bridge Park.”

Like what you’re reading? Get a browser notification whenever we post a new story. You’re signed-up for browser notifications of new stories. No longer want to be notified? Unsubscribe.

Jenn Stanley is a freelance journalist, essayist and independent producer living in Chicago. She has an M.S. from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.

Follow Jenn .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Tags: new york cityurban designparksreal estate

×
Next City App Never Miss A StoryDownload our app ×
×

You've reached your monthly limit of three free stories.

This is not a paywall. Become a free or sustaining member to continue reading.

  • Read unlimited stories each month
  • Our email newsletter
  • Webinars and ebooks in one click
  • Our Solutions of the Year magazine
  • Support solutions journalism and preserve access to all readers who work to liberate cities

Join 1105 other sustainers such as:

  • Bruce in Muncie, IN at $60/Year
  • John in Dayton, OH at $120/Year
  • Andrea at $100/Year

Already a member? Log in here. U.S. donations are tax-deductible minus the value of thank-you gifts. Questions? Learn more about our membership options.

or pay by credit card:

All members are automatically signed-up to our email newsletter. You can unsubscribe with one-click at any time.

  • Donate $20 or $5/Month

    20th Anniversary Solutions of the Year magazine

has donated ! Thank you 🎉
Donate
×