Gowanus Rezoning Calls For Waterfront Protection, Development

GOWANUS, BROOKLYN — A rezoning plan for Gowanus that has been years in the making was unveiled by city officials on Wednesday, with the promise for more affordable housing, climate-change protections and varied development for the waterfront neighborhood.

Much of the plans, which have been in the works for five years, focus on maintaining what Councilman Brad Lander called the "Gowanus mix" — or a balance of residential, commercial and industrial uses throughout the neighborhood.

The proposal would allow larger-scale, mixed-use buildings along some parts of the canal, with 22 or 30 story building maximums on some blocks. But, it also calls for setting aside other areas, further away from the canal, for smaller residential buildings.

Officials contend it will support the development of more market-rate and affordable housing and promote schools and arts-related developments, according to a Department of City Planning release.

“Does it get more dynamic and eclectic than Gowanus?" Marisa Lago, the department's director, said in the announcement. "This will assure that the Gowanus that we love today will remain a vibrant mixed-use community for generations of Brooklynites to come.”

The plans will extend from Bond Street to the west, Baltic Street to the north, 4th Avenue to the east, and Huntington, 3rd, 7th and 15th streets to the south.

The plans also include a focus on making the neighborhood more resilient, including protections for the shoreline along the canal. The proposal would remediate brownfields to accommodate new uses, elevate the shoreline to protect from rising sea levels and add new requirements for developers building on the waterway.

"The Gowanus Canal will become the centerpiece of a green, resilient neighborhood with new, sustainable, mixed use development boasting more than six acres of new open space and parks," the department said.

So far, the plans have gotten positive feedback from elected officials in the area, who call it an important step forward for the neighborhood.

"I know that not everyone is excited about the idea of new residential and commercial development at heights taller than the surrounding brownstone neighborhoods — But I genuinely believe we are on the way to getting the balance right," Lander said.

Many lauded the process so far, which included a framework released last June and meetings with the community and officials.

Next, the rezoning proposal will go through a public review period, including public hearings and an environmental review. The first is planned for 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 6 at P.S. 32 at 317 Hoyt Street.

"If we keep working together, listening to community voices, having honest conversations about hard issues, pushing ourselves to be creative and mindful of our shared values," Lander continued. "...We will be able to make one of the largest rezonings of the de Blasio Administration also turn out to be one of the best.”

Photo provided by the Department of City Planning.