Gowanus Manufacturers and Artists Rally Against Whole Foods

First, the city's Board of Standards and Appeals on the opening of a Whole Foods Markets in Gowanus, slated for 2013, and now the Brooklyn Paper reports that a group of manufacturers and artists are urging the board to reject the grocer’s plans altogether.

At a hearing on Tuesday, the Paper reported that “dozens of artsy types and factory owners” argued that Brooklyn’s industrial and creative industries should be preserved, and that a big-box retailer would hurt their businesses.

“Part of what makes [Gowanus] special is its economic diversity,” Adam Kendall, a Gowanus videographer told the Paper. “Small businesses and artists depend on it.” 

In December, Patch reported that Whole Foods had already revised its building plans, making the proposed store smaller to reduce its impact and adding more bike parking and a rooftop greenhouse. The Paper says that Whole Foods needs an OK from the city to open a 58,000 square-foot store in a space currently zoned for only 10,000 square feet of commercial space.

The Board of Standards and Appeals, will vote on Whole Foods’ request for a variance on Feb. 28, says the report.